Page 66 of If the Ring Fits

I let out the first genuine smile of the day. “You are.”

The words taste like vindication on my tongue, even if they’re not entirely true. Because I can’t tell her that the finger I want to raise is for the man who put a ring on it. The same man who wants nothing to do with me unless it’s for show.

“Subtle, virginal sexy or in-your-face sexy?”

I smirk. “Let’s go with the innocent but irresistible vibe.”

The smile Sophie gives me in return is anythingbutinnocent. “Adrian is going to lose his mind.”

I down the rest of my mimosa in one long gulp, embracing the petty thrum of outrage pulsing through my veins. If Adrian wants to play the indifference game, fine. But I’m sure not going to make it easy for him.

I’ll find a dress that’ll blow his fucking mind. And when he sees what he’s missing, he’ll regret turning me down and disappearing on me.

If Adrian won’t fight for… whatever this is between us, then I’ll just have to fight harder.

And what better battleground than a party where he has to pretend he’s in love with me.

28

ROWENA

Eleven weeks pregnant

I get the first proof of life from Adrian as a new text message flashes on my screen late on Thursday afternoon. I read the preview on the lock-screen without even picking up the phone.

Adrian

Hey. I just wanted to give you a heads up. Sam is picking up my mom tomorrow and won’t be available to you in case you needed to go somewhere.

I drop the console in my hands to the floor. Over the past couple of days, I’ve put my irrational, unjustified rage to productive use. After my revenge shopping on Tuesday, I left the fancy boutique and went to a massive toy store, buying every toy even vaguely related to coding I could find, and I’ve been testing them non-stop in my room since then.

I pick up the phone and type a quick reply.

Rowena

Sure, no problem

Pettiness wafts off me in waves.

Adrian

I was wondering, if you’re free tomorrow night, would you like to meet her? Have dinner together?

My heart soars, at least until the next text arrives and the poor organ plummets to the bottom of my ribcage.

Adrian

So it won’t look like you just met each other on Saturday at the party

Rowena

Makes sense. Do you want me to ask Rosa to make something special?

Adrian

No, thank you. I’ve already texted her. She knows what my mom likes

Right. Because his housekeeper knows him better than I do. I roll the bitter notion over in my brain. Adrian shouldn’t be so pervasive in my thoughts. If he wants to ignore me, I should ignore him right back. Or at least not let him distract me from my console idea. He’s the best at putting work first and I should do the same.

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