Chloe Bishop didn't answer that question.
Mrs. Bishop was sharp. After a moment's thought, she already had her answer. "Since Xavier doesn't want one, then don't go through with it. No point upsetting him. Your relationship with him is already delicate enough—better to skip it."
"If he truly cares, he'll make it up to you in his own time without us having to push. Don't worry—I'll handle Lady Grayson for you."
Chloe Bishop finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Finally, Mrs. Bishop added, "Chloe, if it ever becomes unbearable, just come home. Don't ever force yourself to suffer."
Those words brought tears to Chloe Bishop's lashes. The breeze lifted her hair gently, and she smiled—a relieved smile, like pear blossoms in March. "Mom, thank you."
For her parents and her newborn sister, she
