Ch. 11..20

Chapter 11 Jace turned, his eyes wide with surprise, quickly replaced by anger. "Rea, try to be reasonable. Tanya-"

"I'm your fiancée!" I cut him off.

Saying that made me feel so pathetic. Watching TV, I always thought the heroine in these scenes was too weak, that it wasn't worth arguing with a jerk. Now that it was happening to me, I got it. "Tanya is pregnant; I can't let anything happen to her! Jace said, stepping back.

After a few steps, he turned and ran outside.

In the end, he chose her over me.

Sitting there, I saw him catch up to Tanya. They were pulling at each other, and finally, Tanyal clung to him and fell into his arms.

I lowered my head, unable to watch any longer.

Whether there was anything between them or not, his choice today gave me the answer to my wavering heart.

I barely touched the food but ended up paying the three-hundred-dollar bill.

Instead of going back to Jace's place, I went to Lena's.

"Are you really breaking up with him? Lena, the amazing gynecologist, asked as she gave me a massage to ease my period cramps. She could heal my body, but not my heart.

"Yes," I said, lying on her bed, out of her sight, my eyes red-rimmed.

"Breaking up with him won't be that easy." Lena paused before adding, "Don't forget, you're still working for him."

"I'll quit!" I had thought about this on my way over.

Lena nodded. "Alright, but even if you quit and stop working for Jace, what about his family? They raised you for so many years.

"You can't just cut ties with them because of a breakup, right?

"As long as you stay connected with his family, you won't be able to sever ties with Jace."

Her words struck a chord. She was right. I owed the Johnstons ten years of care and support. "This has nothing to do with it. I'll explain everything to Lindey. I can still be her goddaughter," I said Lena didn't say much after that, just added, "No matter what decision you make, I'll support you." That night, I turned off my phone.

I fell asleep without any sad thoughts, and when I woke up, Lena had already prepared breakfast. "Creamy avocado soup, packed with Vitamin B3, Lena said, glancing at my face. "Drink up."

I didn't disappoint her. I had two bowls and ate two poached eggs.

Lena had the early shift today, and I needed to go to the office, so we left together. But as soon as we got downstairs, we saw Jace leaning against his car, holding a bouquet of white. roses.

"Here comes the apology," Lena nudged me.

As she passed Jace, she remarked, "You really picked the wrong time to upset her, Mr. Johnston, Got it?"

With that, she moved on, leaving Jace to approach me.

"I'm sorry about last night," Jace said, extending the flowers toward me.

I didn't take them. "Jace, we're done."

I had already said it last night, and I wasn't going to take it back just because he was being nice now.

Chapter 12 Jace's face stiffened slightly. "Last night, I was worried something might happen to Tanya. You know Desmond was his parents' only son. Now, the baby she's carrying is their whole. hope. If something went wrong..." He didn't finish, but I got it.

"So, as long as it's about her, you'll always put her first, right?" I asked coldly.

Jace was quiet for a couple of seconds before he said, "Once the baby's born, things will be different."

I laughed.

As I turned my head, the rising sun stung my eyes.

baby I looked at him. 'Jace, even after the baby's born, there will be other problems. The might get sick or have accidents. As long as you can use this kid as an excuse, you and Tanya will always be tangled up, and I'll always be the one you leave behind." Jace didn't say anything.

I made my stance clear. "Jace, after getting married, I don't want my husband taking care of another woman every few days."

"Rea, give me some time. I'll sort this out." Jace's eyes showed conflict.

"What is there to sort out? She's someone else's wife. Even if she needs help, it doesn't have to be from you. And..." I paused, then continued, "Desmond had other close friends too, right? Like Steve and a few others. Why are you the only one so involved?" Jace's expression changed. "Because I was the only one with Desmond when the accident happened."

Hearing the pain in his voice and knowing his guilt over Desmond's death, I asked, "Jace, did you do something to Desmond?"

"Rea, Jace said coldly, "do you really want to keep this up?"

"Yes, because it's affecting me now." I pursed my lips before I continued, "If you need to take care of your friend's widow so badly, then let's break up.

"This way, you won't have to choose between me and Tanya.

'Besides...

