Page 59 of Secret Marriage To My Bosshole

“Jake… I’m in love with Griffin, and he loves me too.”

I finally muster the courage to tell him. Jake looks as if someone has just slapped him across the face, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open.

His mouth snaps shut, and he shakes his head. “So, that’s it. You two are in love, and I’m just supposed to accept that and be okay with it.”

The corners of my eyes burn with the tears that build there, but I hold them back. “No. You can be mad about it. You can be pissed at me for the rest of your life if you want, but don’t give up on him.”

“Why the hell would you want me to pick him over you?” Jake shakes his head. His gaze is a thousand miles away. “You’re my sister.”

“Because he needs you more. You’re his only true family, and I won’t take that away from him.” I rake a hand through my hair, pushing the loose strands back from my face. “Hate me forever if that’s what you need to do, but don’t give up on him.”

Jake gets up and paces back and forth across the kitchen. “I don’t know what to think about any of this, Cora. I don’t want to see your heart break all over again.”

I cross my arms, my eyes narrowing. “Why do you think the man you’ve known your entire life will be anything like Victor?”

“I don’t.”

“So, what’s the problem then?”

Jake sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. His jaw muscles flex as if he’s holding back from saying something.

“Just say it, Jake. Let’s get it all out in the open; otherwise, we’re never going to be able to move past this.”

Jake spins to look at me. “Cora, you’re not going to fit into his world. You know this, don’t you? You’re wonderful, but people in his world…they’re never good enough.”

The words cut deep. As much as I want to be mad at Jake for voicing the fear lingering at the back of my mind, I can’t.

I’m the one who wanted his honesty, and now I have to deal with it.

I exhale slowly, needing a moment to gather myself. “I know that. I’ve heard about his parents and family. You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.”

“And you’re fine with that?” Jake shakes his head. “You’re going to get yourself hurt, Cora, and that’s what worries me the most.”

“If I get hurt, that’s on me. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Jake sinks down onto one of the couches. “You don’t know these people; how ruthless they are. I’m always going to worry about you. Especially after what you went through with your ex, I do nothing but worry about you these days.”

I cross the room and sit down on the couch beside him. “I appreciate you worrying about me... I really do. But I’m a grown woman, Jake. You protected me from everything when we were younger, but it’s time I take matters into my own hands.”

Jake leans back and rubs his hands down his face. “I know what his family is like, Cora. You have no idea what you’re walking into.”

“It doesn’t matter. I can put up with a horrible family for him.” I tuck one leg beneath me as I twist to face Jake. “But I can’t put up with my brother hating me forever if I don’t have to.”

“I don’t hate you.” Jake’s voice wavers as he looks away from me. “I just need more time to process this.”

The corner of my mouth twitches. “We’ve had plenty to talk about it since I came here.”

Jake gives me a flat look, his leg bouncing. “Are you really happy with Griffin? Are you sure about him?” he finally asks, his voice softer now.

“I am.” I pull a throw pillow into my lap, squeezing it tight as butterflies threaten to beat their way out of my stomach. “I know Griffin cares about me, and he wants to be with me. I love him so much.”

Jake swallows hard. “And you’re going to be okay with his family when they’re awful to you?”

“I will be. Being with Griffin is worth it.”

Jake groans and shakes his head. “This will take more time to get used to, but if you’re really happy with him, then… I won’t stand in the way of your happiness, Cora.”

“Thank you,” I toss the pillow to the side and get to my feet. Now you’re going to come with me and apologize to Griffin for the way you treated him.”

---