Bennett

“I can’t reach her.”

“Try again.”

I tapped Cara’s name on my phone again, putting it up to my ear. After five rings, her phonetic voice instructed me to leave a message. “Let’s just go to her house.”

“Is it okay to just show up?”

“I can’t see why not. We’re supposed to be dating. Her father should be at work, as well. This is important.”

Sebastian nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. “What should we do if she’s in on it?”

“She’s not,” I said firmly.

“How can you be sure?”

“I just know she isn’t. Trust me. Cara wouldn’t do something like that.”

“Is she close with her father?”

My eyes darted from my phone to Sebastian. I hadn’t considered that yet. To my knowledge, the Castrilli family didn’t seem tight-knit, but they didn’t seem distant with each other either. Cara never talked badly of her father, even though he forced her into our relationship. Would she be hurt by this?

Before I could answer, my phone started vibrating. Henley’s name flashed across the screen and I swiped the answer button. “Henley.”

There was a split second of silence and then she laughed. “I see some things never change.”

“What do you mean?”

“You never say hello. It’s always just…” She paused to clear her throat. “Henley,” she continued, her voice deeper and rougher.

I turned toward the window, smiling a little. “I don’t sound like that.”

“I think I did a pretty good impression.”

“What’re you up to?”

“Oh, right. Umm. Well. Henry and I were planting cameras in your mother’s office—”

“Wait, you were what?” I interrupted.

“Well, we had these plans too…” She trailed off, letting out a sigh. “It doesn’t matter. We thought she was away.”

“She is.”

“She’s not. She was at the office. She must have come back early. And she caught us and fired Henry.”

My eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. “What? What do you mean she fired Henry? She can’t do that. I’m his boss.”

Sebastian’s eyebrows lifted and he inclined his head at me. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know, Bennett. We didn’t know she’d be there and I think she might be on to us. I’m sorry. We messed up.”

“You didn’t mess up anything. What happened? Did she do anything else? Where’s Henry? Are you okay?”

“Uh, she. Well. I’m fine. Henry’s home. I just wanted to give you a heads up since I know you and Sebastian are investigating. Where are you?”

A heavy feeling settled in my gut. Why in the world would my mother fire Henry? What had she said to them? Why was she back early? I didn’t miss how Henley hadn’t answered all my questions. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, Bennett. I’m just worried that we’re not going to find any evidence. I just want this to be over. Henry lost his job because of me and I’m afraid of what will happen next.”

“Nothing will happen. Henry didn’t lose his job. It’s not your fault,” I reassured her, lowering my voice. “Sebastian and I found something.”

“You did? What?”

“I’ll tell you later. We’re heading to Cara’s now.”

“Cara’s?”

“Yeah. I’ll call you back soon, okay? A few hours or so. We’re almost there.”

“Alright, let me know what happens. I’m with Lee right now so call us if you need us.”

“Alright. I love you, Henley.”

“Love you too.”

“Aww that’s cute,” I heard in the background and I could only assume it was my stupid brother. “Give me the phone, too.”

“No, Lee, stop!” There was a scraping noise as I figured Lee tried to wrestle the phone out of Henley’s hands. “Tell him we’re going to get a romantic dinner! No. Let go! Bennett, I’m going to go—”

Two dings alerted me to the call ending and I pulled my phone away with a chuckle. Henley seemed perfectly okay. Good.

“Do I turn here?”

“Yeah,” I said, the momentary peace disappearing fast. “Then turn onto East street and it’ll be the house at the end.”

“What happened with Henley?”

“She told me my mother came back early and she caught them in their office.”

Sebastian winced. “Ouch.”

“It’s fine. We’re ending this soon.”

As we pulled up to Cara’s— for lack of a better word— mansion, I tried calling her one last time. When she didn’t answer, I scanned the driveway for her BMW, but then remembered everyone parked out back. Hopefully, she was home.

Although it was perfectly acceptable for me to visit her unannounced, I still felt a little anxious knocking on her front door. I toyed with the watches on my wrist as Sebastian adjusted his tie. After a minute the door swung open and Cara appeared, her eyes widening. “Bennett?”

“Cara—”

“Oh shit. You can’t be here. Leave now, hurry,” she whispered to me, throwing a look over her shoulder.

“Why, what’s happening?”

“I’ll call you later, just go—”

“Who’s at the door?”

