Doubts and worries

“I would rather accept you paying than risk my parents’ ulterior motives,” I confessed, the words heavy with resignation.

With a sigh, Alaric nodded in understanding. “Then don’t let him pay,” he conceded, his voice soft. “But remember, their intentions may not be as bad as you fear.”

I shook my head, unable to shake the nagging sense of distrust that lingered like a shadow in the back of my mind.

“It’s too late for that,” I murmured, my heart heavy with the weight of unresolved tension.

“From the conversation your father had with mine, your parents were against Jake because he tainted your innocence, and they sensed he was up to no good.”

A bitter irony twisted in my gut at his words. Yes, my parents’ suspicions had been justified, their instincts honed to detect the negative that had infiltrated my life in the form of Jake.

“That doesn’t remove everything else, Sir,” I interjected, my voice tinged with a hint of defiance. “Yes, they had a reason for objecting to Jake and disowning m