58. Lap Dancing

I closed my eyes, lying by the poolside, savoring the cool breeze. After Mirabel had taken Kelly to the garden, I finally had a moment to breathe. Everything that had been happening lately weighed on my mind—especially the future with Ivan, the life we could have once we were free from all this drama.

But then there was Mrs. Carlos. No matter how hard I tried, her voice echoed in my thoughts, she was always ready with an insult or find some cruel way to make her point. From the very start, she had plotted everything, convincing me to marry her son in some fake charade. Now, her hatred for me knew no bounds. Did she really expect me to be her puppet forever?

“Veronica Carlisle, isn’t it strange that you don’t remember me?”

The smooth, charming voice of Nathaniel shattered my thoughts. I opened my eyes, startled to find him leaning in so close that our faces were nearly touching. I recoiled instinctively, sliding to the other side of the lounge chair.

“Why are you acting like you just s