I froze at the voice that met my ears. Cara’s eyes closed and she clenched her teeth before opening the door fully. As she turned, a blinding smile transformed her expression. “It’s Bennett! Come on in.”

I swallowed hard before stepping through the threshold. My mother stood next to Cara, her eyebrow curved up. “Bennett. Perfect timing.”

“What are you doing here?”

“What do you mean? I can’t visit my future daughter-in-law?”

Cara threw me a mournful look and I felt my stomach sink. “I thought you were out of town.”

“I finished early. I just couldn’t wait to come share the news with Cara.”

“What news…?”

My mother gestured to Cara who didn’t even bother to cover her somberness this time. Cara stared at the floor. “We have our wedding date.”

My mother simpered, extending an arm over Cara’s shoulder. “Isn’t this exciting?”

I didn’t let it get to me. A wedding date was no big deal. I only wished Cara knew what Sebastian and I did. She looked so defeated. If only she knew that this would all be over soon. We just had to play along for a little bit more. Then she could have her happy ever after with Tala. I would be free to stay with Henley. No one could interfere anymore. We would make sure of it. “Having a date picked out is the first step. When will it be?”

“Tomorrow.”

The whole world went static for one, choking moment. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. The word barely made sense to me. Reality rushed back in and I staggered back a step, into Sebastian. My mother eyes lit up. I felt sweat beading on my forehead. “No.”

“No?”

“It’s too soon,” I scrambled. “I don’t even have a tux—”

“There’s no need for one. You guys aren’t in love. You’ve both proven that. You don’t need an elegant wedding. We’ll just have a small get together and then have the papers signed.”

I shook my head. “No. That’s not fair to Cara. She deserves a nice dress and an amazing venue with all her friends and family around—”

“You don’t mean that, Bennet.”

Her words were sharp. Cara stared at me, her eyes red. I just had to buy time. I just had to continue the charade. Just keep it up… just a little longer.

“Once the papers are signed, you’re both getting on a plane and heading to Hawaii for the next six months. You will focus on the completion of the resort and help Cara learn our business. The tickets are already booked. You will leave a married man and hopefully that whore of yours will finally learn her place.”

Nails bit into the palm of my hands. “Let’s stop this.”

“I’m glad you finally understand, Bennett.”

“Is it okay?” I asked, directing my gaze to Cara.

Cara nodded faintly. “Yes.”

“Was this so hard?” my mother sighed. “This is how your life is meant to be. It isn’t just yours. You’re a Calloway. You’re the future of our company. You can’t be selfish.”

Fury radiated through me. I glared at her. “Fuck off.”

Cara’s jaw dropped. She moved backward a few steps, eyes shifting from my mother, and back to me. I didn’t blame her. Every fiber of my being shook with indignation. I’d had enough.

“I’m not a fool, Bennett.”

The cool, collected tone of my mother’s voice threw me off. It wasn’t the reaction I was expecting. Sebastian stepped up next to me, brushing his shoulder against mine. The anger was quickly dissipating, replaced with a chilling unease. Wrath from my mother didn’t scare me— composure did.

I swallowed hard. No. I wasn’t letting her win this time. No matter what she said. There was nothing she could use to threaten me. I held the cards this time. “Whatever you’re thinking of isn’t going to work. We know everything that happened that night.”

“Do you?”

“We found the paperwork at Sebastian’s house. We know Cecil conspired with you to place the blame of Lee’s accident on Brandon. We have proof. You and Cecil caused an innocent man to go to prison.”

Cara let out a sharp gasp. “What? Are you talking about my dad?”

“It was a trade, wasn’t it? Cecil helps you, he gets to marry his daughter off to one of the wealthiest families he knows. It only takes a quick google search to see his business is unsteady. With financial help, it can continue to prosper.”

“What are you talking about, Bennett?” Cara demanded. “My dad would never do anything like that! H-he wouldn’t…”

“It was an investment,” my mother said simply.

“My life is just an investment to you?”

“You had to be worthwhile in some way.”

The words cut me hard. Even though I couldn’t think of one time where my mother had ever been motherly to me, it still hurt. It didn’t make any sense. How could someone treat their son like that?

Sebastian moved forward. “It’s over. Stop now before your relationship with your son becomes irreparable.”

“What is with you two? Why are you acting as if you’ve won?”

“We have proof of everything.”

