Chapter 29

Jade

“I think that’s our decision to make, Mrs. Starling.” Julian smoothly stepped in now, answering on my behalf and effectively drying up her endless well of questions I was sure she still had in store for me.

“Yes, of course,” she immediately relented, smiling her fake veneer smile. “I suppose you’re right.”

“That’s reasonable, since you’re both still getting married eventually.” My dad nodded thoughtfully, trying to take over from her before she overcompensated. “What difference does it make whether it’s today or next year?”

“Exactly.” I smiled at him in silent appreciation.

“I guess we’re waiting for the lovebirds to call the shots then.” Richard announced with an obvious undertone of amusement, glancing at his wife for her input.

“So it seems.” Celeste finally sighed then lifted her slim shoulders in a conceding shrug. “I don’t mind much though. As long as you already have a ring on your finger, I can wait.”

“Thank you,” I said in a heartfelt tone, breathing easier now as I looked towards Julian.

He smiled at me, taking my rubbing hand to brush a feathery kiss across the back before immediately returning his attention to his dad for a change of topic into business.

My body shuddered in pleasure from the action and flutters of happiness swirled in my lower stomach.

The smile was still an act but I could immediately tell he was less irritated and maybe even a little bit appreciative that I had stepped in the way I did.

I picked up my fork and resumed eating, content to just listen to the deep timbre of his voice carrying across the table and settling at the base of my spine in a warm tingle.

When dinner ended and we climbed into the car after saying our goodbyes, I scooted to the other end of the backseat and immersed myself in playing mobile games on my phone, just as I’d done on our way here.

I was still firmly sticking to my plan of staying out of his way even if it was the hardest thing on earth to do; hoping it would somehow get him to take me seriously.

No words were exchanged between us during the drive, despite my desperate heart begging and praying for him to say something, even if it was only about what was discussed during dinner. But nothing came.

From my secretive glances, I saw he was focused on his phone, tapping and swiping with a line of concentration marring his brows as the driver drove up front, so he was probably dealing with business.

I sighed and switched to scrolling on social media, barely noticing when the car finally glided to a stop in front of our house.

Silence descended as I took my sweet time gathering my heels and bag in one hand before opening my door, wanting to see if he was going to step out or not.

Just as I put one bare feet on the cold hard ground outside, his voice came from behind me,

“I’m working late tonight at the office. Don’t expect me back anytime soon.”

My heart flipped as I took in those words, disappointment settling heavy in my gut.

I remained calm on the outside though, merely nodding and muttering an ‘okay’ before fully stepping outside and shutting the door behind me.

I watched the car disappear down the quiet neighborhood road before turning and trudging towards the steps to the front door, realizing a difference in what happened tonight compared to the last time.

It might not have been much, but he had given an explanation when I didn’t ask, and that was something to me.

A glimmer of hope for my poor heart to hold on to.