The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 89

Maybe Vanessa had simply become his next obsession. Maybe he was going to do to Brittany the same thing he had done to me in the past, and shed me like a skin for someone newer.

He acted like he mourned for me. Like he cared for me.

But to believe that was to believe in him again, and I just didn’t think I could do that.

Eventually, William started to notice that I wasn’t taking part in the conversation as he was. He tilted his head and said my name, “Vanessa.” From his look of slight annoyance, it was clear this hadn’t been the first time he had said my name.

“I’m here. I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“Where were you just now?” he asked.

I wished I had an answer that would satisfy him, but because he didn’t like Jason, I knew he wouldn’t want to talk about him. William had been trying to give me a nice evening, a good but subtle birthday celebration, and I’d been over here ruining it.

The restaurant was lovely, with good food and a quiet ambience. It wasn’t too crowded or expensive. Truly, William had given some thought to bringing me here, and I liked it. I appreciate it.

“I’m sorry,” I said honestly. “I don’t mean to ruin the evening, but I can’t deny my thoughts are wandering.”

“I don’t mind you overthinking,” William said with a small smile, and any sign of annoyance vanished now that he had my attention again. “It’s a part of you. You are always so careful. I don’t know what has captured your thoughts this time, but I’m hoping you can stay with me now.”

“I can,” I said. “I will.” And I was determined to do so.

“You haven’t ruined anything,” he said. “And you don’t need to apologize, but I forgive you anyway. Actually, tonight has been basically perfect. It’s just what I was hoping for. And it gives me the kind of strength I need to overcome my own hesitations and

do what I want to do.”

I blinked. “What do you want to do?”

I shouldn’t have asked. I realized that too late. Though in hindsight, I didn’t think it was my question that fully prompted him. Even without it, he would have found a way to do what he wanted anyway.

Slowly, he pulled a small velvet box from his inside suit coat.

“We’ve been talking about this. We’ve been joking about it, or using it as a means to an end,” he said. “But my feelings for you have always been true, Laila. In a way that they’ve never been with anyone else, even Vanessa.” r

He opened the small box, revealing a ring with a large diamond on the top. The diamond sparkled under the dim lights. Truly, it was beautiful, but I knew what it meant. That knowledge opened a pit deep in my stomach.

“I want you to be my wife for real. I know I can make you happy, if you give me the chance. I want to love and support you, and take care of you and Ava for the rest of my life. Please, will you at least consider it?”

He pushed the box forward, toward me. I looked down at it, my heart sinking. It was a fine ring, and William was a good man.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify