Eleanor's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Of course we're celebrating something in our own family. What? Are you the only one allowed to get married?"
Lucien's chest tightened at once. "Eleanor… what celebration? Why haven't I heard about it?"
She had just parted her lips to answer when Vivian smoothly cut in. "What a lovely coincidence. Two happy occasions at once."
The conversation continued in strained politeness, but even after every courtesy had been exchanged, Lucien showed no sign of leaving.
At last, he asked, "How has Rena been lately? I haven't seen her in quite some time."
Eleanor offered him a faint smile. "She's doing very well. I'll pass along your concern. But Lucien, now that both you and Rena have families of your own, it's best if you see each other less."
Lucien froze
