Page 126 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander
Frustration?
Something else entirely?
“He doesn’t owe anyone an explanation,” she continues firmly. “He’s here because he wants to be here, not because anyone forced him.”
The twins exchange a look.
Callum sighs and caps the marker.
“Fine. If that’s what both of you want.”
“It is,” Mary confirms immediately.
She sits back down.
I remain standing with my arms crossed, painfully aware that everyone is still watching me.
Maggie fixes me with that piercing gaze of hers.
The one that makes it feel like she can read every thought you’re desperately trying to hide.
“Very well,” she says at last. “Let’s continue.”
The meeting moves on.
Callum resumes assigning tasks. Keira asks logistical questions. Lachlan suggests modifications to the cultural schedule.
But I’m no longer really listening.
I’m thinking about Mary.
About the way she stood up for me like she instinctively understood exactly why I refused.
Like she knows me.
The meeting finally ends an hour later.
People gradually scatter. Callum rolls up his papers. Keira and Alistair talk quietly near the fireplace. The twins disappear toward the kitchen, probably to steal scones.
Mary leaves the room without looking at me.
I follow her.
She walks quickly down the hallway, footsteps echoing across the wood floors. I catch up to her near the front entrance.
“Mary.”
She stops and turns around.
Her expression is impossible to read.
“Thank you,” I say simply.
“For what?”
“For defending me in front of your family.”
She shrugs.
