Chapter 9
Mrs. Montgomery had been dropping hints about an arranged marriage for years.
Back then, I couldn’t bear to leave the Blackwood brothers behind. Still clinging to that fairy tale of marrying for love, I kept putting her off.
During all that time, Jack had options–better ones than me.
But he waited. Steadfast. Unwavering.
I still don’t fully understand why.
Maybe it was respect for his grandmother. Maybe it was business strategy. Hell, maybe someone told him our stars aligned perfectly.
But whatever his reasons, one thing was crystal clear: he was the only person who ever chose me without hesitation. From day one till now.
Nathan let out a mocking laugh. “This is all about Amber, isn’t it? You’re just jealous.”
“Jesus, Rose. We’ve been family for eighteen years! Amber could never replace you. The Blackwood door will always be open for you!”
Marcus went quiet for a moment before lunging forward to grab my wrist.
“Don’t throw your life away over some petty grudge,” he pleaded. “Come home with me. I’ll smooth things over with the Montgomerys.”
No sooner had he could finish, a boot connected with his chest, sending him stumbling backward.
Before I could even gasp, strong arms yanked me into a tight, protective embrace–so sudden it stole the breath right out of me.
That distinctive sandalwood cologne wrapped around me.
My racing heart instantly settled.
I looked up to see Jack’s face—even more breathtaking in person than in our wedding photos.
17:21
Slapped Today. Crowned Tomorrow
7.2%
Chapter 9
“The future Mrs. Montgomery doesn’t need your charity or your leftovers,” he said, voice like steel wrapped in velvet.
His hand found mine, fingers interlacing as he stepped between me and the brothers.
The warmth from his palm traveled up my arm, filling me with a courage I didn’t know I had.
I squeezed his hand back and faced my past head–on.
“Get it through your heads–I have my own family, my own life. I won’t revolve around you guys, and I’m sure as hell not begging for whatever attention.”
My voice grew stronger with each word. ” Besides, I’m not just being petty here–I’m dead serious. I genuinely want to spend my life with him.”
I used to rage against the unfairness of it all–how could someone new just walk in and claim what
I’d waited so long for?
Now I get it.
Someone who truly loves you doesn’t make you always waitting.
A story left hanging for eighteen years was never meant to have a happy ending.
They tossed aside nearly two decades of our memories for Amber–a girl they’d only known for eight
weeks.
So would I be the one clinging to the past?
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