Chapter 8
The next morning, the whole estate was decked out like a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Even the guest house I was staying in got a delivery-
A fancy box of dragun and phoenix–themed pastries.
New product from Laurel’s Patisserie.
Ten bucks a piece.
Frederick clearly pulled out all the stops for this wedding.
The maids and house staff had all been called to the front courtyard to help with setup.
Leaving just one sleepy old housekeeper half dozing by the door.
I played it smart–told them I wasn’t feeling well and stayed inside.
Didn’t want to be anywhere near the main event.
The baby had been taken to the main house early that morning–he had to “meet the guests“]
The bride had even sent over a dress for me.
Peach–pink tulie, barely more than sheer lingerie.
If I actually wore that thing. I’d look like I belonged in some Bourbon Street peep show.
Frederick didn’t say a word. Just let her humillate me.
The nose outside slowly faded.[
I changed into the same plain dress I’d worn when I first moved in. [
Then slipped out of my room quietly.
Everywhere I looked, there was red–ribbons, lanterns, flowers. [
Even the damn dog in the courtyard had a red how around its neck
Had to admit, it was a little funny.
All the camellias were gone, replaced with mimosa.
Lavinia’s favorite, no doubt.
Frederick’s affections were written all over the landscape
The staff rushed by with trays and linens, buzzing about the party and the guest list.
Word was the President himself might make an appearance.[]
My chest tightened.
picked up the pace–needed to get this done before the big names showed up.
Back in the study, the whole room had heen redone.
New furniture, now curtains.
I stood in from of a framed portrait of Lavinia, silent.
stared at her face a thousand times–||
The painting was so detailed, it felt like she might blink. [
The frayed edge at the corner of the canvas told its own story.
He’d touched it often. Missed her, maybe.
But thank God, it didn’t hurt me the way it used to
Once, he’d looked the in the eye and said. [
“Serena, I’ve made progress on your dad’s case.”
“Once I investigate the Secretary’s office, I’ll get you answers.”
And yet, the more he “investigated,”
The closer he got to Lavinia
Those “answers” disappeared like vapor.]
Ed begun to suspect my father’s death was tied to the Secretary’s people.[]
After a half hour of searching, the hallway outside burst into chaos-
“She’s not in the back, front, or any of the roums” []
“No way! She can’t have just vanished into thin air.”
Search again–there has to be somewhere we missed“]
The voices faded as they moved off.
I let out a breath.
Then I accidentally brushed a spot on the wall-
A small click
A hidden panel popped open in the corner of Lavinia’s portrait.
Inside a box
Full of documents
1 flipped through them-
And suddenly, I didn’t envy Lavinia anymore.
She was just a pawn in a deal between Frederick and the Secretary of State.
I tucked the evidence into my sleeve and made my way toward the main house.
A guard saw me and ran off to report.
Frederick showed up a moment later, fuming.
He looked me up and down.
“Where the hell have you been?
“Do you have to cause trouble today of all days?” [
I kept my eyes down
Just walking around. Admiring how well you treat your new wife.” [
He turned and barked,
“Take ber back
I jerked my arm free from the maid.
iny son
“I want to see any so
His tone was sharp, instant.
I laughed, bitter and amused. ||
“What afraid people will think Lavinia was pregnant before the wedding?”
“Or maybe they’ll think you’re mistreating your ex–wife?”
“If even one of your political buddies gets annoyed today. ]]
You know tomorrow there’ll be a formal complaint on the President’s desk” ||
And that shiny new position you’re about to get?” ||
“Someone would love to drag you down over this.”
Frederick’s jaw clenched.
Then he gave a stiff nod.
ព
I took my son back to my room and dismissed the servants.]
Then sat down and went through the Eles
The more I read, the colder I felt.
By the end, my hands were freezing.
Turns out Frederick knew everything-
But kept quiet because the Secretary promised him a cut. []
Thirty percent.
To keep his mouth shut.
Lavinia?
Just leverage, }
Collateral
This marriage was the insurance policy for both of them.
Frederick had once sworn he hated corruption more than anythi
anything.[
Now he was neck deep in it, drunk on the power. []
That was has choice.
And getting exposed would be his consequence
By dusk, the place was a madhouse.
liations perunding, fireworks exploding. [
Trederick code mon baseback like stuse kind of war hero, Lavinia benda him in full brudal glory.
Coaster and cheered–D
“The perfect couple!”
“Power and beauty!”
Then a royal official stepped forward.
“All rise for the President and First Lady!”
Everyone stood, bowing, applauding.
The President had come in persont-
To award Frederick a lifetime military title,
A generational honor.
1 was the kind of promotion that turned careers into legacies
The official began to unroll the certificate.
1hurst through the side gate holding my baby.
“Wait!” I shouted.
“Tobject
