ARLENE

It took every ounce of self-control I had to walk past Cole and step into my dad’s home office instead of making a run for the front door.

Once I stepped out of my room, I decided it was time to face the reality staring me in the face.

There was no escaping it now, and if I had known it would come knocking this soon, I would’ve pushed for the marriage to happen earlier than it did.

I entered the office and waited for everyone else to follow. When Mirela walked in, I resisted the urge to yell at her to get out.

She was the mastermind behind...