Chapter 18 I thought your board meeting made it impossible to join me ? I smiled into the familiar embrace . Kate called . Said if I didnt 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 Jacobs ear my mothers 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 whod revolutionized the jewelry industry . His reputation preceded him Ice in his veins , they said . ruthless , brilliant , the man whod ousted his own father from the company board. Until two years ago , when hed 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 Adrians reflection in the mirror , standing frozen , watching us disappear . Jacob traced patterns on my palm . Whats he staring at ? Playing the heartbroken ex ? Bit late for that performance . Doesnt 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 . Wed met when I joined his company . Hed criticized every design , claiming I missed the essence of luxury . Id told him he wouldnt know true design if it wore a nametag . Chapter 18 Somehow , those arguments had turned to dinners , then to love . We visited Moms 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 . Hes not family , I told them firmly . Please dont let him in again . They hesitated , then nodded . Jacob made some calls , ensuring more permanent restrictions . Mom wouldnt have wanted him here the man whod 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 . Dont be sad , love . Your mom wouldnt 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 . Lets 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 . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!