Page 57 of Essence of his Soul

I stared down at the ring, my heart sinking like a stone. It was beautiful, with clusters of diamonds in a breathtaking setting. I blinked, trying to hide the tears threatening to spill over. Why couldn’t it be Mark slipping a ring on my finger, telling me he loved me? The ring was beautiful, no question about that, but I felt absolutely nothing. I didn’t want to admire it or feel that rush of joy I should’ve felt. Instead, all I wanted to do wascry. Because I felt nothing for Malcolm. He must’ve thought my tears were happy because he leaned in and kissed me again, excitement lighting up his eyes when he pulled back.

"Sweetheart, I know we’ll be great together. I’ll do everything possible to make you the happiest woman."

I swallowed hard, trying to find the words to stop this before it went too far. "Malcolm, I—"

"Please," he interrupted, kissing me again before I could object. "Don’t say anything until I get back."

I sat there, stunned and unsure of what to do. I should’ve stopped him, should’ve said something right then. But I couldn’t. I was too shocked, too overwhelmed. And now… now it was too late.

As soon as Malcolm stood up and said, “The weather forecast calls for freezing rain this evening, so I’d better get a move on,” I felt relief. I practically floated to the door with him, eager to see him out as fast as possible. Mark was about to show up with Tyler any minute now. The tension between Malcolm and Mark the last time they were in the same room, you could’ve cut it with a knife. I wasn’t in the mood for a rerun of that drama.

I swung the door open, thinking I could hurry this along, but Malcolm had to make things complicated. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me into a kiss—hard and needy, like he was trying to make a point. His lips stayed on mine far too long, and just as I was about to push him away, I heard a sharp tapping on the storm door. I jumped back like I’d been caught doing something wrong.

“Mark!” I gasped, feeling my heart slam against my chest.

His eyes locked on mine, and I froze in place. There was no mistaking the anger written all over his face. Tyler was fast asleep in his arms, his little head resting on Mark’s broad shoulder. Mark opened the storm door and stepped inside, bringing a gust of cold air.

“It looks like I arrived just in time,” he said, his voice calm but icy, his eyes flicking between me and Malcolm like he was about to blow.

I forced a smile, trying to act like everything was fine. “Malcolm was just leaving.”

Mark’s gaze shifted to Malcolm, who stood there grinning like a cat who got into the cream. “Then I suggest you get a move on,” Mark said, his voice so low and dangerous that even I felt a chill.

I jumped in quickly. “Yes, yes, the snow’s getting pretty heavy. You don’t want to get caught in it.”

Malcolm didn’t even flinch. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying himself. “Now that I’ve given Essence her Christmas present, I’ll be on my way,” he said, looking directly at Mark, making sure he had the last word.

My heart thudded in my chest.Don’t say it, please don’t say it, I begged silently.

But Malcolm wasn’t done. He pulled me closer, that smug grin plastered on his face. “Let me be the first to tell you... Essence and I are officially engaged.”

I felt my stomach drop like a stone. Did he really say that? I couldn’t even get my mouth to work as Mark’s eyes zeroed in on my hand—the hand with Malcolm’s ring snugly wrapped around my finger. I watched Mark’s jaw tighten, his dark eyes locking onto mine like he was waiting for me to say it wasn’t true. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think.

“Congratulations. You’re a lucky man,” Mark said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, the fake smile on his face making my skin crawl. But his eyes—those eyes—stayed glued to mine, full of pain and fury.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I looked away, but I still felt his stare burn into me as he brushed past, carrying Tyler down the hall without another word.

Tears stung my eyes as I wriggled out of Malcolm’s grasp, my anger barely contained. “Why did you tell him that?” I hissed through clenched teeth, keeping my voice low so Mark wouldn’t overhear.

Malcolm blinked, looking genuinely confused. Then he flashed me a smile like everything was fine. “I’m sorry. I got a little carried away. But you haven’t said no. So we’re engaged until you tell me otherwise.”

I tried to tell you no, but you weren’t listening!I wanted to scream, but instead, I just stood there, feeling trapped. I didn’t want to ruin Malcolm’s holiday, and deep down, I wasn’t ready to deal with everything going on with Mark either. So, for now, I’d keep the ring, let Malcolm have his moment, and figure it all out later. One mess at a time.

“Are we still on for New Year’s Eve?” Malcolm asked, leaning in for another kiss.

I had almost forgotten about his law firm’s holiday party. “Sure,” I muttered. It wasn’t like I had any other plans.

He seemed satisfied. “Good. Merry Christmas. I’ll call you when I get to my parents’ place.”

I nodded, watching him head out the door as the snow continued to fall.

Once his silver BMW disappeared down the street, I closed the door and let out a deep, shaky breath.Finally.

I headed straight for the kitchen, not even bothering to think about dinner yet. First things first—I had to get this damn ring off my finger.

I stared down at it. It was a lovely ring, no doubt about that, but it didn’t mean a thing to me. It came from the wrong man. I tugged at it, but it wouldn’t budge.

Great. Just great.

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