Bittersweet Legacy (The Patricians Book 1)

by R. G. Angel

  I snorted, thinking about my stupid engagement and the party planned for the weekend, the party which was going to make that stupid mistake official. “Understatement of the year.”

  “He promised to come see me when he came back but he didn’t.” She sighed again and stood up putting some order in her already spotless room, probably to give her something to do while opening up to me on the hardest part of it. “And then I saw him on the first day at school with Caleb and Antoine - even as freshmen they inspired respect. They became the kings of Brentwood and I was erased from his life as if our four years of friendship had been inconsequential.”

  “But,” I shook my head. “It doesn’t make any sense. I’m sure you confronted him about it. I know you enough to know that.”

  “Yes I did, and that will go right up there as the biggest mistake of my life. Things were said that could never, ever be taken back.”

  “But-”

  She shook her head. “No, I won’t share this, I won't relive it. I cried like I never cried before and I swore on everything that’s holy, on everything I loved, that it’d be the last time I’ll ever shed a tear for Archibald Forbes or for anything Brentwood-related. Can you just leave it at that, please?”

  I nodded, I knew the pain of an open wound and I wouldn’t do that to her. “I hate this life,” I admitted. It somehow felt good to say it out loud.

  “You do?” she asked, arching her eyebrows in surprise.

  “Of course!” I sat up crossing my legs. “Which part did you think I was enjoying? The condescension of my family? The bullying of my peers? The forced engagement to a self-proclaimed sociopath?”

  She shrugged, sitting down beside me, mirroring my position. “Don't get me wrong, I love having you here, I love having a friend who is real, but if you hate it so much why are you staying? You’re 18 and it’s not like you were made of money before. You can just sell a few items from your wardrobe and you’ll be set.”

  I looked down at my hands that were shaking slightly. I knew that if I admitted my true feelings about my life here that questions would follow, and I wasn’t sure I trusted her enough yet to go there.

  “Esme?” she asked, and I saw her hand settle on top of mine as my head was still cast down. “Did… did they threaten you?” she asked with worry so palpable in her voice that I couldn't stop my eyes from getting teary.

  I looked up, blinking back the tears “If it was only me…” I whispered, my voice breaking.

  “They threatened other people, didn’t they?” she asked, cocking her head to the side, the solicitude in her face caused the tears to fall quietly.

  I nodded silently, not daring to say more, part of me feared that if I started to cry, I would never be able to stop.

  “I could help you.”

  “No,” I shook my head. “No, you can’t, I don’t want you to.”

  “Why? Because you don’t trust me?”

  I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. “It has nothing to do with that. I just don’t want you in this mess, it’s too dangerous.”

  She smiled. “Not if we go about it discreetly, not if we’re smart. Tell me.”

  And I did, I told her everything that happened. The threats toward Luke, Ben, Juliet. I knew I was taking a chance on her, I knew I was also getting her into trouble, but I needed to confide in someone, and as much as I liked Sophia, I couldn’t do that to her, she didn’t need any added burden.

  Taylor remained silent for a while, nodding every so often – I could see she was thinking.

  “It’s messed up isn’t it?”

  She pouted, shrugging her right shoulder. “No doubt, but not unfixable.”

  “What do you mean?” I hated the little sliver of hope making its way into my heart.

  “All the threats are nothing money can’t fix and luckily enough I have lots of it.”

  “Your father has lots of it,” I corrected her; the nuance quite critical here.

  She smiled brightly. “I’m my father’s little Angel, Esme. His money is my money.” She sighed. “I’ve got something for you.”

  “OK…” I tailed off at the abrupt change of subject from my personal crisis to a gift.

  She took a small box from her drawer and threw it softly on the bed.

  “A phone?” I asked, turning the box in my hand. “Samsung S336C?” I looked up at her with confusion.