"...you're not interested in me anymore, so why make it hard on yourself?"

As I said it, I realized how deeply Jace's words the other day had hurt me.

1/2 "Rea!" Jace's anger spiked.

After a moment, he asked coldly, "Break up? Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," I replied without hesitation.

"Fine, don't regret it," Jace said, turning around and tossing the white roses into the trash.

He walked away. I stared at the discarded roses, my eyes stinging with sadness and anger.

"Don't regret it." Those three words revealed his true thoughts-he believed I could never leave him. I muttered inwardly, 'So, that's why he thinks he can keep hurting me."

Even though Jace and I had a falling out, I was still his employee and had to keep working. including handing over my duties.

I didn't quit right away because I wanted to finish the project I was working on, especially the amusement park project.

I had proposed this project, and it meant a lot to me.

Every year, 1 Before my parents died, I was a happy girl, loved dearly by both of them. took me to different amusement parks.

My dad had once said he would build an amusement park for me someday. But after he and my mom died in a car accident, I became an orphan.

A year ago, Jace bought a new piece of land. When we were discussing what to do with it, I suggested building an amusement park. To my surprise, he agreed and put me in charge.

I was grateful to him for that. He had allowed me to fulfill my dad's wish.

I had dreamed of the day the amusement park opened, riding the Ferris wheel with Jace, and telling my late parents not to worry about me, that I was happy and loved.

Now, it seemed that dream wouldn't come true.

Chapter 13 The amusement park was almost finished, and I didn't want to bail at such a crucial time.

Around noon, while I was organizing my stuff, Demi came up to me with a weird look on her face. "Keira, are you on your period?" I stared at her. "Why? Am I not allowed to?"

"No, no." Demi shook her head frantically. "I mean, Mr. Johnston's been in a terrible mood today. Guess he's just sexually frustrated."

I paused, then realized what she meant.

I tapped her head with my pen. "Focus on your work during work hours and stop with the nonsense."

Demi giggled and handed me the report we reviewed at the site yesterday. "I'm not just making this up. Everyone's scared of Mr. Johnston today. Anyone who went into his office. came out looking miserable."

I remembered Jace angrily throwing the roses in the trash this morning. I couldn't tell if he was in a bad mood because I didn't let him off the hook like I usually do, or if it was because I talked about breaking up. "Did you guys have a fight?" Demi pried.

Snapping back to reality, I shot her a look. "Get back to work, or you'll be the next one looking miserable."

After shooing Demi away, I sat there for a moment, lost in thought, then got back to organizing my work. I reviewed and edited Demi's report and sent it to Jace.

He didn't reply, and I didn't follow up.

Around three in the afternoon, I went to the break room to grab some water and ran into Jace. His expression was as dark as Demi had described, and it got even worse when he saw me.

I greeted him anyway. "Mr. Johnston, please review the report I sent. If there are no issues, I'll inform the partners."

He ignored me and walked away.

I didn't dwell on it. Back in my office, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number. "Hello?"

"Keira, it's me," Tanya's voice came through the line.

J wondered why she was calling me. Before I could ask, she said, 'I'm at the café downstairs from your office. Can we meet?"

'Didn't we just meet last night?' I thought, so I declined. "I'm at work. If you have something to say, say it now."

"Then I'll wait until you get off."

I underestimated her stubbornness. But I knew this was just a tactic to force me to meet her. I didn't indulge her. "Fine, wait all you want."

True to my word, I continued working. It wasn't until everyone had left for the day that I headed to the café, surprised to find Tanya still there.

I walked over but soon heard familiar footsteps behind me. Jace strode past me, heading straight to Tanya.

"Jace!" Tanya called out, looking both excited and flustered.

"What are you doing here?" Jace's face remained stern.

I had no choice but to keep walking. "She came to see me."

Jace's expression grew colder. Tanya quickly explained, "Jace, don't get the wrong idea. I came to explain things to Keira about yesterday. I don't want you two to have any misunderstandings because of me.

