Chapter One Hundred and Eight
Malachi's POV
Dinner time came and Cecilia couldn't walk on her injured ankle. I found myself carrying her down the stairs, her arms wrapped around my neck for balance. She was light, but the closeness felt awkward, like I was playing a role in a bad play. Her perfume was too sweet, clinging to me in a way that made me think of obligations, not desire.
"I'm so sorry about this," she said. "I feel ridiculous."
"It's fine. Just hold on."
The family was already gathering in the dining room when we arrived. I set Cecilia down in her chair carefully. Made sure her ankle was elevated on a cushion one of the staff provided. She gave me a grateful look, but it did nothing for me. This was all pretend, a cover to make sure she got her inheritance. After that, all of this would be over.
