Page 79 of Secret Marriage To My Bosshole

He takes the papers from me and tears them up, the sound of ripping paper echoing in the room.

His eyes meet mine, filled with a mix of regret and determination. "I know I’ve got a lot to prove moving forward, but I want to be with you, Cora. I was miserable without you, and I’m sorry. I should’ve stood by your side and supported you in whatever way you needed."

I reach out and take his hand, lacing our fingers together.

His touch is warm and reassuring. "You were hurt, too. And it’s true my life’s kind of a mess. I have so much debt, and I can see why your parents thought I’d be with you just for the money."

Griffin moves to the edge of the couch, pressing closer to me.

His presence is comforting, and I feel a sense of calm wash over me. "But I don’t think that. Not even close. I know you wouldn’t take a dime from me if I didn’t force you to."

"I only want us to have a good life… together."

Griffin brushes his thumb over the back of my hand, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "I’m sorry about everything that happened between us. It’s never going to happen again. I promise." His words are sincere, and I can see the determination in his eyes.

As I look at him, I know he means those words. And I’m ready to trust him.

I lean forward and run my fingers along the dark circles under his eyes. “You haven’t been sleeping.”

Griffin turns his head to kiss my palm. “I didn’t think I would miss you wrestling in your sleep for all the blankets.”

I laugh and nudge his knee with mine. “Silly.”

He grins and grabs me by the waist, pulling me into his lap as he settles back against the cushions. “I really did miss the way you ram your knee into my back like you’re trying to break it. Please come home.”

I snort and lean into his embrace. “Maybe if you ask nicely.”

“I want to feel your icicle feet on my back, too. It’s so soothing and freezing while trying to fall asleep.”

"Well, how’s any woman supposed to refuse that?" I laugh and kiss his cheek. "Of course I want to come home."

“Good. Then we’ll go get your stuff from Sophie’s and the storage unit tomorrow.” He shifts slightly, sliding his hand into his pocket. “And in the meantime, I want to ask you something.”

Butterflies erupt in my stomach, beating their wings mercilessly as my heart races.

Tears well up and start to spill over. I wipe them away quickly, not wanting to ruin the moment with tears.

He pulls out a small white velvet box and flicks open the lid. “I’ve been thinking about how we accidentally got married and then stayed married without getting you a wedding band or an engagement ring.”

A gold band is nestled in the plush white fabric. The diamond is set with tiny leaves around it and more diamonds encrusting it.

It’s a stunning ring, and I don’t want to think about how much he must’ve spent on it—too much, way too much.

“You didn’t have to. I don’t regret the way we got married. I think it was perfect for us.” My voice wavers as he takes the ring out of the box and slides it on my finger.

“Oh, it’s beautiful, Griff.”

Griffin smiles and kisses me, his mouth slow against mine. “I know there’s still a long way for us to get back to where we were, but I didn’t want to spend another day together without a ring on your finger.”

I get up first and take him by the hand, pulling him to his feet. “Come on. Why wait until tomorrow to get my things? I’ve missed you so, so much.”

He bursts out laughing and pulls me into a tight hug, “I love you, Cora.”

“I love you too, Griff.” I hold his hand, tugging him toward the door. "Let’s go. I want to get settled back into the house."

Griffin smiles and stops long enough to put on his shoes and grab his keys and wallet. “Let’s get you moved back home,” he says.

We walk out to the car together, hand in hand, and I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

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