Page 21 of If the Ring Fits

I grin amused by her teasing about my looks, but I’m not sure if I should worry about theruthless part.

Adrian

Where did the ruthless part come from? I don’t believe it’s in my bio

Rowena

My best friend’s brother and boyfriend both work in finance. Apparently, you have a reputation

My smile fades a bit. The finance world is small, after all. And I do have a reputation—not to mess with me—that I’ve spent years building. I’m respected and, yeah, also feared by some.

Adrian

Taylor Swift has a Big Reputation, too

Rowena

Don’t try to distract me with—admittedly good—Taylor Swift puns

So, are you? Ruthless?

Adrian

I go after what I want. I have no problem admitting that

I send the message with a firm nod, owning up to my nature.

Rowena

And now you want a pregnant fiancée

I rub the back of my neck, unsure how to reply. Pretend I’m not after something? No, because I am. My future is in her hands. I decide total transparency is the best way ahead.

Adrian

I honestly didn’t write to pressure you

I just wanted to check on you

But, yeah, I want you to be my fiancée for all the wrong reasons

It’s not romantic, and probably not what you might’ve dreamed for yourself

But if you’re going to say no, I’d rather know

The sooner I come clean with my boss the better

I send the flurry of texts, each one making my chest tighten, then wait.

Rowena

I don’t know what to do

Adrian

Is there anything I can do to make the decision easier?

I want to help, to smooth things out for her.

---