Chapter Four

Meeting The Inlaws

   

  Maria’s POV

   

  “Wear something elegant.”

   

  I read Sebastian’s text again and glared, checking my reflection in the crystal door of the restaurant he had chosen, satisfied my hair hadn’t been mussed on the ride over.

   

  I had chosen a sleek red number that Helena had insisted I wore because it was both sexy and elegant despite my protest because it hugged my curves too much.

   

  “There is no such thing as too much curves, dear Maria.” The annoying woman had said. “Besides it has been an age since you’ve had some…”

   

  “Please don’t use such language around my son.”

   

  “Alright but I do hope you sample some of that fine wine tonight.”

   

  I shook the conversation out of my head, fixing my face into a neutral mask as I spied Sebastian coming to meet me. He looked painfully handsome in the well-cut black suit he had worn with his beautiful dark hair artfully cut and styled.

   

  My breath hitched as he smiled revealing a perfect dentition and laugh lines which had been my weakness once.

   

  “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting?” he asked, reaching for my hand and placing a lingering kiss.

   

  I flushed at the spark that travelled up my arm and body at the feel of his soft lips on my skin. I resisted the urge to yank my hands free of his when I spied the camera flash to my right.

   

  Of course he was putting on a show for the paparazzi.

   

  I wondered if I would ever get used to his popularity and now mine by extension.

   

  “You look beautiful, Maria.” He told me. “I’m a lucky man.”

   

  No one would hear us from this distance so there was need for the words but he had said them anyway. I frowned at how giddy the words made me feel on the inside and pulled my hands softly from his.

   

  “I think we should go to our table.” I told him. “These heels weren’t made for long standing.”

   

  He smirked and placed a hand at the small of my back leading the way.

   

  I caught a glimpse of our reflection in the mirror and I couldn’t deny. We really did make a handsome couple.

   

  Heads turned as we passed and I tried hard not to let it show I was uncomfortable. Sebastian squeezed my hand, sending me a warm smile that made my stomach flutter despite itself.

   

  “We make a handsome couple, don’t we?” He asked with a smirk.

   

  I didn’t answer.

   

  I spied a familiar face and frowned wondering why one of my father’s closest friends would be in Amsterdam now of all times. I hoped he wouldn’t see me but my heart began to race when Sebastian led me closer to the table.

   

  “Father, our honoured guest is here.” Sebastian announced smiling. “May I present Maria Belluci. My fiancée.”

   

  Father?

   

  Shit.

   

  I hadn’t wanted Sebastian to know about my relationship with the Kidman’s but it seemed the truth would always find a way to come out.

   

  “Maria, this is my father.” He introduced not noticing how his father’s eyes had narrowed in disapproval. “The genius behind Bolt industries. Victor Bolt.”

   

  “It is a pleasure to…”

   

  “Do not feign unfamiliarity with me, girl.” Victor scolded, interrupting her. “I was surprised to see that you would steal your sister’s fiancé so shamelessly but then what can I expect from a child who grew up without a mother.”

   

  I winced, shrinking back despite myself.

   

  I hadn’t actually thought he would scold me so harshly considering he had always been positively pleasant every time he had visited.

   

  “Dad.” Sebastian called trying to warn him off his current course but the man was undeterred.

   

  “Did you know she was Cassandra’s sister?” Victor asked his son.

   

  Sebastian didn’t answer.

   

  “That figures.” The man scoffed. “I also guess she conveniently left out the fact that she had stolen her sister’s fiancé before. It was why her father disowned her.”

   

  “Excuse me?” I asked, rising from my seat.

   

  “Your father told me while your sister wept over the phone.” He answered frowning. “You’re not the kind of girl I want associating with my son.”

   

  My father’s betrayal stung beyond Victor’s blatant insult. Why would he lie so blatantly?

   

  “That is not what happened. Richard was my fiancé.”

   

  “Is that so, sister?” Cassandra asked walking over to us looking rather unkept.

   

  There were dark circles under her eyes and her hair hadn’t been styled. She was really playing the scorned fiancée role rather well and it seemed Victor bought the act.

   

  He put a comforting arm around her shoulder, pulling her into him.

   

  “You really are a heartless sort, Maria.” He spat. “I know you two aren’t blood related but that doesn’t mean you should treat her this way.”

   

  I was angry and my hands shook with rage. I rose, needing to be away from them before I committed murder. I didn’t need to defend myself in front of her. I had enough proof to vindicate myself if I wanted to but I couldn’t bring myself so low as to fight such a useless battle.

   

  “I will take my leave now, Mister Bolt.” I announced. “It was nice seeing you. Do enjoy dinner on my behalf.”

   

  The man scoffed.

   

  “Sebastian end your engagement to this brazen woman now.” He ordered.

   

  “No. I will not end the engagement.” Sebastian announced shocking all of us.

   

  I turned to him, eyes wide in question.

   

  Even if everything Cassandra was spewing were lies, he didn’t have to believe me. I couldn’t even recall telling him what had happened five years ago.

   

  Why would he choose to stay with me?

   

  What exactly was he getting from the marriage?

   

  I had much more to lose than he did. If he chose to end the engagement and pull his investment, I could lose everything I had spent the last five years working to build.

   

  He would lose nothing.

   

  What exactly was his game?

   

  “If you don’t break this engagement, Sebastian, I will be sure to remove you as CEO of Bolt Industries and you will be dead to me.”