I smirked. 'This bitch certainly knows how to play her cards. She deliberately ruined my with Jace last night, and now she's playing the peacemaker."

date "Our issues are none of your concern. If you really don't want to cause problems between us, stay home and stop running around!" Jace scolded Tanya, which surprised me. BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you

Chapter 14 Tanya's face went pale, tears welling up in her eyes, making her look so pitiful. "Jace, you're tired of me, aren't you?" she asked, tears starting to fall. Jace stayed silent, a cold aura around him.

"But if Desmond were still here, I wouldn't be bothering you..." Tanya's voice had a desperate edge.

"Being bothered by you is one thing, but don't bother her," Jace said, referring to me.

It looked like they were about to argue. I didn't know if I should stay or leave.

"I get it. I won't bother you anymore, or her," Tanya said, turning abruptly and walking out.

This time, Jace didn't chase after her. He turned to me instead. I lowered my head slightly and started to walk away.

Jace followed closely behind me. As we stepped out of the café, a loud screeching of brakes caught our attention.

We both looked up to see Tanya being hit by a car coming out of a car park.

*Tanya!" Jace yelled, running toward her.

I hesitated for a few seconds, then followed him, "Jace, the baby..." Tanya's face was pale, one hand on her stomach, the other gripping Jace's arm tightly.

I scoffed inwardly, 'Didn't she just say she wouldn't bother him anymore? Now, she acts like he's her lifeline. She should really consider a career in acting.

The driver who had hit Tanya was our employee. He was panicking and kept saying, "Mr. Johnston, she just ran in front of the car!"

"Get lost!" Jace shouted, picking Tanya up and rushing toward his car.

It was rush hour, and employees were coming and going. Everyone saw what happened, and whispers had already started.

"Mr. Johnston seems really worried about that woman. Who is she?"

"That's not the point. She mentioned a baby..."

"Oh my God, did Mr. Johnston get her pregnant and now she's here?"

"Shh, lower your voice. Be careful, his fiancée might hear."

They stopped talking as soon as they saw me approaching. The few gossiping girls looked.

scared and quickly walked away.

I didn't hold it against them. As the company's big boss, Jace was naturally a topic of interest when employees gossiped.

I walked over to the employee who hit Tanya. He still had his intern badge on. "What happened?"

Seeing me, the intern, pale and trembling, explained, "Ms. Kay, she ran out suddenly..."

I had seen Tanya's emotional state earlier. "It's not your fault. There are cameras all around. here. Don't be too nervous."

Everyone in the company knew I was Jace's assistant and his fiancée. My words seemed to calm the intern a bit. "Thank you, Ms. Kay!"

"Go back inside. Any issues will probably be dealt with tomorrow," I reassured him before walking away.

I then called Lena and told her about Tanya's situation, finishing with, "Let me know her condition later."

"Why do you care so much? You weren't the one who hit her," Lena said, puzzled.

I paused for a couple of seconds. "The person who hit her is a company employee. I don't want him to get dragged into this." Comments

Chapter 15 Lena sensed I wasn't telling the whole truth but didn't press further. "Alright, I'll let you know if there's any news. By the way, where are you going tonight? If you don't want to go back to the Johnston residence, you can stay at my place." Lena was on the night shift tonight, so staying at her place made the most sense.

II really didn't want to go back to the Johnston residence, especially since Jace and I were sharing a room now.

But crashing at Lena's place forever wasn't a great idea either. Even though she didn't have a boyfriend, everyone needs their own space.

"Alright," I agreed. Until I found somewhere else, her place was better than hotel.

Even though I had a spot at Lena's for the night, I didn't head straight there. Instead, I drove to Emberholm.

Emberholm was an old town, but it was still home to a lot of people, mostly renters, because the rent was cheap.

I came here because my parents' apartment was here. Before my parents passed away, the three of us lived here. Back then, it wasn't an old town yet; it was booming and in a prime spot. But in ten years, the place had really gone downhill.

Most of the apartments and houses in our neighborhood were rented out now, but ours stayed the same. My parents' clothes and shoes were still right where they left them.

Whenever I missed them, I'd come here. But lately, I hadn't visited much.

It was like they were fading from my life and memory.

It took me about half an hour to drive there. I grabbed the keys from the glove compartment. and headed upstairs to unlock the door.

