Second Chance Scandal

“Sophie, I promise it’s something you’re going to love.”

“Fine.” With a defeated expression, I turned around to face him, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

When he pulled a ring box out from the inside of his suit jacket, I gasped, “Jax…”

He didn’t pay me any mind, ordering, “Let me see your hand.”

“Why?”

“Either you give me your hand, or I’m going to take it, and we both know how much you love me taking things from you.”

I inhaled one more deep breath, holding up my right hand for him to take.

“Your other hand.”

“If this is what I think it is, I’m definitely going to want to strangle you.”

Instead of lifting my left hand for him, he reached over and grabbed it himself.

“Jax…”

“Relax, I know my girl.”

I ignored his remark, following the movement of his fingers as he slid a 1920’s style diamond down my ring finger. I gasped at its beauty. It had a marquee center surrounded by a cluster of diamonds with baguettes covering the sides, making it look like a snowflake.

Shaking my head, I stared at the ring in amazement. “I can’t believe you remember.”

“I think about that night often. I remember walking by the library and being drawn to the way you were reading. You looked so unbelievably captivated, and it was almost like you were part of the story. Your eyes were sparkling, and you had the most enticing smile written across your face. I had to stop and talk to you.” He gazed down at the ring. “Does Baby Soph approve of her Daisy Buchanan-inspired ring?”

I snatched my hand away. “Why are you doing this to me?”

“I’m not trying to be malicious, Sophie. I wanted you to wear something you’d love. That’s all.”

“No, you’re trying to mess with my head, Jax. You’re the king of mind games, and this ring doesn’t change the fact that this is a fake marriage. Do you understand me?”

“I was just trying to do something nice for you.”

“This is too much. It’s huge! How many karats is this?”

“Seven.”

“Seven? Are you insane? How much did that cost you?”

“You’ve got to be the first bride who’s ever complained about her wedding ring being too big.”

“Bride?” I repeated, standing my ground, even though I loved the ring.

It was perfect.

It was exactly what I would have wanted had this been a real engagement. I couldn’t believe he did this for me, and if I let it go, he wouldn’t stop. He’d buy me a whole damn island if he thought it would make me love him again. He was charming like that. Money was never an issue for Jax.

Needing to remind him of the truth, I added, “I’m not a bride.”

“Says the woman who’s wearing a wedding dress.”

“For pictures, Jax! This isn’t a real wedding. We’re not saying, ‘I do’, to each other. We’re simply signing our names on a marriage license, and that’s the extent of this charade. Stop trying to make this feel real. It’s not. How many times am I going to need to remind you of that?”

Out of nowhere, the sound of helicopters vibrated off his bedroom walls.