Victoria’s POV
781
I approached my mother’s bedroom. Even before entering, I could hear her muttering angrily to herself. I knocked once and pushed the door open.
Mom?” I called. “You okay?”
Elizabeth sat at her vanity, violently brushing her hair. Her perfectly made–up face was twisted with rage.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked, closing the door behind me.
She whirled around, slamming the brush down. “That fucking Summer Taylor!”
I rolled my eyes, settling onto her bed. “Let me guess–she wouldn’t play nice with Michael Sullivan?”
“Michael Sullivan is way out of her league anyway,” I said, kicking off my heels. “She should be grateful anyone would look twice at
her.
“Exactly! Mom threw her hands up. “But you know what’s worse? That Sullivan boy completely disrespected me too!”
My eyebrows shot up. “Wait, what?”
“I subtly brought up marriage prospects, and he practically laughed in my face! His mother Daisy still treats me with respect. But her son? Not an ounce of manners!”
I frowned, remembering Alexander’s behavior earlier. “Mom, Alexander was totally distracted today when he heard Summer was meeting Michael. He was supposed to pick me up at three, but didn’t show until after six!” My voice rose. “He was literally stalking them outside the restaurant!”
Mom froze. “Are you serious?”
‘Dead serious. He’s still obsessed with her.”
“This cannot continue,” Mom declared, her face hardening. “We need to get her married off immediately. Sullivan or not, I’ll find someone else. As long as Summer remains single, neither of us will have any peace!”
I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “Mom, I might have a better idea. Remember Charles Windsor?”
Mom’s eyebrows drew together. “Charles Windsor? He was so pissed off about last time. You sure he’s going to say yes er again?
I clutched her arm. “I don’t care what it takes. As long as Summer’s available, Alexander will never fully be mine. I can’t let her destroy what I’ve worked so hard for!”
Mom patted my hand, her eyes cold. “Don’t worry, darling. I wouldn’t let her ruin your happiness. Leave it to me.”
My mind drifted back to that day almost twenty years ago. I’d been seven, hiding in Mom’s closet during a game, when I overheard her screaming at Dad, something about Summer being another woman’s child. Summer wasn’t my real sister. The little girl I played with wasn’t even a Taylor by blood. But I wasn’t sure until last time overheard their conversation again.
She Was the daughter of some woman Mom hated.
Listen carefully, Mom said, bringing me back to the present. “Don mention any of this to Alexander. You’re newlyweds–avoid fighting. And make sure you stay on his parents‘ good side. If they approve of you, Alexander won’t dare leave.”
13:32 Wed, Apr
Chapter 171
“I know, Mom,” I assured her. I’ve got this under control.”
Just then, we heard voices–Dad and Alexander emerging from the study. Mom and I exchanged a look before heading downstairs.
In the foyer, Alexander looked distracted. I plastered on my brightest smile and rushed to his side.
“Alexander,” I called sweetly, linking my arm with his. “All done with your business talk?”
He looked down at me, his eyes distant. “Mmm? Oh, yeah.” After a pause, he added, “What were you and your mother discussing?”
“That’s for me to know, I teased. “Let’s head home. I’m exhausted.”
Relief flickered across his face. “Good idea.”
The drive home was painfully silent. I knew exactly where Alexander had been earlier–stalking Summer outside Le Bernardin. The thought made me want to scream, but Mom was right. Fighting wouldn’t help now.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Alexander finally said. “Something wrong?”
“Not really. Just something Mom said.”
“What did she say?” he asked, slowing the car. “If it’s bothering you, tell me.”
It’s nothing serious. Mom’s just worried you’ll get tired of me. She thinks I focus too much on acting and not enough on being your wife. She suggested I quit and… start thinking about having children”
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