It looked like everyone had arrived. They were all standing off to the side of the table in small groups, enjoying wine and appetizers served by the staff. They were done reliving some of the highlights of their childhood. Tonight they were all elegantly dressed adults, here to honor Annabelle and her soon-to-be husband.
Elena was so relieved that she and Luca had kept the scandal, the elopement and the baby all under wraps. After tonight, they wouldn’t have to keep choking down the truth. They could be themselves, and maybe once the pressure was off they could figure out what the future held for them.
She scanned the room, but Luca was nowhere to be found. How could that be? This was his sister’s party. He wouldn’t miss it, not now that he was trying to make up for the past.
“There you are.” Annabelle rushed over. Her off-white gown was figure fitting and accentuated all her attributes. She looked stunning.
“Sorry. I didn’t think I was late.”
“You aren’t. Everyone just wants to get an early start on the evening.” Annabelle gave her a worried look. “Are you feeling better?”
“Yes.” Elena felt the heat swirl in her chest and rush to her cheeks. “I’m really sorry about yesterday. I just wasn’t up for a day in the sun.”
“I understand. With headaches, the bright light is the worst.” Annabelle took her by the arm and led her over toward a cluster of people. “Let’s get you a drink.”
“Actually, I was going to ask you if Luca is coming this evening.”
Annabelle glanced around. “He should be here. I know that he had an important meeting earlier, but he promised that he would be here. I’ll go find him.”
“No, let me.”
Annabelle nodded. “But don’t you go and get lost, too.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
Perhaps it was best she met up with Luca away from prying eyes. She had no idea how it would go, because she’d never been in such a serious situation with Luca before.
She hoped they could find a way to smile and get through the evening. Just tonight and they would have made Annabelle’s celebration perfect.
She started for the door when Luca stepped inside. Elena stopped in her tracks. She observed the frown on his face and the way his eyes were full of turmoil.
Oh, no! This was not good. Not good at all.
* * *
The situation was dire.
More so than Luca first thought.
How in the world was he supposed to convince Elena to stay with him in Halencia now? There was no way he could provide her with the life she would expect and deserve, not unless there was a miracle. The only thing he did know was that the news could wait until tomorrow.
Luca tugged at the collar of his white dress shirt. This was the last place he wanted to be. He did not like tuxes. They were stuffy and uncomfortable. They had to have been created by a woman, because he couldn’t imagine a man designing something so miserably uncomfortable.
He hadn’t even worn a tux to his own wedding. So when his sister insisted that he wear one this evening, he’d almost blurted out about the wedding. But he caught himself in time. So the only reason he was wearing this monkey suit was to appease his sister and possibly Elena.
He’d really messed things up on the beach the other day. He’d lost his cool, and she’d been avoiding him since then. He’d thought of calling her, but what they needed to say to each other was better said in person.
And then his gaze latched on to Elena. She was standing there in a beautiful dress, but it was the expression on her face that made the breath catch in the back of his throat. She was staring at him with a lost look on her face. She was looking at him like he was a stranger. The knowledge dug at him.
They approached each other, their gazes never wavering.
At the same time, they said, “We need to talk.”
“There you are, brother. I was worried you got caught up in something and forgot the time.” Annabelle rushed up to them.
“I could never forget you,” he said and forced a smile.
“Good. It’s time to sit down.” Annabelle pointed to the table.
“So much for talking,” Luca whispered in Elena’s ear.
He knew his sister had done a formal seating chart, which meant he wouldn’t be seated next to Elena. She would probably be at one end while he was seated at the other with a chatty woman next to him. Tonight he wasn’t in the mood to make light conversation.
When Luca started searching out his seat, his sister said, “You’re up here, next to me.” And then before he could ask, Annabelle said, “And Elena is right next to you.”
That was very unorthodox, and his sister always maintained formality at these occasions. She was up to something, but he was so off lately that he couldn’t put his finger on exactly what his sister had planned.
Annabelle clinked her glass. “Everyone, please have a seat.”
It took a few minutes until everyone was seated. It was then that Luca noticed there were three empty seats—all directly across from him. What was she doing?
Annabelle remained standing. “I have a few more guests.”
Through a side door Elena’s mother entered, followed by both of their fathers. Oh, no. They were so busted. He didn’t dare look at Elena. He could already feel her gaze boring into the back of his head.
Annabelle started speaking with a very serious expression. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming.” As she kept talking, she gave him and Elena some strange looks. “I’m thankful that my big brother is home with his family. And if the news I’ve uncovered is any indication, I think he’ll be spending more time here.”
A murmur rippled around the table.
His father sent him a questioning look, but Luca pretended not to notice. This was not good. Not good at all. The parents hadn’t even been clued in and here was his sister about to blow the whistle in front of the whole family and their closest friends.