As soon as I walked in, the musty smell hit me. Dust covered everything. The electricity had been shut off since no one had been here in so long.

Fortunately, I had the account number for the electricity bill, so I paid it, and soon the power was restored.

With the lights on, I walked through each room, ending up in my bedroom, looking at the pink bedspread. Suddenly, I made a decision: I didn't need to stay anywhere else. 1 could just stay here.

Sure, it was a thirty-minute drive, but that wasn't too far. It usually took me that long to commute from the Johnston residence to the office anyway.

With this new plan in mind, I started cleaning right away. I worked until ten at night to get the apartment in order.

My phone stayed silent, except for one message from Lena: [Tanya and her baby are fine.] Good. That meant the intern wouldn't get fired.

That night, I slept in my parents' apartment. Surprisingly, I didn't feel scared at all; I actually slept really well.

The next morning, instead of heading to the office, I went to the amusement park. While reviewing the report yesterday, I had noticed a discrepancy between the actual construction and the original design and wanted to check it out in person. Sure enough, the inspection revealed a deviation from the design. I called the project manager over, and we discussed modification plans on-site. By the time we finished, it was already noon.

I decided to go to the mall to pick up some supplies for the apartment. While choosing bed linens, I ran into Tanya.

Apparently, she was fine despite her dramatic panic yesterday. It was obvious now that her performance was just to make Jace worry. And it worked.

Jace had denied having any special feelings for her, and I believed him. But now, I realized his concern for Tanya was not normal.

Tanya was talking to the sales assistant, explaining her preferences. "Nothing too flashy. Something mature and classy, with a bit of an understated vibe." "Miss, is this for your boyfriend?" the sales assistant asked.

Tanya just smiled and didn't answer.

'Boyfriend?' I was confused but didn't say anything. Instead, I moved to another section to pick out my bed linens.

We ended up crossing paths again. As the sales assistant was ringing up my purchase, Tanya came over to pay. When she handed over her card, I froze.

It was Jace's supplementary card.

BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free lou you

Chapter 16 "Keira, please don't get the wrong idea."

Tanya's words almost made me laugh.

Remembering what she said earlier about her "boyfriend's" preference for bed linens, it turned out she was talking about Jace.

"Is this for Jace?" I asked, glancing at the bed linens she picked. Blue and gray-totally his favorite colors.

But that was back then. Now, thanks to me, his taste had brightened up a lot.

Tanya bit her lip and hesitated for a few seconds before shaking her head. "No, don't wrong idea, it's for my brother."

get the I was too tired to deal with her games, so I cut to the chase. "So Jace is moving in with you now?"

Didn't he say he couldn't let Tanya's baby get hurt? Watching over her all the time seemed like the next step.

"How can you say that?" Tanya snapped.

"You're even buying his bed linens. How can I not say that?" I shot back, mocking her.

"You're too jealous. Jace won't like that," she replied, making me laugh.

"Why are you laughing?" Her innocent, wary eyes were fixed on me.

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Even if Jace likes me, no one can resist being seduced."

"Don't be so harsh," Tanya snapped, her face turning red.

"Isn't that the case? Yesterday, you said you came to the company to explain things to me, but you really wanted to see Jace, right?"

Even though I didn't think about it last night and slept well, I realized the truth when I woke up.

Tanya showing up at the company, deliberately getting hit by a car, making Jace worry and carry her in front of everyone-these were all her plans.

Tanya widened her eyes, pretending to be innocent, and shook her head. "How can you think. that of me?"

"Then explain why Jace was at the café yesterday?" I demanded.

Tanya fell silent, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes as I exposed her.

1/2 "If you want to be with Jace, do it on your own. Don't use me as a steppingstone. And..." 1 paused for a moment, then continued, "I've already broken up with him." "What?" Tanya looked genuinely shocked.

"Thanks to you," I added.

"By the way, the dinner with the foie gras the other night-I paid for it. If we're splitting the bill, you owe me a third, or you can pay Jace's share too." I held out my phone.

Tanya's expression darkened. "I don't have any money in my digital wallet right now."

I didn't believe her and was a bit surprised.

