Chapter 10%
Of course, Steven didn’t want Grant Enterprises to go under. So he tried to win me back.
In our five years together, he could count on one hand the number of times he brought me flowers. But He covered the front of my family’s house with roses now.
Steven brought my favorite pastries and even showed up with the old “forgive me” card I’d once made for him.
“Lucia, I got us movie tickets. Just like old times. Will you come with me?“}
I looked at the man begging for a second chance and all I felt was pity–and a bit of disbelief. “Steven, you’re not incapable of loving, you know? You’re just incapable of loving me.”
“Go home. Late apologies are cheaper than dirt.“)
He still didn’t give up. With a loud thud, he dropped to his knees right there on the driveway. “Lucia, I messed up. Please… let me fix this Give me one more chance.“)
I didn’t hesitate. I threw the bouquet of roses right in his face. “Leave. Don’t make me say it again.”}
After he finally slinked away, Jaxon showed me something on his phone–a video of Steven torturing Nellie at the casino.
His tone was casual, but there was an edge of jealousy, even a hint of insecurity. “Lucia, just promise me you won’t fall for his act. Guys like him? They’ll eat you alive and leave nothing but bones.”>
I laughed. Genuinely.
“Jaxon, we’re literally married. What do you think–I’d throw all that away for him? I’d rather stay single for life than go back to Steven.”} He let out a quiet breath of relief, wrapping his arms around me. With his head resting on my shoulder, he whispered, “Good. That’s all needed to hear.”
The next day, the scandal broke.
A leaked video of Steven abusing Nellie at the casino went viral.
Authorities raided Grant Enterprises. Their assets were seized. The empire collapsed overnight. Nellie was found by police–half–paralyze from the assault.
Steven was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated assault and coercion of a sexual nature.
When police showed up at the Grant estate to take him away, his mother completely lost it. Her screams could be heard from down the street.
“What did I do to deserve this? Why is my life so cursed?!“}
The baby in her arms screamed and cried, but none of that mattered to me anymore.”
Today was my wedding day–with Jaxon.
He had chosen a venue filled with blush–pink blooms, my favorite. Above the hotel courtyard, he had a canopy of twinkling lights set up to look like a sky full of stars!
I walked down the aisle on a carpet of red rose petals, smiling as I reached out for his hand.§
The officiant asked if we promised to spend our lives together. We looked at each other and smiled.
“I do,” I said without hesitation.
My grandmother and the Browns were seated in the front row, beaming with joy.”
***
Times passed after the wedding. I sat cradling our newborn in my arms and asked Jaxon, “Why did you want to marry me?”
His expression darkened slightly, almost indignant, as he clenched his jaw. “I’ve been in love with you since we were kids. You really didn’t know?“?
I blinked in surprise. “No! Not at all.”
Paula, Jaxon’s mom, chuckled and gently took the baby from my arms.
“Of course you didn’t. He started crying about wanting to date you when he was in middle school. Your mom and I were so worried you two would start dating too young, we shipped you both off to study abroad!”
“Had to separate you before it turned into teenage drama,” she added with a wink.
Jaxon shot her a betrayed look. “Mom, I almost lost my wife because of that!”
I burst out laughing, tears welling in my eyes as I threw myself into his arms. “Lose me? Never. Your wife has been right here all along.”
(The End)