It was like watching a crash in slow motion and being too stunned to act. His sister was standing there smiling and getting ready to reveal their secret marriage. How was everyone going to react?
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THIS WAS GOING to be a disaster.
Elena lowered her gaze as Annabelle continued to address the guests. Why was she doing this? Had Luca told her? Elena couldn’t believe he would tell his sister without mentioning it to her, but obviously someone had told her about the marriage.
And then Elena wondered just how much Annabelle knew. Did she know about the baby? Please don’t let her blurt that out. Elena really wanted to tell her parents when the time was right. They deserved to know first.
“It has come to my attention that my big brother has been keeping a rather large secret from us,” Annabelle said.
All eyes trained on Luca, followed by the murmur of voices. Everyone was trying to guess the news. But they were never going to guess that they’d eloped.
Heat engulfed Elena’s chest, neck and face. If Annabelle was trying to punish them for keeping this secret, she was doing a good job. If only Elena could fade into the woodwork, she would—in a heartbeat.
Luca glanced at her. Her gaze searched his to find out if he’d known his sister was going to do this. As though he could read her thoughts, his brows rose and he gave a slight shrug.
Great! Annabelle was running loose. And who knew what she was going to say. Elena reached out for Luca’s hand. They were in this together. He squeezed her hand, but the reassuring gesture did nothing to settle her queasy stomach.
Annabelle continued, “And now for the news that has come to light.” She paused as though for dramatic effect. “My brother and the lovely Elena have eloped.”
Gasps ensued around the table.
Elena chanced a glance at her
mother, who was all smiles. Thank goodness! At least one person was happy for them. Elena wasn’t sure whether Annabelle was happy or angry. Not that she would blame Annabelle for being upset. This was supposed to be her time in the limelight.
Annabelle said, “Tonight’s celebration has turned into a wedding supper and reception in the ballroom.” She turned to them. “Come on now, stand up, you two. You surely didn’t think you were going to get away with this, did you?”
Neither of them answered. They just held on to each other’s hands.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce my brother, the Earl of Halencia, and his wife, Elena.”
Everyone clapped and smiled, including all the parents and most of all Annabelle, who rushed over to hug Luca.
And then she moved to stand in front of Elena. “I can’t believe you kept this a secret.”
What was she supposed to say to that? “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. If you’re happy with my stubborn brother, then more power to you.” Annabelle smiled broadly and held out her arms. “Welcome to the family, sis.”
“Thank you.”
Elena hugged her back. But she couldn’t help wondering if this was all for real or if Annabelle was trying to make the best of an awkward situation. Maybe in the rush to the altar, they should have given more thought to their families. Suddenly Elena felt very guilty for leaving them all out of it.
There were hugs all around with the parents and words of congratulations exchanged. Everyone seemed to be taking the news well.
Before the rest of the guests could congratulate them, the staff arrived with trays of food. Everyone took their seats to make things easier for the waitstaff.
Luca leaned over to Elena. “Did you know about this?”
“I had no idea. So how did your sister find out?”
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out.” He leaned over to his sister. “So how exactly did you find out the news?”
Elena, curious to know the answer herself, leaned closer.
“You mean besides you two acting rather oddly?” When Luca frowned, his sister continued, “Well, there was a delivery for you from the courthouse. I happened to be in the foyer at the time. So I signed for it.”
“You read my mail?” Luca asked.
“No. But I do have eyes, and I read the return address. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together. With a little research, I had confirmation. It would have been nice if you’d told me.”
“We were trying not to ruin your big week.”
“You didn’t ruin it. I couldn’t be happier to know that you are settling down, and with the one person in the world I’ve always thought was made for you.” Annabelle reached out and squeezed his arm.
“Thanks, sis.”
Elena blinked repeatedly, hoping to keep her makeup from smearing. She had no idea that his sister’s opinion of their marriage would hit her so emotionally. These pregnancy hormones were going to turn her into a crier if she wasn’t careful.
When Annabelle’s gaze met hers, Elena mouthed a big thank-you.
All the while Luca continued to hold her hand. And it was like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Now if only everyone was excited about the baby, but that would wait for another time.
* * *
His sister hadn’t been kidding.
Luca was impressed. Somehow in such a short amount of time, she’d thrown together a beautiful reception. There was a receiving line, where he and Elena were given best wishes by everyone. Hugs abounded, including another from his father. Two hugs in one night was a record for sure. Maybe the years had mellowed his father.
Small tables with white tablecloths surrounded the dance floor. Each table had candles as well as pink, purple and white flower centerpieces. Purple, blue and pink spotlights added a fun vibe to the room. Luca wasn’t much for decorations and weddings, but he was touched that his sister had gone to so much trouble for them.