"Since Desmond's accident, no one has been giving me money. Otherwise, I wouldn't be using Jace's card," Tanya said pitifully.

Whether true or not, insisting on the money would make me seem heartless.

"Forget it then," I said, pulling back my phone.

But Tanya stopped me. "How about this- I'll add you and transfer it to you later."

""No need!"

"No, I insist," Tanya persisted, pulling out her phone.

Seeing her determination, I had a thought and opened my phone for her to scan my QR code. As she sent the friend request, I said, "You just want to add me so you can post stuff to disgust me, right?" Tanya's eyes lit up for a moment. "Keira, don't think so badly of people."

"Hopefully, you prove me wrong," I replied, putting my phone away and walking off.

Chapter 17 Although Tanya's presence had been annoying, it didn't ruin my appetite. I enjoyed a large plate of creamy pasta before heading back to the office.

As soon as I got there, I received a call from Lindey. I hadn't been home for two days, so it was normal for her to call. "Hey, Lindey."

"Rea, don't stay at your friend's place too long. Come home tonight. I made gnocchi with cumin and ground beef," Lindey said, making me smile. already.com It seemed Jace had already come up with an excuse for my absence.

I had decided to move back to the apartment in Emberholm, so I had to go to the Johnston place to pack my stuff. I told Lindey, "I'll be back tonight," and left it at that.

As the workday was ending, Demi came up to me. "Keira, you doing okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" I asked, puzzled.

"Office gossip. Ignore it. I've seen how much Mr. Johnston cares about you," Demi said, hiding her phone behind her back.

"Hand it over," I said, my tone serious.

Reluctantly, Demi gave me her phone and opened their private gossip group. The stuff they were talking about was similar to what I had heard yesterday, but there were also details about Tanya and Jace's past. Turns out they were college classmates, along with Desmond. There were even rumors about a love triangle back in the day.

I hadn't known any of this. Even if it was just gossip, there might be some truth to it.

After giving Demi her phone back, I drove off. But instead of heading to the Johnston residence, I went to see Steve at his pool hall.

When I arrived, he was playing billiards and invited me to join. "Want to play a few games?"

I had been here before with Jace. He was the one who taught me how to play pool.

[ I took off my coat, grabbed a cue, and joined Steve.

"Not bad, you've learned from the best," he said, complimenting Jace.

"Did you go to college with Jace?" I asked as I lined up my shot.

"Yeah, why do you ask? Digging for some school-time gossip?" Steve was sharp.

"Did anything happen between him and Tanya back then?" I asked bluntly.

12 Steve stopped and looked at me.

I smiled faintly. "I know you won't lie to me."

"There wasn't," Steve said as he made a perfect shot. "I guarantee it."

He looked at me. "Why the sudden interest?"

"Just curious," I replied and took a shot.

"You're supposed to get married tomorrow. If you've decided to be together, you need to trust each other," Steve added. "Congrats in advance on your wedding."

"We broke up," I said, making Steve's hand falter.

After a moment, he nodded. "Better to break up now than divorce later."

He was straightforward. Remembering his earlier advice, I said, "Thanks, Steve."

"Yeah?" he responded, puzzled.

I didn't explain further and left, heading back to the Johnston residence. As soon as I entered, I saw Jace's car already parked in the driveway.

Walking toward the house, I heard Matthew's angry voice from inside. 'Rea is your fiancée! How could you be carrying another woman outside the office? You can be shameless, but at least show Rea some respect!" Apparently, the office gossip had reached Jace's parents. Now I knew why they had called me back.

"Jace Johnston, if you don't marry Rea tomorrow, don't bother coming back to this house," Matthew yelled again.

Chapter 18 My heart was touched. Even though I was a foster child in this family, Jace's parents treated me with the same care and love as their own daughter. They made me feel like one of them.

I remembered Jace's brother, Wayne, joking that ever since I joined the family, both he and Jace had been knocked down the pecking order Lena was right. I could break up with Jace, but breaking away from his family would be much harder.

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Everyone's eyes turned to me, and Lindey quickly got up and came over. "Rea, you're back. We were just waiting for you to have dinner,"

"Hey Lindey, Matthew," I greeted them. Jace, who had been kicked by Matthew, stood up and came over.

