Chapter 18 

“I thought your board meeting made it impossible to join me?” I smiled into the familiar embrace. 

“Kate called. Said if I didn’t show up, I might lose my wife. How could I risk that?” Jacob held me closer, his voice playful but possessive. 

I grinned. Trust Kate to play guardian angel, though really – did she think I had so little self–control? 

Adrian had followed me out, only to find us entwined. His eyes fixed on the butterfly earring in Jacob’s ear – my mother’s other earring, gleaming defiantly. 

The other guests emerged, their surprise evident at seeing Jacob Sterling. 

Some rushed to greet him, while others held back, whispering about the notorious CEO who’d revolutionized the jewelry industry. 

His reputation preceded him 

Ice in his veins, they said. 

– ruthless, brilliant, the man who’d ousted his own father from the company board. 

Until two years ago, when he’d stunned everyone by confirming his relationship. 

A sharp–eyed reporter had noticed the new piercing, the distinctive earring. 

Jacob had simply smiled and acknowledged he was in love. 

No one had guessed it was me. 

Jacob kept his arm around me, acknowledging Adrian with a slight nod – both greeting and warning in one gesture. 

As we left, I caught Adrian’s reflection in the mirror, standing frozen, watching us disappear. 

Jacob traced patterns on my palm. 

“What’s he staring at? Playing the heartbroken ex? Bit late for that performance. Doesn’t he know delayed remorse is worth less than nothing?” 

I squeezed his hand. “His regrets are his problem. I only care about your love.” 

That earned me his rare smile. 

Everyone thought Jacob Sterling was cold and unapproachable. They never saw his sharp wit, his playful sarcasm. 

We’d met when I joined his company. 

He’d criticized every design, claiming I missed the essence of luxury. 

I’d told him he wouldn’t know true design if it wore a nametag. 

Chapter 18 

Somehow, those arguments had turned to dinners, then to love. 

We visited Mom’s grave the next morning. 

Fresh lilies lay before her headstone – her favorites. 

The groundskeeper told me an older man came monthly. I knew who it was without needing details. 

“He’s not family,” I told them firmly. “Please don’t let him in again.” 

They hesitated, then nodded. 

Jacob made some calls, ensuring more permanent restrictions. 

Mom wouldn’t have wanted him here – the man who’d abandoned her in her final days made her sick to look at. 

Snow began falling as we left. Jacob tucked my hand into his coat pocket, adjusting my scarf against the cold. 

“Don’t be sad, love. Your mom wouldn’t want that.” 

I nodded, remembering my promise at her grave to live joyfully, for myself. 

“What would you like for lunch?” Jacob asked. 

“Your homemade tomato basil pasta,” I smiled. “The one you learned in Milan.” 

“Done,” he said, already planning the sauce in his head. “Let’s head home.” 

I held tighter to his arm as we walked, our footprints marking a path through the fresh snow, leading toward our future together.