Page 111 of The Ring
Now it all makes sense—her earlier comment about my father, her hesitation before telling me. She didn’t want to take the attention off me. But it doesn’t bother me. It’s the opposite. I’m so happy she finally made this decision.
“I’m really happy for you. It’s a wise decision,” I tell her wholeheartedly. I’ll be a little disappointed not seeing her around campus. I was hoping I would, but it’s fine. This is better.
“Really?” she says, almost like she thinks my opinion has changed now that I’m going to college, or like she’s expecting some pushback on her decision. I wonder if anyone has tried to talk her out of it.
“Yes,” I nod. “Does anyone else know?”
“Just Annabelle and now you.”
I smile. While she finds it funny, I love the symmetry of it. It feels like, even though we’re not together, we’re still moving at the same pace.
“No Benedict?” I wonder.
She shakes her head. “No, we broke up.”
“I’m sorry.” I mean it. If what happened at the restaurant was the reason, or if she’s upset about it, then I’m sorry. But I’m not sorry that they broke up.
Cornelia gives me a small smile. “It’s fine, but I’d prefer not to talk about it.”
I nod. “Does Anthony know about your break from college?”
I don’t need to ask her about The Heptad Society. I know her. Just like me, she’ll tell them closer to the date to avoid making a big deal or when the topic naturally comes up. But with Anthony, that’s where the mystery lies.
Cornelia tenses at the mention of her brother. “Not yet, but I’m planning to tell him soon. It’s just…,” she sighs heavily, “difficult. I’m waiting for the right moment to tell him.”
He’s the only reason she’s studying what she’s studying—to take over Monroe-Nodrick. I don’t claim to fully understand their relationship, but I’ve always believed Anthony never realised Cornelia didn’t actually want that path. If he sensed hesitation from her, he probably thought it was self-doubt about being able to handle the pressure of the job. On that, both Anthony and I would agree—she absolutely could. She could do anything she set her mind to. But he never considered thather doubts weren’t about her ability but about whether she wanted to do it at all.
If he had known this had been causing her so much anxiety, he wouldn’t have let her get anywhere near it—not even with a six-foot pole. Unlike my father, who would be perfectly fine with me being miserable as long as I do what he wants.
“He’ll be happy if you are,” I state.
She smiles. “I hope so. Either way, I’ll probably eventually go back to finish. I’ve invested too much time in it to go to waste, and a business degree can be useful… in many fields.” I’m not sure if she actually means it or if it’s an argument she plans to use on Anthony, but whatever she does next, I just hope it’s what she truly wants.
I’m about to ask her something else when the waiter arrives with a bottle of champagne—Cornelia requested one—and two flutes. He brought the bottle already opened. He fills both glasses, sets one in front of Cornelia and the other in front of me. Then, he leaves the bottle on the table and walks away.
Cornelia picks up her flute and holds it up.
“For what the future holds,” she says with a smile.
I lift mine as well. “For what the future holds,” I repeat.
The only thing I want my future to hold is her.
Our glasses meet with a soft chime, and we drink.
Suddenly, a loud thump echoes through the room, cutting through the soft hum of conversation. Heads turn instinctively, ours included, as everyone searches for the source of the sound.
Chapter 67
Cornelia
Other than the money I’ve spent on jewellery, the thousand pounds I gave Leila toaccidentallythrow a drink at TJ’s father was the best money I’ve spent lately. Technically, I haven’t paid her yet, but you get the gist.
Not only did she manage to throw one drink at him, but Leila threw an entire tray full of them, all while making it look like a clumsy accident. It was impressive. TJ’s father looked furious, but Leila appeared so innocent and apologetic that if he had snapped at her, he’d have come across as the biggest arsehole, and, as much as he is one, he certainly doesn’t want everyone here to know.
Of all the stunts like this that we’ve pulled over the years, none have gone as seamlessly as this one. I really think Leila missed her calling. Instead of bartending, she should be acting.
TJ and I were about to burst out laughing, so we retreated to the adjacent room where the silent auction is before we lost it completely and people started noticing.