He took my bag. "Why are you back so late?"

"I played some pool," I said. I knew Steve would tell him about our meeting, so there was no point in hiding it.

Jace frowned a bit. "Next time you want to go, call me to join."

He didn't like me hanging out for fun, especially without him. He definitely didn't want me spending time with his friends alone. Yet, he went out with his late buddy's wife and even gave her a supplementary card he never gave me. I didn't respond and headed to the bathroom instead.

Jace followed. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm fine," I said, washing my hands and giving him a smile in the mirror.

"Rea, I've explained everything. Stop making a fuss."

Jace's words made me lower my eyes.

I scrubbed my fingers, noticing the small dent in my left middle finger.

Four years ago, I had cut it while trying to pull Jace away from a fight when he was drunk. A chunk of flesh had been lost, and though it healed, it left a permanent dent scar.

Jace had promised to fill it with the largest diamond ring, but I was still waiting for it.

"Today I saw Tanya. She was using your supplementary card to shop," I said amidst the sound of running water.

Jace's expression stiffened. "Don't misunderstand. Desmond's parents blamed her for his death and cut off all her cards. She needs to live, so I gave her one."

I turned off the faucet and faced him. "Jace, are you indebted to Tanya or Desmond in some way?"

Jace's eyes widened in shock, and I could see the veins on his forehead bulging. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"If not, why are you so attentive to Tanya? Or... thought about the gossip on Demi's phone." Did something happen between you two in college?"

"Rea!" Jace's voice turned cold. "Are you investigating me?"

Seeing the anger on his face, I gave a faint smile "Everyone at the company has seen the video of you hugging her. Do you think that hasn't caused a stir? With the internet, how hard do you think it is for people to find out more?" My words left Jace silent. Seeing his reaction, I pressed on. "So, there really is something between you and Tanya."

"No, there was absolutely nothing back then, Jace denied.

I caught the slip. "You mean there's something now?"

Panic flashed in his eyes. He grabbed my still-wet hand. "Rea, stop overthinking. I told you, I'm done with her." once she has the baby I remained silent.

He added, "Alright, I'll arrange for a caregiver and a confinement nurse for her. I won't see her alone anymore. She can contact Gavin if she needs anything. Is that okay?"

Chapter 19 Gavin Lawson was his secretary.

I stayed quiet, and Jace looked down. "Rea, what do you want me to do? Just tell me, okay?" He sounded powerless, helpless, even somewhat despondent. Seeing him like this was rare.

"Jace, we've broken up. You don't need to worry about this. Take care of her however your want," I said.

He shook his head and stepped closer, trapping me between the sink and his chest. "Don't even think about it. We're getting our marriage certificate tomorrow."

Jace, do you really want to marry me?" I remembered the conversation he had with Steve and spoke directly. "We know each other too well. So well that you have no interest in even sleeping with me, right?" "I told you it was just a joke. That night, I was- I "Jace," I interrupted him, not wanting to revisit that night, "that night is a shadow that will haunt me for the rest of my life. Do you get that?

His eyes narrowed, and he asked helplessly, "What do you want me to do so you'll forgive me and not break up?"

I'd already told him, yet he kept asking. I didn't want to repeat myself.

I pushed him. "Move aside, I'm hungry and need to eat."

"Fine, I'll never contact Tanya again,' he said, taking out his phone and blocking her on all social media and from his contact list. "Happy now?"

Hearing the irritation in his voice, I gave a bitter smile. "Jace, are you just worried your parents will freak out if I tell them we broke up? I can wait to tell them."

"That's not what I mean. I really want to marry you. Jace paused, then added, "Even though we haven't gotten our marriage certificate, had a wedding, or even been relationship like that, in my heart, you've always been... my wife." My heart skipped a beat at the word "wife".

When my parents were alive, my dad always introduced my mom as his "wife" in public. He said "wife' was the highest and most respectful title, way more special than girlfriend or partner.

If Jace called me his wife, he must really mean it. My heart started to soften.

"Rea, we heard about what happened at the company yesterday and gave Jace a good talking- to. He knows he messed up," Lindey said during dinner.

