The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 201

Miles didn't answer. He laid down, tucking her securely under the covers. "Go to sleep," he muttered.

"You didn't answer my question—"

"If you're not tired, we can keep going."

Claire pressed her lips together and wisely dropped the subject.

She reached for her phone, snapped a quick photo of the ring on her finger, and posted it to her timeline without a caption.

Within seconds, her comment section exploded.

[Congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!]

[That rock is huge! I wouldn't even buy cubic zirconia that big!]

[Chloe Chambers: Girl, are you messing with me right now?]

[Julian Young: I'll always wish you the best, Claire.]

...

Resting his chin on top of her head, Miles peered lazily at her screen, his gaze lingering on the post.

He remained silent, but the arm wrapped securely around her waist tightened noticeably.

He knew exactly what she was doing. It was a deliberate, highly public show of affection meant to soothe his foul mood, yet he fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

The next morning, they flew back to Empire City.

It was already dark by the time they arrived at Grandview Heights.

Miles stowed the suitcases, changed into casual clothes, and headed straight into the kitchen.

Claire took a quick shower and lounged on the bed scrolling through her phone. Listening to the hum of the range hood in the background brought her a strange, deeply comforting sense of security.

Her phone rang, flashing Chloe's name on the screen.

Claire barely hit accept before Chloe started screeching on the other end.

"I've called you a dozen times! You finally picked up!"

Claire listened in silence. No wonder he had refused to answer her when she asked him when he bought it last night.

She stared at the stone, curling her fingers inward.

A wry laugh escaped her lips. "Well... it's awfully lucky that his ex and I happen to share the exact same ring size."

"You are way too chill about this," Chloe muttered.

What else was she supposed to do? He had a past, and she couldn't physically carve the woman out of his brain. Besides, she had been with Jefferson for nearly a decade. They were even on the baggage front.

Miles treated her exceptionally well. If they just took things slow, she could probably show him she was worth trusting and help him move on, right?

Chloe cleared her throat. "Only kids obsess over true love. Adults focus on compatibility. If things go south, you can just sign some papers and move on. Your parents don't even know anyway."

"Miles is loaded and incredibly hot. You hit the jackpot! By the way, how is he in bed? Was he good?"

"Cough, cough..." Claire nearly choked on her own saliva. Was Chloe completely insane for asking that?

"Sounds like he was," Chloe cackled. "The repressed, stoic ones always turn into total animals..."