Chapter 54
"You're my daughter; what can you hide from me?" Declan snorted, pulling her to the table.
Elizabeth sat across from him, the smell of roast chicken filling the room, but she felt a pang of sorrow.
That year, a massive rainstorm hit Lisbun, knocking out power everywhere. She tried calling Alexander, but he was with Esme. Desperate, she reached out to Declan. Despite his threats to cut ties, Declan braved the storm, dodging falling branches, to get to the villa and be with her.
The next morning, Declan made her roast chicken. But they had a huge fight over some nasty comments he made about Alexander, and the chicken ended up all over the floor.
Thinking about it, Elizabeth teared up. She'd been fair to Alexander, fair to everyone, except her family who loved her.
"Why are you crying while eating? Is it that good?" Declan asked, confused, taking a bite of the roast chicken. "My cooking hasn't changed, has it? It can't be that good to make you cry."
Elizabeth didn't answer, just kept her head down as tears fell. Sensing something was off, Declan quickly moved to her side. "What's wrong?"
Elizabeth looked up, eyes full of tears, a sight that would break anyone's heart. Only with her family could she be this vulnerable. She hugged Declan tightly and whispered, "Dad, I love you."
Declan paused, then smiled with relief, though he felt sorry for her. The cost of Elizabeth's growth had been too high.
"Everything will be alright," he comforted her. Elizabeth wiped her tears and nodded.
"Lily's birthday's coming up. Got a gift yet?" Declan asked.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Since Alexander's been a jerk, we're cutting ties with the Tudors. We're skipping Lily's party. You can go solo," Declan said.
Lily was the queen bee of Lisbun. With the Tudors bailing on her party and rumors about Alexander cheating, she'd be the talk of the town.
And that's just what Declan wanted! He needed the Tudors to know Elizabeth had backup and wasn't to be messed with.
Elizabeth knew Declan had her back. Before, she'd be mad, thinking Declan was embarrassing the Tudors. Now, she didn't care.
"Alright," she said easily.
"Think you can handle it?" Declan asked.
Elizabeth grinned, "Totally. Dad, I'm grown up now. I can handle this! I'll make sure to put on a good show at Lily's party!"
She wouldn't let the Percy family lose face, and she wouldn't let herself get humiliated.
"Finish your meal and get some rest. If you don't have plans, just stay home and chill. Don't wander around," Declan said.
"I've got plans," Elizabeth smiled.
Declan eyed her, thinking he knew her too well. That smile meant she was up to something.
The next day at noon...
Esme had learned her lesson and didn't show up early. She walked in right at noon. When Elizabeth spotted her entering the bar, she left her booth, pretending to bump into her by accident. Their shoulders brushed, and Esme turned to see Elizabeth.
Esme was speechless. Why was Elizabeth here again? She felt like she had the worst luck running into her.
"Ms. Russell, here again? Looking for Glory M?" Elizabeth butted in.
Esme's face tightened. She checked the time, thinking Glory M should be arriving soon. He had already stood her up yesterday; he wouldn't do it again today.
With that thought, Esme replied coolly, "Yeah, our chat yesterday wasn't satisfying, so we set up another meeting today."
"Can I meet him too?" Elizabeth squinted, looking eager and a bit too friendly.
