Chapter 28 Thated packing . I stared at the open suitcase on the bed , trying to ignore how tense I felt . Ever since the meeting , I had mostly avoided Pick , Meals Shared spaces . Conversations . I only spoke to him when I had to , and he didn't seem eager to change that either . Ifolded one of my sweaters and shoved it into the bag harder than necessary . Behind me , little feet padded into the room . " Mommy , where are you going ? " Lena asked . I turned around and tried to smile , even though I hated how small her voice sounded . " Just for a few days , baby , " I said , I knelt down so we were eye - level . " Just one week , then I'm coming right back . " Her lips cu curled downward . She clutched her stuffed fox to her chest . " You just got back , " she said , pouting . I pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her curls . " I know . I hate it too . " " Then don't go ." My throat tightened . " I have to , but I promise , when I get back , we're doing a mommy - daughter trip , just us . Wherever you want . Ice cream , movie night , pent for dinner anything " Her eyes lit up . " Even chocolate pancakes ? " " Even those ." I knelt down and wrapped my arms around her , burying my face in her curls . She clung to me like she didn't want to let go , and I hated how familiar that felt . Every time I left , it got harder , I kissed her cheek and held her tighter . I didn't say it out loud , but I thought it . Please don't let this change us Please let her still look at me the same , even after all of this Joining this family had twisted everything , but I needed her to stay untouched by it . She was the only part that still felt pure , I was hoping for something completely different when I stuck out with this plan . We hugged longer than usual . When she finally let go , I walked back to the suitcase and zipped it shut . A light knock came on the door . One of the house staff stood there holding a box . " Mr. Rick had this prepared for you , " she said , I took it , raising an eyebrow . " Let me guess Lingerie again ? " I teased but quickly clearing my throat at the widened eyes the way she looked at me She smiled awkwardly and left me alone with the mystery box . Chapter 25 I placed it on the bed and opened it slowly . Not lingerie . Definitely not lingerie . It was packed . Like … fully packed . First aid kit , rain poncho , socks , portable charger , travel toiletries , a heavy flashlight and even hug spray I stared at it for a full minute and almost burst into laughter wondering why on earth he had packed so much for me for such a shirt trip " It's a retreat , not a war zone , " Imuttered . Still , I packed most of it into my duffel , feeling weirdly conflicted about the thoughtfulness buried under all that bossy , unreadable Rick energy . Downstairs , Rick was already at the car . His father was by the door , arms crossed , waiting . I kept my head high . He didn't even greet me , just spoke the moment I approached . " During this trip , you are representing this family and this company . I expe you to act accordingly . " tame lait. " I smiled . " Of course . I always follow rules that are His jaw ticked . Rick opened the door for me without a word . I slid in . He followed . The car ride was quiet . Again . He looked out the window most of the time . I didn't even try to start conversation . Every time I glanced at him , he was calm and collected Like everything about this trip was just business . Hours passed . Eventually , the scenery changed . The road narrowed . Trees began to close in , thick and tall and green as the car slowed on a winding dirt path . We arrived at the lodge just after noon . The air was cooler here , fresher , scented with pine and earth . Rick pot out first . I followed . My boots sank slightly into the soft dirt . He walked ahead , long strides , but he didn't forget I was behind him . His hand came up once to push a low branch out of my way without a word . Another time , he paused so I could catch up when the trail narrowed . Still nothing spoken . We reached the clearing just ahead of the mairy lodge where the partner company had already arrived . People were gathered in groups . A few tables were set up near the back . A giant bonfire pit sat unlit in the middle of the space . A tall woman with red nails and a clipboard began calling out names . Rick stood tall , scanning the crowd Then I saw her . Chapter 25 Benita My stomach dropped . She looked perfect . Not a hair out of place and the moment her eyes landed on Pick , her smile curled upward fell I turned , ready to walk away before I said something stupid . I hated that he was pulling m woman I never knew existed . Rick's hand gripped mine . I stopped instantly . His hold wasn't casual . It was firm , grounding , fingers locked around mine in a way that made it impossible to pull scene . you doing ? " I looked back at him , brows furrowed . " What are y But he wasn't looking at me , he was looking behind me . His eyes were sharp , full of something cold and dangerous . It made my skin crawl . I followed his gaze and there he was Andrew . Standing at the far end of the clearing ring in a tailored jacket and boots , clipboard under one arm , talking to one of the camp lead My stomach dropped again , lower this time . He looked up and smiled when he saw me and right then , I knew . This was going to be one really long ass trip E Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!