His words didn’t faze my mother. “You’re going to turn in your own father? You’re willing to rip your family apart for a stranger? How would your mother feel? What about Cara? She’s just learned of all this. I’m sure she doesn’t want her precious father to go to jail.”

Sebastianhardened his gaze. “My father committed a crime. He knows the consequences.”

Her nonchalance didn’t break. “Bennett, you’re aware that your brother is part of this as well.”

“He didn’t consent to this.”

“He still is involved in this. You’re also okay with sending him to jail? Even in his fragile state? How embarrassing it will be for him to be ripped away from the rehabilitation center as a criminal. I can’t imagine what that would do to him.”

“Rehabilitation center?” I repeated.

Her lips curled up. The first break. It caused my heart to skip a beat. She had the upper hand. She had it.

“Oh? Did I forget to mention? Your brother will be heading back to California. He isn’t in the right mind to stay here. He needs to be watched.”

“What? He was miserable there. And all alone. He would never agree to that!” He wouldn’t ever go back there willingly. There had to be something else. Something that made him feel like he didn’t have a choice… “That’s why you fired Henry.”

“You two really are foolish when it comes to people you care about.”

A rapid tightness in my chest constricted my breathing. I blinked rapidly, my heart pounding in my ears. I couldn’t get enough air. We had the upper hand— we had it. She couldn’t win this one. She couldn’t. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to escape again. Lee would be trapped. I would be trapped. Cara would be trapped. No…

“Bennett, you can’t.”

Cara’s voice broke me from my thoughts. Sebastian and I both turned to her. He found his voice before me. “Cara, think about this rationally. Your father played a part in causing Henley’s brother to go to jail. He’s part of the reason why neither Bennett nor you can be with the people you truly love.”

“He wouldn’t do that,” she protested. “I know he wouldn’t.”

“We have the proof,” I said tersely.

My mother gestured widely with her hand. “See? Cara and I are the only people thinking rationally here. You can’t do this to her, Bennett. You know what it’s like having someone ripped away from you, don’t you? Do you want both of you to experience that again?”

Cara began to sob quietly and my shoulders sagged. A lump raised in my throat. Why did I ever think I could win? Why did I ever think things could just be okay for once? I couldn’t do it.

“Fine,” I said quietly.

“Fine, what?”

“Fine. We’ll get married tomorrow.”

“Bennett,” Sebastian said sharply.

“But I have conditions.”

My mother barked out a laugh. “Conditions? Of course, there are conditions. I don’t see how you’re in a position to request any, but I’ll listen to them.”

“Leave Henley alone. Please.”

“As long as she’s out of your life, I see no reason to be in hers.”

“You can’t interfere with her at all. Even if she wants to continue to meet with Lee, and Henry, and Sebastian. You can’t forbid them from seeing her. You can’t interfere in Brandon’s life. Leave them alone.”

“Are you sure you want her to continue to stay around Lee? I don’t think it’ll take long before she decides any Calloway will do.”

“Do not ever speak of her that way again.”

“You’re testing me, Bennett.”

“I’m almost done. I want to see her one more time. I need to explain everything to her. I need to end things properly.”

I could see the word no forming on my mother’s lips, but then she pressed them together, hesitating. After a moment, she gave a slight nod. “Fine. You may go and see her but I expect you back here no later than midnight.”

“Here?”

“Yes. Where I can keep an eye on you. And tomorrow we will go to the venue where we will hold the wedding.”

Nausea coursed through me again. “We don’t have to get married tomorrow. I promise I won’t see Henley again—”

“This isn’t up for negotiation. Your time is ticking, Bennett. Are you okay with wasting it?”

With that, she turned away from me, her heels clicking as she walked out of the foyer, leaving Sebastian, Cara, and I alone. Cara sniffled and wiped her eyes, a quiet sob escaping. “Bennett, I’m so sorry.”

I couldn’t find it in myself to comfort her. I couldn’t blame her either. She was just as weak as I was.

“Bennett, what are you planning?” Sebastian asked. “You can’t sign those papers.”

“I’m not planning anything. Come on. I don’t have much time.” Without saying goodbye to Cara, I marched back down the steps and out to Sebastian’s car.

Sebastian’s footsteps quickened to catch up to me. He put a hand on my shoulder, spinning me around. “What do you mean? What are you doing, Bennett?”

“It’s over, Sebastian. I don’t know why we ever thought this was a good idea.”

