Chapter 44

(A moment of truth)

~Gemini~

The clinking of cutlery made my head spin, and I gripped my fork tightly, stabbing at my chicken as if it had personally wronged me.

Nanny Laura leaned in close and whispered, "Is everything all right, dear? You don't seem to be enjoying your meal. Should I ask the chef to prepare something else for you?"

I turned to her, offering a forced smile. "I'm fine, Nanny, thank you for your concern," I replied, hoping to alleviate her worry.

“How's the divorce proceeding?” My father finally interjected from across the dining table.

"It's still in progress," I replied.

“Hurry up, the fundraiser event is in two days. I don't want to be surrounded by rumors about my daughter,” he admonished.

I maintained my smile, concealing my anger beneath it.

“Uncle Brandon will be in New York next week,” I informed him, waiting for his reaction.

“And why is that?” he inquired curiously.

"I believe you've forgotten, Father, but Mama's memorial mass is approachin