Page 159 of Unleashed

Chapter 25

Simone

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“SIMONE!” I HEAR MY mother’s voice and push through throngs of caps and gowns. She dabs her eyes, but when I see Jackie’s red-splotched face and watery eyes, I run to him and hug him hard.

He sniffs above me and says, “That was... Why did you do that?”

“For you. For me. I’m your daughter, and you’re my daddy. I’ll always choose you, Jackie.”

Jack wipes his eyes and laughs. “I was saving the crying for when you get married...for real or have a baby. This surprised me. I’m so proud of you, Simone.” I was married for real. Greg disputes that.

I hug him again and see Greg standing off to the side, removing his wedding ring. Even though we’re not married, seeing that hammers my heart.

We say goodbye to Jack since he needs to return to Dover with Beau, and I ride with Greg to Sage’s Diner. Greg parks the car and turns to stare at me. “What?”

He shakes his head with an enormous grin. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“I thought you’d be mad.”

“What? Why?”

“Because you did this with me for nothing. It doesn’t matter if I’m married or not now. I lost my money.” I sigh and look out the windshield at Sage’s. “When they mail my diploma, it’ll still display Garrison, but I wanted to tell him to fuck off in a big way. I’m not dragging you through this shit anymore. You’ll never have to pretend you’re my husband again. I promise.”

“I told him we’re married.”

It takes a few seconds before I look at him, shocked. “Why?”

He shrugs and slides his hand over the steering wheel. “Why not? I’m sorry your father is a horrible person.”

“I knew he was. I didn’t want his money anymore. I need it, but I’ll figure out something.”

“I know you will. Maybe convince Vaughn to put you through school somehow. He’d do it.”

“He’s such a stellar bestie.” I giggle, and Greg looks away from me like that bothers him. I reach over and pat his right thigh. “I guess we’re friends too.” I feel his ring in his pocket and trace it with my fingers.

Greg’s eyes float up to mine. “I didn’t let your mom see me wear it.”

“I know. Can I see it?”

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