Chapter 291
Chapter 291
Soren’s face lit up, his expression shifting from surprise to pure joy. A radiant smile broke out on his lips, and even as he bit them, he couldn’t suppress it.
His smile was like the sun breaking through the clouds of y melancholy life, chasing away every shadow. My heart swelled in response, caught up in his happiness.
Jean was still talking, but I couldn’t focus on her anymore. wasn’t until I heard her say, “Oh, what the hell. You’re distracted, aren’t you? I’ll leave you to it for now. Don’t forget to save me some tea!” that I snapped back to reality.
She ended the call before I could apologize.
I set my phone down and gazed at Soren, pressing my lips together as tightly as I could–but I knew a smile still slipped out.
Finally, I couldn’t hold it back any longer. “Happy New Year, Handsome.”
Soren turned away, almost embarrassed by the breadth of his grin.
Unfortunately, Soleil noticed. She rushed over to him and teased, “What the hell is with that goofy grin, Ren? What did she say?!”
Another friend called out, “Miss Jones must have said yes!”
“Oh my God, I bet that’s it! You can’t just do that quietly, man! That’s cheating!”
“Say it again, you two! Louder, so the people in the back can hear!”
I was already blushing, but everyone was pushing me to announce our relationship again? Come on! I couldn’t even look at Soren’s face anymore.
“Alright, that’s enough,” he said at last, breaking through the crowd to stand by my side.
He pulled me into his arms and declared, “My friends and family, I’d like you all to meet Taylor Jones, my girlfriend. Let’s all make her feel at home, alright?”
His tone was warm and polite, but there was an unmistakable edge to it: “Think twice before you mess with my girlfriend. Don’t even think about badmouthing her behind her back again.”
“Of course, man.” Kevin spoke first. “You’re one of us now Miss Jones. If you ever need anything, just ask!”
I was taken aback. “Thank you!”
I knew they were acting this way because they respected Soren, not because they genuinely cared about me or feared me.
If I let myself believe they were doing this for my sake, I’d be fooling myself. Their true thoughts about me would not be as kind if they felt I were getting too comfortable.
And Soren’s reputation would be on the line.
I couldn’t let that happen, so I had to stay grounded.
Outside, the fireworks exploded, lighting up the sky in celebration.
Inside, Soren and I stood with our arms around each other, watching the city glow as we basked in the sweetness of our love.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 291
I was beginning to understand that Soren was right.
What I had with Edward was never love. We had been together for six years, yet I had never felt anything like this -this overwhelming, warming love.
With Edward, our relationship had felt like a mere progression. It was predictable, dull–no passion, no excitement. My heart barely fluttered when I was with him
I had been looking for refuge from my broken home, but what I had with him wasn’t love. I had focused on surviving, never knowing what it felt like to truly thrive in love.
Maybe I should thank that jerk for ruining our wedding, after all.
My phone buzzed nonstop with messages.
Every friend who had seen our little moment wanted to know the details. They were all asking if The Girl was me,
or if Handkerchief Boy was the legendary, almost prince–like Soren Kenway.
+2