172 "It's fine, I didn't let it get to me," I replied. Even though I thought of them as my parents, I couldn't act as openly as a real daughter might, showing my feelings. "Rea is a smart girl. She and Jace have known each other for so long; they get each other," Matthew added.

"That's why I'm so scared of losing such a great girl. Jace needs to marry her ASAP," Lindey said, smoothly changing the topic to getting the marriage certificate tomorrow. Jace looked at me, his eyes full of worry.

I met his gaze. "Jace, tell your parents again. Do you really want to marry me?"

"What kind of question is that, Jace? Answer her Lindey cut in.

Jace kept his eyes on me, filled with emotions I couldn't read. "Rea, I want you to be my wife. Please, don't say no."

After he spoke, everyone looked at me, waiting for my response.

Chapter 20 Seeing the hopeful eyes of Matthew and Lindey, finally nodded.

But deep down, I promised myself: if Jace had any more dealings with Tanya, even after we got married, I'd leave him without a second thought.

Everyone at the table sighed in relief when I agreed, and the atmosphere turned warm and relaxed.

After dinner, I couldn't just leave.

Back in the bedroom, the awkwardness between Jace and me was even worse.

"You go take a shower," Jace broke the silence first.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Lena. I glanced at Jace. "You go ahead. I'll take this call."

Jace went into the bathroom, and I answered the phone. Lena's voice had a hint of accusation. "Rea, you didn't sleep at my place last night, and you're not here tonight either. you go back to Jace's?"

Did Looking at the big bed in the middle of the room, I replied softly, "Yeah."

"You and Jace are back together? Lena sounded surprised.

I bit my lip. "We're getting our marriage certificate tomorrow."

Lena was silent for a moment before asking, "Are you sure about this?"

I walked to the window and looked at the crescent moon outside. "People change. He blocked Tanya's contact and promised not to see her again. I want to give him one more chance." After a pause, I added, "The last chance."

Lena knew me well. Once I made up my mind, there was no point in arguing. She just said, " Rea, just remember you deserve someone who can make you feel secure and happy." "Yeah," I replied, ending the call. I stood there, lost in thought. My mind was blank, my emotions neither happy nor sad.

A chill on my back made me realize Jace was hugging me from behind. He wasn't wearing a shirt, just pajama pants. His arms, still damp from the shower, held me close. He was sexy.

His lips found my neck, gently nipping and sending shivers down my spine, making my nerves tighten.

I knew what he wanted, but I stopped his hand. "Let's wait until tomorrow."

We were getting our marriage certificate tomorrow. One more day wouldn't make a difference.

Jace stiffened, his grip tightening, but he didn't push further. He kissed my cheek. "Alright, you go take a shower and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we'll go get the certificate and be the first ones there." He sounded eager.

I laughed. "Is there a prize for being first?"

He paused before replying, "Yeah."

He was ready, but I wasn't, so I made a quick exit.

I went to the bathroom and stayed there for almost an hour, hoping he'd be asleep by the time I came out.

Jace, worried about my discomfort, had indeed fallen asleep. His phone was on the nightstand, completely silent.

Even though nothing would happen tonight, the memory of the last time still made me anxious it might ring any moment.

I didn't sleep well that night, constantly dreaming. I dreamed of Jace driving to a riverside, of him drinking in a cave with his car door open, and a snake slithering in and out, which then turned into a monkey jumping around. When I woke up, the sky was still dark, and Jace was deeply asleep.

I gently turned to look at him. His high nose bridge, long lashes, and perfectly shaped lower eyelids looked like artwork. His lips were not thin, a bit on the fuller side, which was said to be a sign of good fortune and loyalty in men. Lost in my thoughts, Jace suddenly opened his eyes, catching me in the act.

Despite our familiarity, my heart skipped a beat, and my cheeks flushed. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Mrs. Johnston." Jace's voice was husky from sleep.

I froze, the heat in my cheeks intensifying. Quickly, I moved away from him and got out of bed to wash up.

By the time I came out of the bathroom, Jace had left the bedroom. I chose a white dress from the wardrobe and paired it with a light yellow coat, making me look bright and cheerful.