Nathan’s trembling fingers twitched before he finally handed over the pendant.
I took it without hesitation.
The moment I did, all strength seemed to leave him. He collapsed onto the sofa, staring at me blankly…
I lowered my eyes. “Nathan, don’t contact me again.”
“I don’t want any issues with my husband.”
Ex–boyfriends are like that.
They should disappear completely.
Ignoring his reaction, I gripped the pendant and strode out.
It was the first day of winter, and the night wind cut through to the bone.
Pulling my coat tighter, I looked up to see a familiar black car parked outside.
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1/4
Davis was leaning against it.
His dark eyes watched me intently, as if trying to read my thoughts.
I felt oddly guilty as I walked over. “What are you doing here?”
“Was passing by.”
His answer was brief, then added, “Saw someone who looked like you in the coffee shop. Stopped to check.”
His lips twitched. “Turns out it was you.
I cleared my throat, but before I could explain, he touched the back of my hand.
Then opened the car door. “Get in.”
“Okay.”
I slipped into the warmth of the car.
But Davis didn’t get in immediately.
He glanced back at the coffee shop, his eyes meeting Nathan’s.
On impulse, I grabbed his hand. “It’s cold outside. Come in.”
His fingers tensed, as if suddenly nervous.
Then he stopped staring down Nathan and got in.
Childish.
Before I could speak, he said bluntly, “I expected better judgment from you.”
Well, that’s one way to start a conversation.
But he wasn’t wrong.
I shot back, “If your ex was so great, would you be in an arranged marriage with me?”
“I don’t have an ex.
ולין
I was stunned,
Mom had told me he was my age.
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Almost thirty and never dated?
Who would believe that?
Imuttered, “Unless you’re a monk, no one goes thirty years without liking someone.”
“I
He said simply, “I do like someone.”
“Then we’re even,” I said.
He taught my words. “You still like him?”
“No.”
1 denied quickly. “I mean, I have an ex, you have someone you like. That’s fair, right?”
“Not fair.”
“Why not?”
I asked, suddenly realizing I was still holding his hand. I tried to pull away, but he held on.
He said softly, “It just isn’t.”
“What?”
The car’s music made it hard to hear.
Davis’s thumb traced circles on my hand. “Hannah, have you really moved on?”
I paused, understanding he meant Nathan.
I looked at him honestly. “I have. But would it bother you?”
Taking the chance, I decided to be completely honest.
“Davis,
,we dated for six years. If he hadn’t crossed a line, we probably would have married.”
I pressed my lips together. “If this bothers you, we can postpone the wedding, or…”
“Hannah,” Davis cut me off sharply, then softened his tone when he realized how stern he sounded. “Marriage isn’t a game to
- me.
“Choosing to marry you was a careful decision. I won’t change my mind easily.
“Six years is just a small part of your life. You’re only thirty, Hannah. I can have every future six years with you.
“So I’m not interested in worrying about someone who’s already out of the picture.”
His words struck my heart.
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One thought crossed my mind: I got lucky with this arranged marriage.
After all, in our social circle, many married couples barely tolerated each other in private. Some even lived completely separate
lives.
Playing around openly.
Davis still held my hand, his rich voice asking, “Feel better now?”
I was surprised, because I had worried he’d mind.
Even more worried he’d mind but not say it.
His words were unexpected. I nodded, “Yes, much better.”
After careful thought, Davis asked: “I heard the company you started with him is preparing to go public?”
“Yes.” Since he brought it up, I knew what he wanted to ask. I spoke carefully, “Davis, this is business, and it’s separate from our families. Though I still own shares in the company, you don’t need to show favoritism. Neither your family nor mine needs that money. Handle the investment decision purely on business merit.”
Amusement flickered in his eyes. “What if I want some personal revenge?”
1 paused, meeting his gaze directly. “As your future wife, I’ll support whatever decision you make.
”
After all, if Nathan insisted on causing trouble by coming to Eastbrook before the wedding, I had no reason to stop Davis from
