I stood there silent through Jake’s entire meltdown.
Before, I would’ve been on my knees begging forgiveness by now.
Not anymore. Never again.
After this long, awkward silence, Jake looked genuinely confused by my lack of reaction.
He seemed puzzled that I was staying so damn calm.
“You done? I’m tired.”
Then I walked to my room without explaining myself or caring who might leave.
That night Jake climbed into bed and wrapped his arms around me.
“Mia, I’m exhausted lately. Just behave and quit going after Beth. Wedding’s next month. I promised you that and I’ll keep my word, okay?”
Jake buried his face in my hair, gently rubbing my belly.
“Mm–hmm.”
Flat response, zero emotion.
I didn’t want the wedding. Didn’t want the baby. Didn’t want anything tied to him.
Keep your damn promises–I don’t need them.
Next day, Jake dragged Bethany and me to hang with his crew.
He said I’d be “more comfortable” in the back seat.
I closed my eyes, listening to Jake and Bethany chat away up front.
All their inside jokes and shared memories. None of it included me.
At the bar, it was the usual crowd–Jake’s asshole buddies.
All of them were Team Bethany.
“Holy shit, the wife and the mistress, side by side like besties! Man, talk about living the dream!”
One of his asshole friends cracked up at his own joke.
“Stop it! Mia’s having a baby–I could never compare, Jake and I aren’t even like that!”
Bethany covered her face, all fake bashful.
“Cut it out, guys.”
Jake frowned but didn’t sound too bothered.
“Mia, sit here.”
Jake pulled out a chair for me, then immediately did the same for Bethany.
When the server brought drinks, Jake stopped them from pouring Bethany any alcohol.
Chapter 3
“Skip her–Beth turns red when she drinks.”
I stared at my already full wine glass and laughed bitterly.
During their stupid drinking games, someone suggested spin the bottle.
First spin landed on Bethany.
They dared her to pick someone for the pocky game.
Bethany fake–bashfully covered her face, then pointed at Jake all giggly.
“Jake, would you… help me out?”
Jake glanced at me, saw my blank expression, and shrugged. “Yeah, whatever.”
Their faces got closer while everyone whooped and cheered.
Apparently everyone forgot I was supposed to be Jake’s bride.
After their little performance, Jake’s ears were bright red.
“Dude, you two not getting married is crazy. Always figured you’d end up together. Remember all that insane shit you pulled for Beth back in the day?”
Jake shot the guy a death glare and he shut up real quick.
Then Jake grabbed my hand.
“Mia, they’re just messing around. Don’t take it seriously.”
I smiled at Jake like I couldn’t care less.
“It’s fine. Doesn’t bother me.”
Jake looked satisfied with my reaction.
The bottle spun again.
This time it pointed at me.
I looked around at all their eager, drama–hungry faces.
“How about preggo does a kangaroo impression? She’d be perfect–hair’s all wild like an animal, plus she’s got the baby bump going. Total kangaroo vibes.”
I looked directly at Jake.
He didn’t stop it. Didn’t see anything wrong with his friends humiliating his pregnant fiancée.
He was used to this shit.
Wasn’t the first time, after all.
I used to think this was how I’d fit into his world.
It took me way too long to realize some circles aren’t worth joining–especially when they make it crystal clear you’re not wanted.
Chapter 4
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.