Page 111 of Hannah.
Conrad's expression softens, and he reaches across the table to take my free hand. I resist the urge to pull away. “I know it's hard to understand, but like I told you before, this is the best option for both of their families. This is what is best for him.”
There’s logic in what he’s saying, but I’m well past being logical about all of this. “You can say that a million times and it still isn’t going to make a lot of sense to me, Conrad.”
“Things are different in the Netherlands?”
I consider the generations of unapproved matches that endured because of love—Andries and Roxanne, Mom and Dad, my uncle and his wife in America—and shrug. “Yes and no. Parents are always trying to make the right matches for their children, but I guess we’re quite a bit more stubborn because it seems once we have our hearts set on someone, nothing can stop us.”
“From what I know of you, stubborn sounds about right.” Conrad's tone is light. There's plenty of room for this conversation to descend into dark, heavy places, but I have a feeling he’s trying his best to avoid that. “But speaking of their party, would you like to come with me? I’d love to have you on my arm.”
There’s a lot left unsaid in that question. I know he’s really sayingI know how awkward this would be for you to attend on your own, and his concern is sweet. Johan is his best friend, andhe still has room to be worried about me. It’d be much easier to skip the party altogether, but there is a twisted part of me that wants to show up in my most fitted dress, looking immaculate and hanging all over Conrad like he’s the most gorgeous and desirable man in the world. If Johan feels even an ounce of jealousy, it will be worth it.
But then I look at Conrad’s caring, honest face and dial my revenge fantasies back a little. Maybe less hanging all over him and more treating him with the respect he deserves. After all, he didn’t do anything wrong. And I’m sure he’ll be a lovely date.
I can still look incredible, though. Having Johan see me with another man while looking as enticing as possible is revenge enough.
“You’re quiet,” Conrad points out, interrupting my thoughts. “I get the feeling you don’t want to go. But there's no one I’d rather have as my plus one.”
It’s the final push I need. It might break my heart to go, but I won’t give Johan the satisfaction of thinking I was too afraid to attend. “Okay, yes. I'll go with you.”
Conrad’s grin is dazzling. “Wonderful. It'll be a night to remember.”
I hope so, one way or the other.
After dinner, Conrad insists on escorting me all the way back to my dorm. Ginger and some of the other student residents are in the common room and give me discreet thumbs up when Conrad's back is turned. They'll be sorely disappointed when he comes back down alone because his adventure is going to stop at my door whether he likes it or not. I’m in no headspace to let himinto my dorm. Not that I think he would be pushy, but I don't want to give him the wrong idea, either.
We stop in front of my door, my back to it, so Conrad knows exactly where his stopping point is. “Thank you for the lovely time, Conrad. I really needed it.”
“Anytime. Truly. It’s the least I could do after everything you’ve been through.” His gaze is searching, and for a moment, I worry he’s going to ask about the details of my relationship with Johan. Does he suspect anything?
He doesn’t, instead opting for a polite, friendly smile. “I’m very much looking forward to taking you to the party. If there’s anything you need, please let me know. I'll be happy to assist in whatever way I can.”
“Just let me know if there is any certain color you’re wearing so we don’t clash too terribly. No bright orange or yellow suits, please,” I joke with a smile.
“Deal. Though, I’m sure you’d look stunning no matter what.”
The compliment is innocent, but it makes me blush all the same. “Goodnight, Conrad.”
He lifts my hand and kisses it, lingering for a fraction of a second longer than appropriate. “Sweet dreams, Hannah.”
I watch him turn around and walk a few steps away. Taking a deep breath, a sudden urge forms in the back of my mind, causing me to call out to him, “Conrad?”
He stops and turns on his heel, curiosity etched on his face. I walk towards him, stop in front of him, and lean in to give him a long, tender kiss on the cheek. “Thank you so much for everything.”
Conrad looks stunned but takes it well, simply nodding in appreciation while maintaining his composed demeanor.
“Sleep well, Hannah.” He leaves the building without making any further advances, which only deepens my respect for him.
Well, I made it through the date. I’m moving on with my life. And now, I’m attending the party with a proper escort. Johan must know that Conrad is interested in me, and anything I can do to twist the knife a little more gives me a dark thrill of satisfaction.
Inside, I drop my bag by the door and kick my shoes off, planning to spend the rest of the evening relaxing when I hear my phone chime. I assume it's Ginger telling me they're leaving for stargazing, but when I pull the device out of my pocket, I have a message from an unknown number instead. The anonymous sender's message is short and to the point.
Unknown: Fellow's Garden at Clare College in 45 minutes. Come alone.
This time, when the thrill zips through me, it isn't a thrill of revenge—it’s anticipation. Because who else would want to meet me in private in a nearby garden except for Johan?
With my heart pounding, I swiftly grab my things, pull my shoes back on, and run out the door. Maybe…just maybe…he’s finally come to his senses.
The garden is empty, and the only sound is the gentle rustle of the trees in the wind. Fellow's Garden is well-lit, but the center of the path is still obscured by shadow. It’s a cloudless, starry evening, but I hardly have time to admire the beauty of the clear sky.