  “I couldn’t give that to you before you opened up.” She admitted coming to sit back beside me. I knew something wasn’t right, you’re not the kind of girl to accept everything so quietly – it was clear from the moment we met. I know you’re not allowed to have any access with the outside world and I even know that when you get a phone, it will be tapped like probably all these people you mentioned phones are, and, since we’re friends… most likely mine too.”

  “How?”

  “You know your father is the owner of one of the biggest communications companies in this country, right?”

  “I do now.” I muttered. I really should have looked at the stupid file I was given, but to be honest I didn’t care about the Forbes legacy and all it entailed.

  “This is a burner phone, I sent one of the staff to buy it at Walmart. No way this will be traceable to you but don’t think about calling any number you know with this. If you do, it’s good for nothing.”

  My joy deflated at an alarming rate. What good would this phone be if I couldn’t call anyone? Well to be fair I didn't know most numbers by heart, but still.

  “You have to have them call you from an untraceable line.”

  I narrowed my eyes to her with suspicion. “How do you even know all that?”

  “I’ve watched all the reruns of all the CSIs, I'm basically an expert.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle at her comment – leave it to her to make me laugh in the midst of a heartfelt moment. I kept repeating it but this girl really was a godsend.

  “As far as your friends and your uncle are concerned, we’ll figure something out.”

  “Do you want me to leave?” I asked, unsure how I felt about that.

  “If it’s what you want, yes. You’re clearly not enjoying this life and I'm not even sure I want to stay after graduation either, you know. I don’t think these people are made for me. So why would I want you to be stuck here? It isn’t fair.”

  “Thank you.”

  Anytime.”

  “Just tell me when, so I can be ready but I know it won’t be ‘adieu’. It will just be for a while and one day we’ll meet again.” She jerked her head towards the phone. “I bought another burner for me; I saved the number in yours. Just promise to text me every once in a while when you’re gone, please. Just to make sure you’re OK.”

  “Of course, I swear.” I held the phone to my chest as if it was a lifeline. I would forever be thankful to Tay for this. It was a way to communicate with Luke… Ben – it was a way out.

  Chapter 13

  I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous to attend my own engagement party – it wasn’t like it changed anything.

  The commitment had already been made a couple of weeks ago and my father had made it clear there was no turning back, and yet somehow I couldn’t help the butterflies in my stomach. It was apprehension and maybe something else, something I was a bit fearful to acknowledge.

  I stared at myself in the mirror and at the ethereal gown I was wearing, it was such a pale pink it looked almost white. It was gossamer tulle adorned with velvet appliqué flowers and puffed, padded shoulders, balanced by the slender waist which flattered my curves but also made me look innocent. This dress, coupled with very discreet makeup, rosy lips and my hair gathered in a messy bun with a few loose strands framing my face, clearly nailed the virginal, innocent look that was the only value of a fiancée.

  “Everybody is here,” my stepmother informed me, popping her head into my bedroom. “Are you ready?”

  I sighed, turning toward her. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  She g
ave me a sad smile, cocking her head to the side. “I know it doesn’t look like the best right now, but it doesn't have to be all bad, you know. Caleb is still young; he can still become a decent husband.”

  I nodded, and it was clear that neither of us believed her words.

  “We need to go now, your father’s waiting for you at the top of the stairs and he’s not a very patient man.

  I snorted at this. “Yeah, don’t I know it.”

  She extended her hand to me and squeezed it for support. It was funny how my first impression of her as a housewife barbie, shallow and selfish, had been so wrong. She was a kind woman stuck in this life just as my mother has been. I never would have thought she would become a source of comfort, and yet she was.

  My father smiled approvingly when I joined him by the stairs.

  “Esmeralda, you look even better than I could have hoped.” He extended his arm, which I took with my best fake smile plastered on my face.

  Caleb and Archie were waiting at the bottom of the stairs, both dressed in impeccably tailored tuxedos.

