The-Wrong-Bride-Ares--Raven’s-story-(Maura,-Catharina)_bibis

Chapter Twelve
ARES
I tighten my grip on my phone, my anger simmering just below the surface. “You know how Grandma
feels about our weekly dinners. What do you mean, you can’t make it?” I ask Hannah.
“I’m sorry, Ares. I’m stuck in a meeting.” She sounds apologetic, but it just doesn’t ring true to
me.
“You’re stuck in a meeting every single week, Han. I’m tired of making excuses for you.” It’s
obvious that my grandmother hasn’t been happy with Hannah recently. She made that abundantly clear
during our breakfast date this week, and I’m done defending Hannah.
She has shown no real interest in our wedding, and she’s constantly declining invitations to spend
time with Grandma. Family is important to me, and it’s the one thing I need us to be on the same page
about. But we aren’t. Nothing is more important to Hannah than her career, and I’m worried that
won’t change once we get married.
“Ares, I’m already sacrificing so much by getting married to you. Are you seriously kidding me
right now? Do you know how many roles I’ve had to decline because we can’t get our schedules to
align? Why can’t you be more supportive?”
I grit my teeth and run a hand through my hair. “How could I possibly be any more supportive,
Han? I’ve agreed to keep our relationship a secret for years so you wouldn’t be accused of nepotism
by your colleagues — or inundated with gossip pieces about me handing you the roles that build your
career. I’ve supported you from the sidelines, quietly, and all I’ve asked for in return is that same
level of support. I don’t need you to support my career, Han, but I need you here with my family. I
need you to be there for our weekly dinners, and I need you to attend some of our charity brunches
every once in a while. I need you to start acting like we’re a family.”
“Ares,” she snaps. “Are you seriously trying to say that you built my career for me? You may have
given me the roles I wanted, but I wouldn’t have succeeded if I wasn’t talented. Don’t take that away
from me.”
I look up at the ceiling and inhale shakily. “You aren’t listening to me,” I say, my voice soft. “I
never said I built your career, Hannah. I said I gave you the roles that allowed you to do so. There’s
countless talent, but there are few opportunities. I’ve literally invested in entire movies just because
you wanted a specific role. I’ve never asked you for anything in return, but I’m asking you now. I need