Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Her eyes widened.
"Admit that you lied. That you planned to lie. And all will be forgiven."
A part of her wanted to say no. To stand her ground and force him to realize the truth.
But when she thought about how she could risk losing him completely by doing so—-
I can't. I'm sorry, God, but I can't.
And so she heard herself choke out, "I'm sorry, Mas. The moment I heard you say you wanted to go to Ynez, I was terrified you'd realize you want her, not me. B-because how can you—-" It hurt so, so much to say the next words, but she knew she had to. "How can you want s-someone like me when you can have s-someone like Ynez—-"
His arms closed around her, and as Ysabel began to weep, she realized that she didn't know what she was crying for.
Was it because she was relieved Massimo had forgiven her...or was she crying because it felt as if she had just sold her own honor and integrity for love?
Eleven
Julio: I'm so sorry, Ysa. `I didn't know I was talking about you!
Ysabel: How can you not know?!
Julio: Ynez told me it was ROMANA I was talking about. But that I shouldn't mention her name because she's got spies all over the place. So, when I was talking to him that day, I just did what Ynez told me, and I told him that someone close to Ynez had read her diary...
Ysabel: And of course, he automatically assumed you were talking about me.
Julio: I'm so sorry. She paid me to do it, and I figured why not take it since I was just helping her warn her boyfriend about her best friend? I'm so sorry, cuginetta. I'm so, so sorry.
Ysabel: It's not your fault. You trusted Ynez...just like I did.
Julio: Where's Massimo? I can go to him and explain—-
Ysabel: No, it's fine. I don't think it would do any good if you go to him. He's just going to think I found a way to convince you to lie for me.
Julio: I'm so, so sorry. Sono mortificato, chiedo scusa. If you need me to do anything, like anything, just tell me, and I will do it. OK?
ALL EYES WERE ON MASSIMO and Ynez as they occupied one of the few available tables in Boston's most popular Italian restaurant. Ynez had wanted him to visit her house, but he had put his foot down about the necessity of meeting in public.
We can meet anywhere else you wish, he had offered by way of compromise, and of course, Ynez had chosen a place where they were sure to be photographed. She had always been the type to get even and retaliate, whenever she didn't get her way. He had actually forgotten that part about her, and being reminded of it left a bad taste in Massimo's mouth.
He might have only known Ysabel for over a day, but he already knew his fidanzata was not as vindictive. She was not perfect, sì, but the good traits she possessed...were the very ones he had once imagined Ynez to have, only to be disappointed by reality.
And that is more my fault than Ynez's, Massimo thought grimly. Ynez had never asked to be placed on a pedestal, and it was not her fault that their brief but unforgettable encounter in the funhouse had led him to create a false image of her in his mind.
Ynez was struggling to contain her resentment and rage. Massimo had barely said a word in the past hour, not even when she had accused him outright of no longer caring for her. Maybe, it was time to bring out the big guns...
Massimo's jaw clenched when Ynez suddenly started crying. "You're just like them, Mas. You're just like them."
"Do not make this more difficult, Ynez. I already explained I had no choice. Ysabel is now my fidanzata, and it is my duty to protect her—-"
"But to do so at my expense?" she cried out. "How is that fair?"
"That is why I am here, apologizing—-"
"I don't want your apologies, Mas. Can't you see that?" She tried reaching for his hand, and nearly ended up screaming in rage when Massimo drew back as if not wanting her touch. "Why are you acting this way? You're so unfair," she choked out in a sob. "I was with you for five years, and you've known her for what? A fucking matter of hours? Can't you see what she's doing to us? She's evil—-"
"Enough, Ynez."
"No! You have to hear the truth—-"
Massimo had truly had enough, and he cut her off, saying harshly, "If you insist on speaking the truth, then do not act as if you yourself have not done anything wrong."
A shiver crawled down Ynez's spine at the hardened look on her ex-boyfriend's gorgeous face. He had never looked at her like this. Never!