Chapter 2

The reply came fast.

"Okay. I'll be there at five, on the dot."

I let out a long breath. At least someone was willing to play along with me.

Otherwise I was genuinely afraid the shock would send my mother into a heart attack right there.

The door to the bridal suite flew open, and Amelia's voice cut through the air.

"Lawrence Henson, you stop right there!"

I didn't slow down. She was furious enough to throw out the threat on the spot.

"If you take one step out of here, don't ever expect me to speak to you again. We're finished, for good!"

My steps paused. I turned my head and let out a cold laugh.

"Now you come out to stop me. Too late."

"Playing games at the door, I get it. It's supposed to be fun, festive."

"But barking like a dog, crawling between someone's legs, that kind of thing that grinds your dignity into the floor? I'll never accept it."

There wasn't a trace of guilt on Amelia's face. Only mockery.

"Lawrence, drop the noble act."

"If this wedding falls apart today and your mother has a heart attack, you'll carry every bit of it yourself!"

My pupils shrank. I stared at her, unable to believe it.

And finally I saw exactly what she was thinking.

So this had been her plan all along, to use my mother's illness while she was gravely ill, to trample me, to keep me under her thumb.

A strange relief rose in me. Thank God I'd seen her true face in time and pulled myself out before it was too late.

Looking at that vicious, selfish expression, I gave a faint smile.

"Don't worry. My mother's health is none of your concern."

Then I turned and walked out.

In the car, my ex sent another message.

"I've already contacted the top cardiac specialist in the country. He's heading to your mother's side right now, and he'll stay with her the whole time."

It caught me off guard. It was only a favor, an act, and yet she'd thought it through.

I sent back a single line.

"Okay. Thank you."

When I reached the Grand Hyatt and stepped out of the car, I saw my mother standing at the hotel entrance, watching for me, her face full of hope and worry.

When she saw me get out alone, the smile froze on her face. She hurried forward and grabbed my hand.

"Lawrence, where's Amelia? Why did you come back by yourself?"

The guys behind me all looked like they'd swallowed something they couldn't get down.

Looking at my mother's pale, frail face, I didn't know how to say it either.

I could hardly tell her that Amelia had teamed up with her ex to humiliate me in front of everyone, forcing me to bark like a dog and crawl between his legs, could I?

All I could do was fudge my way past it.

"Mom, something came up at Amelia's company that she had to handle. She got held up for a bit. I came ahead to greet the guests, and she'll be here later."

My mother gave my arm a little pinch, scolding me gently.

"You. You should know to help her more. Making a young woman run around handling everything herself."

I grinned sheepishly and nodded, not daring to argue.

The guests around us kept coming up to offer congratulations.

"You're a lucky woman, ma'am. A daughter-in-law who's president of a big company. Nothing but easy days ahead for you!"

"That's right, a talented man and a beautiful woman. A perfect match!"

My mother listened with her whole face softening, even a little color coming back to her cheeks.

I stood off to the side and didn't dare say a word.

All I could do was pray silently that my ex would arrive on time.

Then a commotion broke out at the hotel entrance.

"The bride's here!"