Page 89 of Essence of his Soul

I loved him, even though a big part of me wanted to hate him for lying, for proposing like he was checking off a box. But deep down, even after everything, I still wanted to be his wife. As crazy as it sounded, I couldn’t shake that feeling, tearing me up inside.

When I got home, I noticed I had missed a call from Mark. I felt my heart race as I scrolled through my phone and hit play. His deep voice came through, and I sighed without even realizing it, but as soon as the voice message ended, my chest tightened again. He didn’t say anything about the announcement. Instead, he wanted to know if I’d drop Tyler off at Kelly’s place so the three of them could bring in New Year’s Eve together. I played the message three times before finallyerasing it, standing there in silence, feeling empty. He either hadn’t seen the announcement or didn’t care. Either way, I knew what I had to do.

Later that evening, I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the scarlet velvet dress I decided to wear to the corporate New Year’s Eve party. The dress hugged my curves in all the right places, my cleavage was on display, and the slim skirt stopped just below my knees. My auburn curls were swept up, and I’d forced an artificial smile onto my face, but inside, I was conflicted. I had almost turned down Malcolm’s invitation, but after Mark’s message… well, what else did I have to do? I decided I might as well call off the engagement in person and then bring in the New Year with Tamara and her husband. Anything was better than spending the evening alone.

I drew a sigh as I stared at my reflection. I’d give anything to go back to what Mark and I had over the weekend. Everything was perfect, so right like we could’ve been a family. But reality had a way of crashing down hard.

“You look nice.”

I whipped around, startled, to see Mark standing outside Kelly’s bathroom door. My heart jumped, racing in my chest as I took him in, his towering frame commanding the space. I had hoped to drop off Tyler and leave before he showed up, but here he was, and I prayed for the strength not to fall into his arms.

“Thank you,” I managed to say, my voice tighter than intended.

His eyes locked on mine, and for a split second, I felt the pull, that magnetic force that always drew me to him.

“Listen, Essence, can we talk?” Mark stepped forward, his hand finding my shoulder.

I felt myself getting swept up in that familiar feeling. But then I remembered his “cheaper to keep her” comment andquickly shook it off, stepping away.

“Now’s not a good time.” I moved past him, hoping to escape the situation altogether. “Before I leave, let me check on Tyler. He’s been running a low-grade fever, but I think it’s just teething.”

I headed down the hallway, and Mark followed me into Kelly’s guest room, where Tyler was sleeping. The moonlight from the window illuminated the room just enough, so I didn’t bother turning on the light. I stroked Tyler’s brow, feeling relieved that he was cooler. Turning to Mark, I kept my voice steady. “I gave him some Tylenol an hour ago, so he should be fine. If he gets fussy, try giving him a Popsicle. They help with his gums. I put a box in the freezer.”

Mark nodded but didn’t say a word. Instead, he just stared at me, causing my body to heat, matching the need I saw in his eyes. I hoped to find a way to tuck my emotions away to avoid deepening the heartache I was experiencing. For now, Mark and I would have to come to some terms for Tyler's sake. There was no way we could keep tiptoeing around each other.

He stood before the door, creating this thick tension that made it clear he wouldn’t let me leave yet.

“Uh, Mark, please call my cell if you need me.”

“I need you now,” he said, his voice low and full of determination.

Mark crossed the room in two strides, wrapped his arms around my waist, and pulled me against his chest. I tried to bring my arms up to push him away, but he had me pinned, and when I opened my mouth to protest, he silenced me with a kiss. It wasn’t a soft, gentle kiss. No, this one was full of fire and urgency, and it took everything in me not to melt completely. I should’ve fought back, should’ve stopped him. But I didn’t. Instead, I let myself go, the anger and the love mixing together, leaving me breathless. When he finally pulled back, I leanedagainst the wall, dazed and confused.

“I thought I’d give you something to think about while you’re spending the evening with your fiancé,” he said, throwing me a cocky wink before slipping out of the room.

A groan of pure frustration escaped my throat, and I heard Mark chuckling as he made his way toward the kitchen to join Kelly.

Damn him. He wasn’t playing fair. Not at all.

* * *

As soon as I handed my keys to the valet, doubt hit me like a wave. Maybe meeting Malcolm in person to end the engagement wasn’t the best idea. When he called to pick me up, I told him to go ahead without me. I had to ensure Tyler’s fever was under control and said I’d meet him there. Now, I was standing outside this extravagant New Year’s Eve party, wondering if I was making the right move.

The second I stepped inside, the greeter took my coat, handed me a coat claim ticket, and walked through the grand foyer toward a set of elegant double doors. As soon as I entered the ballroom, it was like stepping into another world. The soft glow of crystal chandeliers lit the room below with a warm, golden hue, casting shadows that danced across the glossy marble floor. Silver vases overflowed with white roses and hydrangeas, and twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, mimicking a starry sky. It smelled expensive—like flowers, fresh linen, and perfume that cost more than a mortgage.

The whole place was breathtaking, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city skyline like a picture-perfect backdrop. Soft jazz from the grand piano in the corner blended with the laughter and murmurs from the well-dressed crowd. Women in gowns that looked straight out of a fashion magazine and men in tailored tuxedos moved around the place,champagne flutes in hand.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. My scarlet velvet dress hugged my curves just right, and the deep V-neckline definitely drew a few wandering eyes, but I wasn’t here for all that. I had dressed to impress myself—this night was about reclaiming me. But now that I was here, the weight of what I had to do made me feel like my knees might buckle.

As I descended the sweeping staircase that led to the heart of the ballroom, I felt all eyes on me. Curious, maybe judging, but I kept my head high and my steps slow. My heels clicking against the marble echoed faintly, reminding me of why I was here—to end this thing with Malcolm once and for all.

The room was stunning, with an ice sculpture swan glistening under the lights, satin tablecloths, and couples gliding across the dance floor like they were part of some old Hollywood movie. I scanned the room for Malcolm. I knew he’d be somewhere, charming his colleagues, playing the part of the perfect man. But tonight wasn’t about him. It was about me taking back control.

I grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, took a slow sip, and tried to relax. Glancing around the room, I spotted Tamara and Dennis. I headed their way, my fake smile firmly in place.

“You didn’t tell me you were coming,” Tamara said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Didn’t decide until this afternoon,” I replied, shrugging like it was no big deal, even though everything about tonight felt like a big deal.

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