Duty by Elizabeth Knox

Author:Elizabeth Knox [Knox, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Knox Publishing
Published: 2021-10-24T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Angelo

The photographers just left to go get photos of Aria and her bridesmaids getting ready for the wedding. It’s hard to believe our wedding day is here, but time flies. We spent the last few days in upstate New York taking time to be ourselves, and I mean genuinely being ourselves, not the fake people we pretend to be. I do have to say we’ve become good friends through this. In fact, we’re creating a bond that I don’t think will ever tear us apart. We’re learning to trust one another completely, and I’m grateful for the commitment Aria is making to me. She’s said the same to me, but in reality, we’re saving each other.

Two weeks ago we had a few heartfelt discussions, especially about our future and what it would mean to keep this ruse going on. This wedding is for show because, in my eyes, I made my commitment to Aria that night, the night we talked about everything. I told her through the good and the bad I’d stand by her, support her, and be the person she could come to. She said the same to me in more words. In fact, her words were poetic and beautiful . . . and if I were attracted to women, she’d make a great life partner. We know our union is only to appease people who we honestly couldn’t give two shits about. That night Aria was ovulating, and we did use the at-home insemination kit. I pray she does get pregnant because it would help solidify what we’re doing. Being with child would give all who doubt us a run for their money.

A knock comes on the door, which pulls me from my inner thoughts. I clear my throat and yell “Coming!” to whoever’s on the other side. Placing my hand on the door, I pull it toward me and see Aria’s father.

“Mr. Pagano, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise, Angelo. Care if I come in and we share a drink? It’s tradition in my family.” I shake my head, and Mr. Pagano comes waltzing into the room. He has a bottle of Grappa in his hands and goes over to where there’s a minibar. He opens the bottle and proceeds to grab two glasses, pouring each of us a heavy serving.

I take a sip of the drink and hints of apple wash over my tastebuds. “It’s delicious, thank you.”

“Of course. Truth be told, I was worried you’d call off the wedding.” Mr. Pagano’s words catch me off guard. I furrow my brows and wait a second before I speak up.

Figuring I’d better keep my cool, I clear my throat and collect the aggravated emotions storming through me. “Why’s that?”

Mr. Pagano clears his own throat before taking a sip of the Grappa. “Well, Aria’s always had a problem keeping men. In fact, her last . . . he told me she wasn’t exactly pleasing, if you catch my drift.”

I ball my fists up at my sides and cock a brow.

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