Jessamine grabbed six-year-old Piers by the wrist and forced his open hand against his own mother’s cheek.
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Chapter 16 / 17
Chapter 16
A year after the engagement dinner, I proposed again.
Not at a ballroom.
No family table.
No father watching.
Just Jessamine and me on the terrace.
I did not use the old ring.
She had returned it months earlier.
I offered a new one.
Then said:
“This does not protect your father.”
She almost laughed.
“I know.”
“It does not give you authority over my staff.”
“I know.”
“It does not make my name yours to spend.”
Her eyes filled.
“I know.”
Then:
“It means I want to marry you.”
She smiled.
“That part I also know.”
She said yes.
The second engagement was quieter.
Stronger.
Nerissa heard through staff gossip.
She rolled her eyes, apparently.
Fair.
Piers asked:
“Mean lady?”
Children remain efficient.
Nerissa corrected:
“Jessamine.”
He thought.
May you like
“Okay.”
No demand he celebrate.
