Page 39 of Obsession (Dark Revenge)
As I recited my mother’s words, my gaze had briefly wandered, but I quickly redirected my attention to Jared. He seemed to be trying to discern whether those were genuine sentiments or merely part of our roleplay. I extended my glass toward him.
“Okay, now I could use that drink,” I whispered.
Jared cautiously poured me a drink, and I sipped it slowly. Despite the burning sensation, I needed it to steady my nerves.
“She really said that?” he inquired.
“I suppose I do understand your situation,” I admitted. “Sometimes it’s not truly your choice, especially when family is involved.”
“So, you didn’t actually want to be with him?”
I shook my head and let out a wistful chuckle. It was easier to confess this as the young Alison who had finally freed herself from the boyfriend she never desired.
“No. But I made you believe otherwise, didn’t I?” I turned to face him.
He nodded. “You were always a skilled actress. You had us all fooled.”
“When you’ve been raised your entire life to smile, even when it hurts, it becomes quite easy to deceive people. A little innocent flirting and a charming façade can take you quite far. But if I had a choice, we would have never been together,” I revealed.“You know, our first date wasn’t even just the two of us. It was a small party our families held for their friends and associates. Kyle never said no to a drink, not even at a gathering where we were expected to be on our best behavior.”
“He got drunk?”
“He tried to make out with a statue in the backyard, and I spent the night keeping an eye on him.”
Jared tried to stifle his laughter, covering his mouth and coughing slightly. It was amusing now, but it hadn’t been at the time. He cleared his throat, regaining his composure.
“You two were seen as the perfect couple,” he reminded me.
“I was more like his babysitter, and I believe his parents were relieved that I took him off their hands for a while. But every time they talked about us getting married in the future, it made my stomach churn. College offered me an escape.”
“So, if you were free to choose?”
“Well, I’m here, aren’t I? You’re nothing like the others,” I replied. “That’s why I’m intrigued.”
Jared smiled slightly, nodding in approval of my response.
“Did you love him?” he asked.
This question took me by surprise because no one had ever inquired about it before. Not even my parents, as love wasn’t a significant consideration. Everything was about business. I took a larger sip of my drink, and I could tell Jared noticed how I attempted to evade the question.
“Did you?” he pressed.
“Honestly,” I whispered, lowering my glass and twirling it in my hand, studying it intently. “I think he might be the person I despise more than anyone.”
“You hate him? Why?”
I shook my head. “Some answers aren’t first-date material,” I explained, then turned my attention back to Jared.
“There must be someone you hate more than him,” Jared insisted, indirectly referring to himself. Again, I shook my head.
“Some may come close, but no, he’s at the top of the list.”
“How?”
“As I mentioned, some things aren’t suitable for a first date, and I’ve talked about myself enough. Tell me about you,” I urged, though I knew Jared wouldn’t miss the fact that I was deflecting from the question. Nonetheless, he accepted my response and began discussing his own life.
Chapter 18
-Jared-
