Chapter 16. Running Late

Tiara POV

It was time to see Mara once more. She was the only person who would listen to me without judging. She was now sort of caught in the middle of the storm, and all my stress and complaining fell on her.

“I’m a fool.” I moaned. “A complete and total imbecile”

Mara was lying on the couch and greedily puffing on a cigarette

“I don’t think that’s ever been in question.” She joked, putting out the cigarette in the ashtray on the table.

“You’re so mean to me! I’m going down with the ship and you’re making fun of me!”

Mara grinned wryly

“Your life will not end. Stop whining. You’re only getting married to a man for his money”

I gave her a puzzled look.

“You know it is not for financial gain. I’m doing it for my mum since I’m not yet a well-known enough painter to afford luxury. And I can’t afford the luxury of paying for her treatment.”

“Oh, and you thought to squeeze this one for money?”

“Stop it! You are making me