For a moment, I just looked at him, wondering was anything he said in his proposal true, or just a show. He made me feel safe, but undecided at the same time.
“Yes,” I said softly.
The room erupted.
Ares slid the ring onto my finger and stood, pulling me into a kiss while the crowd celebrated around us.
From the outside, it probably looked perfect.
Like a fairytale.
But as people rushed forward to congratulate us, a cold voice brushed my ear.
My mother…
“You look beautiful tonight,” she whispered. “Don’t get attached. Men like him don’t stay put. Remember, this is business.”
A chill slid down my spine.
When I turned, she was already smiling politely for the cameras like she hadn’t said anything at all.
My mother was the reason I was cold to men in the first place. To her, all men were a business deal… including my father. That was what she always tried to instill in me. And in some ways, it worked…
$$$$$
Later that night, Ares’ Calabasas penthouse felt quiet compared to the chaos of the event.
I slipped off my heels and walked toward the kitchen while Ares poured himself a drink at the bar.
I filled a glass with cold water and leaned against the counter.
He drank whiskey like the night wasn’t over yet.
“You sure you need that?” I asked.
He shrugged. “It’s been a long day.”
“You say that every time you drink.”
He smirked slightly. “Don’t start acting like my doctor.”
I studied him for a moment.
“I invited your exes tonight,” I said, casually.
That got his attention.
He turned slowly.
“What?”
“I figured if any of them were still around, they might want to see the show.”
He took another sip of whiskey. “Bold move, and you wonder why I drink.”
“I saw you look at Naomi. She was the only one who showed up,” I added.
His expression barely changed, but I noticed the pause.
