HIS RELUCTANT BRIDE

THE SECRET HE BURIED

Evelyn could not move. My mother?

The word barely left her mouth.

Thomas looked down. Alexander remained by the door.

Evelyn turned toward him. You said your family was not involved.

I said my family did not kill her.

That is not what I asked.

Alexander’s jaw tightened. Evelyn

No. She stepped toward him. You do not get to walk into my father’s company, buy his debt, demand that I marry you, and then tell me my mother’s death was not an accident.

I never said it was.

You knew.

Yes.

The answer hit harder than she expected.

You knew my mother died under suspicious circumstances?

I knew there were questions surrounding her death.

And you never thought I deserved to know?

Alexander’s expression remained controlled. You were not ready.

A bitter laugh escaped her. You do not know me.

I know more about you than you think.

She stared at him. What does that mean?

Alexander glanced at Thomas. Ask your father.

Evelyn turned. Dad?

Thomas looked exhausted.

Your mother was investigating something before she died, he said.

What?

I do not know.

That is a lie.

Thomas flinched.

You just told me Alexander’s family was involved.

I said they were connected to it.

How?

Thomas stood. Your mother found financial records.

What records?

I do not know.

Dad! Evelyn said in anger

I swear, Evelyn, I do not know everything.

She shook her head. Then tell me what you do know.

Thomas hesitated.

Ten years ago, your mother discovered that someone was moving money through several companies connected to the Kingston family.

Evelyn stared at him. And she confronted them?

Yes.

Alexander’s father?

Yes.

What happened?

Thomas swallowed. She disappeared for two days.

Evelyn’s face went pale. Disappeared?

She told me she was going to meet someone. She never came home that night.

And you did not report her missing?

We did.

Then what?

They found her car the next morning.

Evelyn waited.

Thomas’s voice dropped. She was found dead later that day.

Silence.

Evelyn stared at him. All these years, she had believed her mother had died in a car accident. That was the story she had been given. That was the story she had grown up with.

You told me she died in an accident.

I was trying to protect you.

From what?

Thomas did not answer.

From what, Dad?

Alexander finally spoke. From the people who wanted those records.

Evelyn looked at him. You were there?

No.

Then how do you know?

Because my father kept a file.

Her eyes narrowed. Your father?

He died three years ago.

And the file?

I have it.

Evelyn’s heart began pounding. Where?

At home.

Take me to it.

Alexander shook his head. No.

She stared at him. No?

You are not going anywhere with me tonight.

You do not get to decide that.

I do when your life may be in danger.

Evelyn scoffed. You are the one threatening to take my life apart.

Alexander’s eyes hardened. I am trying to keep you alive.

That stopped her.Why? Evelyn asked

He did not answer.

Why, Alexander?

He stepped closer. Because the people who killed your mother may know that you are looking for answers now.

Evelyn felt a chill run through her. Who are they?

I do not know. Alexander said

You are lying.

I wish I were.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small photograph. He held it toward her.

Evelyn took it. Her fingers froze.

It was a picture of her mother. She recognized the dress immediately. But there was something else. A man stood beside her.

Evelyn stared at him. Who is this?

Alexander’s voice was quiet. My father.

She looked up. Your father met my mother?

Several times.

Why?

I do not know.

She looked back at the photograph. Then something caught her attention. Behind them was a building. A familiar building.

Her eyes widened. That place

Alexander watched her. You recognize it?

Yes. She turned the photograph over. There was handwriting on the back. Carter Interiors.

Evelyn’s heart raced.

My mother brought him to the company.

Yes.

When? Evelyn asked

Three days before she died.

Evelyn looked at Thomas. You knew?

Thomas closed his eyes. Yes.

She stepped back. How could you keep this from me?

I was afraid.

You were afraid?

I had already lost your mother. His voice cracked. I could not risk losing you too.

Evelyn stared at him. For the first time, she understood that her father was not simply hiding the truth. He was terrified of it.

She turned toward Alexander. Give me the file.

No. Alexander refused

Why?

Because you do not know what you are looking for.

Then tell me.

I will.

When?

“When you agree to my terms.

Her expression hardened. You are still doing this?

I need you to understand how serious this is.

You are using my mother’s death to force me into a marriage.

No.

Then what is it?

Alexander held her gaze. Protection.

She laughed bitterly. Marriage is not protection.

For you, it is.

Why?

He was silent.

Evelyn stepped closer. Why do you need me to marry you?

Alexander’s expression changed. This time, she saw something behind his eyes. Regret.

You are not the reason I chose this arrangement.

Then what am I?

The reason it has to be you.

Before Evelyn could respond, Alexander’s phone rang.

He looked at the screen. His expression immediately changed.

What happened? he asked.

A pause.

Where?

Another pause.

Do not touch anything.

He ended the call.

Evelyn stared at him. What is it?

Alexander looked at Thomas, then at her.

Someone broke into your house.

Her blood ran cold. My house?

Yes.

Was anything stolen?

Alexander did not answer.

What was taken?

Nothing.

Then what happened?

His eyes met hers. They left something.What?

Alexander pulled a photograph from his pocket and handed it to her.

Evelyn looked down. It was another picture of her mother. This one showed her standing outside Carter Interiors.

Written across the bottom in black ink were five words:

SHE SHOULD HAVE STAYED QUIET.

Evelyn’s fingers tightened around the photograph. Someone had entered her home. Someone had searched for something. And someone knew she was asking questions.

Alexander took the photograph from her.

This is why you are marrying me.

Evelyn looked at him. No.

Alexander frowned. No?

She shook her head. I am not marrying you because I am afraid.

Evelyn

If someone wants me to stop looking for the truth, I am going to find it.

Thomas stood. Evelyn, please.

She ignored him and looked directly at Alexander.

You want me to marry you?

Yes.

Fine

Alexander’s expression changed.

But I have one condition.

What?

I want the entire file.

You will have it.

And I want the truth about my mother.

Alexander nodded. You will.

Evelyn held out her hand.

Then bring me the contract.

Alexander stared at her hand. You are agreeing?

No. She lowered her hand. “I am agreeing to read it.

A faint smile appeared on his face. That is a start.

Evelyn did not smile back. Do not get comfortable, Alexander. Because if I find out you had anything to do with my mother’s death.

She walked toward the door.

our marriage will be the least of your problems.

Alexander watched her leave. Thomas remained behind.

You should not have done this, Thomas whispered.

Alexander’s eyes stayed on the doorway. I did not have a choice.

Thomas shook his head. You could have told her the truth.

Alexander’s expression darkened. Not yet.

Alexander

Because if Evelyn learns who her mother was meeting that night

He paused.

And who betrayed her

Thomas went silent.

Alexander turned toward him. She will come after the wrong person.

Thomas’s face drained of color. “You know who betrayed her?

Alexander said nothing. Then he walked out.

For the first time in ten years, Thomas Carter realized something terrifying. Alexander Kingston was not trying to save Evelyn from the people who killed her mother. He was trying to save those people from Evelyn.