Apparently this was a very prestigious place. The hanging crystal chandeliers and marbled floors gave that away instantly.
That’s when I saw everyone waiting by the restaurant entrance for us as I waved towards them happily.
I stupidly left my phone with Milo and totally forgot about it until I saw him holding it up for me.
“Here you go..I hope you don’t mind but I forwarded Anna’s number to my phone.” He informed me as I saw him dart his eyes away from us nervously.
I couldn’t help but smile as I took my phone and nodded towards him.
“No, that’s great, thanks for setting up the video call with her earlier too.” I stated as Alder and Ben walked forward before giving me a hug.
“Okay, let’s see it.” Ben stated while raising my arm and peering at my clear-wrapped finger.
“You can see it better tomorrow after it heals a little more.” Caspian explained as Ben nodded.
“Oh my god..that is so romantic. You two are making me depressed..Why don’t you do romantic stuff like that with me?” Robin grumbled before slapping Ben on the arm playfully.
“So you want to get a tattoo ring?” He asked her, making Robin blink her eyes rapidly.
“Hell no..no offense..but you could think of something else.” She muttered causing Ben to shake his head as I tried not to laugh.
“Come on, let’s go eat..I’m ready to take my bride to our room..so let’s get going.” Caspian declared, making Ben frown as I shot Caspian a glare..did he have to announce it like that?
“King, party for six, we are ready to seat you.” A woman wearing a fancy uniform stated as she looked towards us.
“Well, that’s us..ready?” Alder asked with a big smile and then I began to feel nervous..what if he takes this news really badly..what if this destroys him.
Capsian glanced over at me, seeming to know exactly what I was thinking as he gripped my hand and squeezed.
“Everything will be okay..after this..then there will be nothing else in the dark..after this the truth will finally be out.” He rushed out and then I realized that this would be a huge relief for Caspian..that telling his brother was one of the final pieces and will help Caspian start to heal because he had held this in for so long..this horrible secret and betrayal.
We needed to do this..not just for Alder..but for Caspian too.
(Caspian)
I slid my palm up and down Johnnie’s thigh, my heart hammering against my chest as I felt nervous as fuck to say the least.
I had to tell Alder the truth..he deserved to know.
I hadn’t touched a single thing on my plate as Johnnie leaned into me before placing her warm hand on my cheek.
“You should eat something baby.”
“I will when we get back to the room.” I smiled sheepishly. “You’re all I need to survive.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle as Ben began choking on the wine he had just drank.
“Seriously? The least you two could do is whisper..jeez..she’s still my little sister.” He grumbled as Robin patted him on the back.
“Come on Ben, their newlyweds, let them have a little fun.” Alder chimed in as a big smile filled his face.
“In fact..I think you should settle the bill, as a wedding gift.” Alder winked before calling the waiter over and ordering dessert..he sure loved to eat..shit..I didn’t want to ruin this.
That smile he always had and the good he saw in everything..would this change him?
That’s when Johnnie placed her hand in mine before gripping me tighter.
“Baby, I’m right here with you.” She encouraged me as I let out a shuddering breath.
Everyone at the table knew what I had to do..Ben even told Robin earlier I guess.
“Alder..there is something we need to talk about.” I breathed out, my voice wavering as Johnnie’s grip tightened.
“Yeah? What is it? I was thinking you could probably last a week or two without Dad noticing the tattoos..is that what you are worried about?” He asked worriedly as I shook my head no…I felt like I was about to have a panic attack..all of those things my dad said came rushing back to me.
“You will ruin this family.”
“Promise me you won’t tell your brother..he can’t know.”
“I can trust you can’t I son? You will destroy what we have, Alder will never forgive you.”
I started to hyperventilate as Johnnie suddenly moved around so her face was right in front of me and her voice came out calm and steady.
“Hey..it’s okay..I’m right here..we are all here. Nothing bad is going to happen Caspian. I promise you.” She whispered as I took deep breaths, realizing Alder was right next to me too.
“Caspian, what’s happening? What’s wrong?” He asked me hastily as his hand rubbed my back.
“Alder..I’m sorry..I can’t keep it in anymore…you deserve to know..” I choked out as he scooted closer to me.
“Hey, it’s okay Cas..you can tell me anything, you know that.” He stated, his hands reaching up and wiping my tears.
“It’s about dad..and Heather..they..” I started as Johnnie clung to my arm tightly as I began to panic agaisnt..I can’t do this..I can’t fucking do this.
“Baby..it’s okay..I can say it..you don’t have to say this again.” She whispered..I didn’t want to be a coward but I just couldn’t say it..I couldn’t be the one to crush him..he and Mom were all I ever had these past years when I pushed Johnnie away..they stuck by me no matter what.
“Alder, it turns out that my mom and your dad have been having an affair long before your parents divorced. Caspian..he walked in on them a few years back..they were sleeping together all that time. Your dad..he..he was asked to marry your mom through a contract but I guess our parents dated even before that in Highschool.” Johnnie explained, her voice wavering slightly as I buried my face in the crook of her neck before kissing her softly..I felt weak for making her do this..I felt sick to my damn stomach.
“What did you just say?” Alder’s voice stated..the tone the most serious I had ever heard from him as I lifted my head and pulled from Johnnie.
“I’m sorry Alder..” I tried to say before he cut me off.
“You knew all this time?” He asked me angrily as I looked down at my hands, feeling ashamed.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.