  I met Caleb’s eyes and I couldn’t see the usual hate in them, his mask had slipped even if for a few minutes and I could see confusion and awe in his eyes – it was gone almost as soon as I saw it but it had been enough to give me just a sliver of hope that even if my escape plan didn’t work, I might not be as miserable as I had first feared.

  My smile turned genuine as I kept my eyes on him but, as if my logic wanted to fight any potential of blooming feelings, the images of the birthday flashed back in my head and I tensed, my smile slipping from my face.

  Caleb frowned at my sudden change of mood, but I turned my head and looked away toward the reception.

  “Esmeralda,” Caleb bowed at the waist. “You look absolutely stunning.”

  I bowed my head slightly, matching his fakeness. “Thank you, Caleb.”

  My brother rolled his eyes, and this caused my lips to tip up. We were more alike than he knew himself.

  My father led me to the reception room, followed closely by Caleb and Archie. I was unsure of what a socialite engagement announcement really was like, but it all seemed very formal.

  My father stopped as soon as we entered the room and the chatter ceased, every head turning toward us.

  Archie went to stand on my father’s other side with Caleb on his side.

  “Good afternoon,” my father greeted.

  I scanned the room and smiled a little when I met Taylor’s concerned eyes. I didn't want her to worry for me, I was going to be okay.

  My father squeezed my arm, and I turned my attention back to him.

  He smiled down at me, it looked almost paternal. Lord, these people knew how to fake it. It was scary.

  “As you know,” he addressed the guests again, “today comes as a bittersweet moment, and I think that every father in this room with precious daughters can understand my feelings, as we are looking forward to this day with both joy and trepidation.” He sighed, leaning down to kiss the crown of my head, earning a general ‘aww’ from the attendees.

  I detailed them, were they seriously that blind or did they fake it as well?

  “So today is the day where I’m giving my beautiful Esmeralda away, as a promise to a worthy young man.” My father turned toward Caleb. “I feel blessed that Caleb Astor will become my son-in-law. When he first approached me, declaring his love for my beautiful daughter I wasn’t sure, but Esmeralda’s enthusiasm managed to erase even my deepest doubt.”

  Enthusiasm? Enthusiasm for what? Escape?! I thought, looking at Archie, and as our eyes met his flickered with amusement as if he could read my mind. Had we just shared a moment?

  “I couldn’t think of a better match and I’m pleased to announce, I’ve agreed to the union between Caleb Astor and my daughter Esmeralda.”

  Everybody started to applaud, and I didn't have to fake the virginal blush reaching my cheeks, I never particularly enjoyed being the centre of attention and today was just too much, with photographers’ flashes on my face and everybody scrutinising all my reactions. I was still not very well equipped at this lying game and probably never would be.

  “Son?” My father gestured to Caleb invitingly.

  No please God don’t do something stupid – not here, not now.

  “Thank you, Mr Forbes.” Caleb stood in front of me, his icy blue eyes locked with mine. “Esmeralda, the first time I saw you I knew you would be either my downfall or my saving grace. A beauty like yours cannot leave you unscathed, I wasn’t sure which way you would lead me and despite my reluctance I followed down the path without a look back.”

  I was mesmerized by his look of sincerity, his beautiful words. This man was not only an expert liar he really was a sociopath as Taylor kept saying – he was mimicking care and adoration so well I almost believed it. Almost.

  “You are the most precious things on this earth, Esmeralda, it feels like my heart is beating somewhere inside your chest.” He got on his knee and despite the set-up some people gasped and my heart started to speed up.

  It’s not really you, stupid girl, and you don’t want that, remember? You want out!

  I looked down at him as he smiled at me so brightly. “Esmeralda Rosalind Forbes,” He retrieved a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal the ugly, oversized ring I picked. “Will you do me the incredible honor of marrying me?”

  I nodded. “Yes, Caleb, of course I’ll marry you!” I replied with a matching smile.