“It’s not over. We have everything we need to take her down!”

“In exchange for what? Causing all of our families’ grief? Did you see Cara? How can we do that to her?”

Sebastian’s hands clenched around me. “We’ll find a way, Bennett.”

“There is no way, Sebastian!” I shouted, smacking his hands off of me. “This is all worthless. I’ve faced reality. I don’t get a happy ending—ugh!”

Pain blossomed in my jaw and I staggered back a step, my hand rising to hold my cheek. Sebastian glared at me, shaking out his fist. In a split second, I was on him, bringing my fist back and landing a blow to his nose.

“You’re a coward!” Sebastian shouted at me.

“You don’t understand!”

“We can do this. We’ve invested so much into this. Don’t give up!”

“I can’t sacrifice people’s lives for mine!”

A rough blow caused me to lose my balance and I hit the ground hard, my head knocking roughly against the pavement. Sebastian hovered over me, breathing heavily, blood trickling from his nose. “You’re so… so…”

I closed my eyes. “Leave, Sebastian.”

“I drove you here.”

“Just go.”

“Get in the damn car, Bennett. Let me drive you to Henley’s.”

His hands encased my arms, pulling me to my feet. My entire body throbbed. Sebastian looked like he felt about the same. I climbed into the passenger seat, gently prodding at a sore spot on my forehead. When my hand returned, I saw blood.

Sebastian started the car and backed out of the driveway. The silence lasted about one minute until he spoke. “You’re an idiot.”

I glanced in the mirror view mirror, seeing my mother’s figure on the porch slowly disappearing into the distance. “…I know.”

“I hope I beat some rationality into you.”

Once she was out of sight, I sighed, facing forward. “I was faking it.”

Sebastian paused. “What?”

“My mother was watching the entire time. Did you have to hit me that hard?”

He threw me a wild look. “What?”

“Was my acting that good?” I asked, touching the tender skin of my face “Ow.”

“No… but it sounded like something you would actually say.”

“Well, I sort of feel like that,” I admitted. “You know she knows how to get under my skin. And her words just now would have been enough to make me give in before. But I’m not the same as I was. I’m not going to give up that easily. And you don’t need to punch me to make sure of that.”

Sebastian cleared his throat. “Well. You were convincing. I’m sorry.”

“Then hopefully it convinced my mother, too. So, what should we do?” I asked.

“We’ll think of something. We have twenty-four hours. I’ll talk to Cara. I’ll convince her.”

“We can’t do this to her.”

“So you’re okay with what happened to Brandon and Henley?”

“No. Not at all. I’m just saying that we know what they went through. Do you think Henley and Brandon want us to do it to someone else? Are we okay doing exactly what our parents did? We should try to find another way.”

“Except our parents did something illegal. We’re setting things right, Bennett.”

I pressed my face against the cool glass of the window. “I just can’t see how things will turn out.”

“I can’t say how it will either. But we have to try. Cara will be fine. With her father’s influence, he’ll probably avoid any heavy jail time. There’s a chance he might not get jail time at all— he could get out of it with a heavy fine. Of course, Brandon could always sue him, but I doubt he would. We still have a chance, Bennett. I know your mother makes you feel helpless and is a master at manipulating you, but don’t forget the rest of us who are on your side.”

“The throbbing of my jaw is a reminder enough, but yes, I know that now. I’m okay. Really,” I assured him. “I don’t even feel anxious right now.”

“That’s good. She doesn’t rule your life, Bennett.”

“I know. She just knows how to get to me. So easily. That’s still hard to deal with. She and Lee are my only family.”

“That’s not true. I’m your family too, Bennett. We can do this together.”

I peered at him, my disheveled hair falling into my face. “I’m sorry for punching you back, by the way.”

He cracked a grin. “I won’t apologize for punching you. I had to play a part, I guess.”

“Maybe one. But something tells me you were letting off more steam than it just being about me. Is there someone else you’ve been wanting to punch, by chance?”

He jutted his chin up. “No.”

“I don’t know… you packed a lot of punch in your throws.”

“Don’t we have a plan to formulate?”

I decided to let it go. There were more important things to discuss. “We have to prove Brandon’s innocence. If we can do that, Lee and I can contact the board of directors and begin the process of having her removed from her position. But… how do I avoid getting married tomorrow?”

“I don’t know… but we only have twenty-four hours to figure it out.”