X 

Chapter 37 

MAY. 

Along the way, Ginny made a stop at a boutique, and for a fleeting second, it seemed like she was more invested in what I looked like than her own appearance. 

I didn’t mind. Not that I cared anyway. I couldn’t wait for the day to end, so I could head back home and sleep. 

My stomach is in knots as we approach the café, I didn’t know it was the same place I’d met Ethan and he had proposed to me. A very pleasant coincidence, seeing as we’re on the verge of breaking apart now. 

“Ginny,” I start, rubbing the sweat off my palm. “I can’t go in there.” 

She looks between me and the café’s door. “Why?” 

I shake my head, unable to find the right words. “I can’t explain it. It’s just… nostalgia, and it’s bringing back memories.” 

Ginny puts two and two together. Her eyes widen and she reaches for my hand, squeezing a little. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was this one. I can cancel if it makes you feel so terrible. I’m so sorry, May.” 

I suck in my bottom lip and let out a breath. “No. It’s alright. You shouldn’t cancel on my behalf. I’ll get it together, just give me a minute.” 

She nods, leaving me for a moment to think and I let my gaze drift to the seats by the window, where Ethan had spoken and I laughed at him, thinking he was joking. 

If he knew he didn’t trust me, why ask me to marry him? If he thought I was only after whatever money he thinks he has, why bother with me? There’s no way I consider it that makes it make sense. 

I give up, shaking my head, and I decide that I won’t let Ethan ruin my day out with Ginny. I slip out of the car, shutting the door behind me and I join Ginny by the door. She loops her hand with mine, pushing us through the door. 

The café only has a few people seated and Gin takes us toward a certain table with a man in a complete suit and a resting smiley face. 

He stands upon seeing us, but his smile falters when his brown eyes take me in. They widen with awe and his lips part as he stares at me unabashedly, making me feel uncomfortable. 

“John,” he says, extending a hand towards me. “You are even more beautiful in person.” 

I exchange a quick look with Ginny, and I step back. “You’ve got it wrong.” I wrap my arms around Ginny’s shoulder, pushing her forward. “She’s your date and I’m a very married third 

wheel. Sorry to intrude.” 

John looks at Ginny and I see the slight disappointment that he tries so hard to hide behind a broad smile and polite apologies for his mistake I only hope Ginny doesn’t see it too. The last thing I need is her date taking an interest in me. 

The minutes go by quickly as they make small talk. Ginny doesn’t seem in the least interested in Johnny, and Johnny won’t stop staring at me and zoning out like I’m some goddess. 

More times than not, I feel tempted to tell him to pick his jaw, but I pretend not to notice instead. 

I’m sipping from my wine glass very slowly when Ginny suddenly stands. “I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” 

Wait. She’s leaving me with him? I try to catch her eyes but she’s not looking at me. Is she upset? Did I do something? 

Her heels click on the tiled floors as she saunters away and her date doesn’t even wait one second before he jumps on the presented opportunity. “You two work together?” 

www 

“Yes,” I say, tucking my hair behind my ear on purpose, just so he can see my wedding ring.” Ginny is the most hardworking woman I know.” 

He nods, dark brown eyes snagging on my ring. “Is that real? The stone? The real thing cost millions. Almost a quarter of my fortune. Not to brag.” 

I look at the stone on my ring, watching it glisten in the bright light. It does look real, but there’s no way Ethan would spend that much on me, seeing as he’s so bothered about the possibility of me being a gold digger. Not like he has any gold to dig but alright. 

“Yes. It’s pretty. Will you be getting one like this for Ginny? She likes pretty things,” I deflect, laughing inwardly at my oh–so–terrible skill. 

He leans forward and I lean backward. Where the hell is Ginny? If she doesn’t come here quickly, I’m going to punch someone. “I haven’t quite decided if she’s the one yet,” he says. with an exaggerated sigh. 

I prop my head on my fist, trying my very best not to look bored. “Why?” 

“She’s different. Not quite…meek. I like my women calm, meek and submissive. Like you,” he says, his voice dropping an octave lower in a throaty sound that is rough like sandpaper. 

If that’s how he’s going to sound in the bedroom, then I think we’ll need to get Ginny another 

man. 

I pause, letting his words really sink in. Then I burst out laughing, unable to help myself. He thinks I’m meek and calm? Submissive? Ha! Funniest thing I’ve heard this week 

Well, other than Ethan’s singing, of course. 

“Oh, you’re funny, John,” I mutter, constructing my next words to him meticulously. Worts that’ll make him reassess me, and never look at the again. 

But the words never make it out because I pause when the back of my neck tingles slightly. The feeling goes all the way to my back and I stiffen as a familiar scent teases my nostrils. 

He’s here. When Ethan’s near, I feel it. In my body and mind. 

I look left, and I see him standing by the table’s edge, staring down at me with eyes filled with icy, glittering rage, 

He doesn’t bother with words. He reaches for me, taking my fingers in his tenderly. Then he pulls me up, wrapping his arms around me tightly. He tucks my head under his chin as he whispers, “Care to join me outside, wife?” 

His voice is soft, but there’s something dark and possessive in it that has me doing what he says. He looks seconds away from an outburst. 

I walk with him, fingers twined with his and the moment we’re outside, I yank my hand from his. “What?” 

‘You’re with another man. That quickly. Are you seeing him? Lovers? Or were you lovers before we got married?” 

I glare at him. “Don’t insult me. I’m refraining from smacking you five ways to Sunday. What is your problem? Didn’t you say I could find someone who made me happy? Whatever happened to your pride?” 

“Because I refuse to give you anything, you’ve hopped on to the next rich man you could find? 

་་ 

I slap his chest as hard as I can, tears pricking my eyes. “Did I ever ask for anything? You offered me your car, but I’d much rather ride my old bike. You offered me money, but I’d turn you down and take loans. Is it the dress and the shoes you got for the dinner with your family? I’ve cleaned them and put them back in the shopping bags for you. Take them, do whatever shit you want, but don’t ever! Don’t you ever insinuate that I’m a gold–digging whore! Hell, you’re the only man I’ve ever even let hold my hand.” 

He blinks, raising his head in time to see Ginny come out of the restroom and head back to her seat, right opposite her date. 

I see it when he notes that my chair was positioned farther, much closer to hers. She blushes at something John says and she looks in our direction, waving with a smile before returning her gaze to her date. 

“She’s his date and I’m the third wheel. Obviously. Maybe I’ll get me a man who doesn’t doubt and insult me at every single chance he gets!” I snap, turning around with a force that has my hair slapping his cheek.