  Everybody clapped and cheered as Caleb slid the ring on my finger, kissed my hand and stood up.

  He kissed my lips softly and took my hands as the guest parted.

  “What’s going on?” I whispered to him.

  “We’re dancing for the fans,” he whispered back with a little sarcasm.

  He pulled me into his arms and smiled down at me

  “Relax.”

  “Since when do you care?”

  He shrugged as the music started. “I just don’t want to look ridiculous.”

  “I don’t dance well” I whispered with urgency as he twirled me around.

  “But I do. Trust me and follow my lead.”

  I snorted at the ‘trust me’ but concentrated on the music.

  “Is it?” I turned my head briskly as the first notes started to play and the voice of Ron Pope singing ‘I do not love you’ filled the room.

  “Ron Pope is here.” I whispered against his ear.

  “I know,” he replied dipping me low, moving us fluidly to the rhythm of the music.

  “I love Ron Pope.”

  He smiled crookedly at me. “I know.”

  I thought about it the rest of the song, following his lead thoughtlessly. How did he know I loved Ron Pope? Even if he did, why would he do that for me? He didn’t like me – the best I could hope for was him tolerating me.

  When the song was done, Caleb led me off the dance floor as Ron kept playing.

  “You did well, Esmeralda. You’re graceful, dancing comes easy to you.”

  I nodded, keeping my eyes on the stage. “Do you think he’ll take a photo with me later?”

  Caleb chuckled. “With what I paid him? Yes, I’m positive.” He intertwined our arms together and looked around the room as if he was looking for someone. I prayed that the girl I found him with in the office wouldn't be in attendance. He said she was inconsequential but could I believe him? He was clearly an expert liar.

  “Who are you looking for?”

  “Nobody,” he snapped. He sighed as I recoiled under his tone. “You’ll see. OK, let’s go mingle and show them how blissfully happy we are.”

  We moved from guest to guest accepting congratulations, Taylor gave me a hug, whispering in my ear that everything was going to be OK.

  We were approaching his parents when loud exclamations made us turn toward the entrance and a familiar red Iron Man cap came our way.

  “Theo!” I gasped and Caleb looked at me, startled.

  “How do y
ou –” he started

  “BB!” Theo beamed at Caleb, pulling him into a bear hug.

  “You’re BB?” I asked, looking around for Mike who was just standing by the entrance.

  Theo turned to me. “Meme! You look so pretty!” He hugged me too.

  “Me-me?” Caleb asked visibly taken aback by his brother’s action. “You’re his friend Me-me?”

  “And you’re his brother?”

  Caleb smiled, pulling his brother toward him. “Yes, I’m BB.”

  I looked at his parents making their way toward us and understood better my mother’s entry about James being a father. Why did they keep him as a shameful secret?

  I was angry at them by the time they reached us.

  His father had a fake smile plastered on his face and reached for Theo, who flinched as his hand approached him.

  “I just wanted to say hello,” James said to Theo.

  “You know he doesn’t like being touched,” Caleb defended him.

  “Umm,” James shrugged. “What is he doing here?” He asked in a low reproving tone.

  Caleb glanced at his mom who was busy examining her nails.

  “He’s my brother, and it is an important event in my life, he has every right to be here.” Caleb stood straighter “I wanted him here. He belongs here, just as much as you do.”

  As Caleb and his father entered into their subdued argument and his mother was talking with Theo with clear pleasure I slipped away, hoping to find Taylor and spend a little bit of time with my friend.

  I moved around and changed my mind when I noticed Mike now standing in the great hall.

  “I thought you were his brother.” I accused, joining him in the hall.

  “And I thought you were ‘just Esme’,” he replied, matching my tone.

  “That’s who I was before. That’s who I’m working on getting back to being. You had weeks to tell me.”

  He shrugged again. “I’m Theo’s assistant therapist – I have been for about two years. I do care for him very much and I’m not to share patient’s names, you’ve got to understand.”