Alexander caught up, pressing a bar of dark chocolate into my palm.
!
“I’ve always respected your decisions.” ”
“Your choices are yours to make.”
“Even if you’d chosen him today, I would have accepted that.”
“What if this is all just a ploy for sympathy?” I asked irritably.
His confident smile never wavered. “You’re stronger than that.”
I turned in my seat to study his face.
1/3
+28 BONUS
His hands moved smoothly over the leather steering wheel as we rounded a corner.
“If you were the type to be easily swayed, I wouldn’t have had to chase you halfway around the world, would I?”
I laughed, feeling lighter.
Yes, I owed Lucas for saving me. But his constant Indecision had caused enough pain.
Let today’s rescue settle all debts between us.
Alexander’s fingers found mine, intertwining them gently.
“Don’t forget – dinner with my parents this weekend.”
I smiled and squeezed his hand.
–
Just before leaving for the weekend, my phone rang the nurse sounding frantic. “Miss Tucker, Mr. Larson’s running a fever and refusing to eat. We can’t get him to…”
I
sighed, pausing before answering. “That’s what doctors are for. He’s in a hospital – they won’t let anything happen to him.”
Alexander stifled a laugh.
I shot him a look and ended the call.
We pulled up to an estate that looked straight out of a magazine.
I gaped at the mansion before us, momentarily stunned.
“How did you never mention your family was this wealthy?”
Alexander looked surprised, then chuckled. “I thought the Garnett name would have given it away.”
That’s when it clicked
–
the Garnetts were the wealthiest family in town.
!
I walked into the mansion feeling like an imposter, but Mrs. Garnett immediately put me at
ease.
She was refreshingly down–to–earth, welcoming me with a warm hug.
Then she pressed a stunning diamond bracelet into my hand.
“Just a small welcome gift. We’ll find something more special for the formal engagement.”
The dinner was lovely.
Though it was interrupted by another call from the nurse while I was in the powder room –
2/3
Chapter
Lucas wanted to see me one last time.
Against my better judgment, I agreed.
After dinner, Alexander drove me to the hospital
Before I got out, he pulled me close.
The kiss was long and tender, leaving both our lips
“Don’t let him manipulate you.
Hearing his concern, I gave him a soft kiss.
“Never again.”
In the sterile hospital room, I sat beside Lucas in s
He didn’t speak, just looked at me as tears rolled d
I waited quietly, letting him cry.
Chapter 9
Lucas wanted to see me one last time.
Against my better judgment, I agreed.
After dinner, Alexander drove me to the hospital
Before I got out, he pulled me close.
The kiss was long and tender, leaving both our lips tingling.
“Don’t let him manipulate you.‘
Hearing his concern, I gave him a soft kiss.
“Never again.”
In the sterile hospital room, I sat beside Lucas in silence.
He didn’t speak, just looked at me as tears rolled down his cheeks.
I waited quietly, letting him cry.