There was only one thing missing from this impressive event—his uncle, the king. It saddened Luca to know that the king was so distraught over events that were not his fault. Still, it was the king’s lord-in-waiting who had not only been a spy, but had also murdered the king’s sister—Luca’s mother.
The king had taken the responsibility for the horrific event personally. His dubious health had declined even further, and he remained sequestered, only dealing with his secretary—Elena’s father. It was a sad state of affairs, but Luca refused to let it ruin this moment.
In the background, a live band played. His sister insisted that he and Elena have the first dance. With so many people watching them, it wasn’t nearly as intimate as the dance on their wedding night.
He glanced down at Elena, who was suspiciously quiet as they moved around the dance floor. A frown pulled at her lips, but when she noticed that he was looking at her, it disappeared.
“Is everything all right?” he asked. “I mean, you are feeling all right, aren’t you?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Just checking. I’m not used to being around a pregnant woman. So if there’s anything you need or want, let me know.”
“I will.”
They continued dancing. He glanced around at the people and the decorations. “Can you believe my sister went to all this trouble?”
“It’s beautiful. But I feel bad that we ruined the last night of her festivities.”
“You have to admit that we did try our best to keep a lid on the news. And we almost pulled it off. Don’t worry. She’s really happy for us.”
“I’m glad.”
“Then why aren’t you smiling?”
A smile blossomed on Elena’s very kissable lips, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Something was bothering her, but this wasn’t the time to delve into it.
When the dance concluded, they were about to leave the dance floor when his sister started to chant, “Kiss. Kiss. Kiss.”
It didn’t take long until everyone joined in, cheering them on.
His gaze moved to Elena’s. “Shall we?”
Elena’s cheeks took on a rosy hue. Her gaze met and held his. She looked so beautiful, and she was his wife—a concept he was still getting used to. And then she nodded.
He pulled her close and claimed her lips. They were sweet like the berries they’d enjoyed at dinner. And though her kiss was reserved at first, it didn’t take long until her arms slipped up around his neck and her lips met his move for move.
Oh, yeah, there are definitely some amazing perks to this fake marriage.
The whistles and applause brought him back to earth. With great reluctance, he released her. Elena’s gaze met his once more, and he could see that the kiss had gotten to her as much as it had him. But where did that leave them?
Her life was in Paris. She’d made that abundantly clear. And he had nothing to offer her—he was about to lose his legacy to creditors. The future looked dismal at best.
At that point, they moved off the dance area to make room for the other couples to take a spin around the floor. Elena’s mother came over to speak with her daughter at the same time as his cousins, the twin princes, came over to congratulate him.
Soon the conversation turned to sports. Their group expanded with more men, all giving their thoughts about the upcoming European football season. As usual with this group, opinions were plenty and the conversation was heated. Some things hadn’t changed, no matter how much time Luca had been away.
He had no idea how much time passed before he broke away to find his beautiful bride. He’d looked everywhere for Elena. He even asked his sister to check in the ladies’ room, but there was no sign of her. Was it possible she’d left her own reception?
He was just about to give up when he noticed that the door to the bal
cony was slightly ajar. He moved to close it when he noticed a figure in the moonlight standing at the far end that overlooked the gardens.
He stepped outside to get a better look and then realized it was indeed his bride. She hadn’t left him after all. A smile pulled at his lips.
He started across the balcony. When he got closer, he noticed that she was frowning again. It was the same look he’d caught on her face earlier when she didn’t think anyone was looking. Something serious was on her mind, and he needed to know what it was so he could fix it. It just wasn’t right that the bride wasn’t having a good time at her own reception.
Even for tonight, he’d set aside his massive problems with the lemon grove and dealing with his father. There was no point in letting them ruin this evening, since there was nothing he could do tonight to change their situation. He just had to hope that tomorrow would bring him the answers he needed.
He made his way across the balcony to Elena’s side. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
He didn’t believe her for one moment. “It is definitely something.”
She turned to him. “Do you really want to know?”
He nodded, because he didn’t have a clue why she was upset. Everything had gone so well tonight. Everyone was happy for them. They should be celebrating that their plan was working out.
“You. Me. Us. This phony marriage.”
“What about it?” When she didn’t immediately respond, he said, “If you don’t talk to me, there’s no way I can help.”
She licked her lips. “I...I’ve been an outcast my whole life—”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about growing up here, on the royal grounds. I was never a real part of you and all your cousins. Sure, I got to live here and it was amazing, but I always felt like I was on the outside looking in.”
“That’s not how any of us saw it. You were always one of us.”
“No, I wasn’t. I was the daughter of the help.”
“You were more than that and you know it.” He reached out to her, but she backed away. “We included you in everything.”
Married for His Secret Heir Page 14