Page 276 of Billionaire Temptations

“Ruined you?” My father’s brow raised. “You’re the CEO of a company I built from the ground up, and you’re doing a damn good job, and your sister is a doctor. I don’t think we ruined you, son.”

“The fuck you didn’t!”

“Watch your mouth, boy,” he sternly spoke.

“I will not watch my mouth because it’s the goddamn truth. Did you know that Jules had to think about whether or not to accept Carter’s proposal because of how we grew up? And as for me, I would never think about getting into a relationship with someone because of all the bad examples you set for me over the years. You taught me that relationships don’t last, and they cause nothing but heartache. Why do you think I don’t bring anyone around? Why I’m not married?”

“Honestly, your mother and I thought maybe you were gay.”

I clenched my fists and took in a deep breath. “I am not gay! I don’t get involved in anything long-term because of you!” I shouted.

“Well, I see Emily is still around,” my mother spoke.

“Because we both signed a contract! We aren’t in a relationship. We’re companions without all the bullshit and problems relationships cause.”

“A what?” my father asked.

“Never mind. I can’t do this. Enough is enough. I’ve stood by you,” I pointed to my mother, “through four husbands. And I’ve stood by you,” I pointed to my father, “through five wives, and now you come in here and tell us you’re getting back together like it’s no big deal? Have a nice life. I don’t want any part of it. Emily, Jules, Carter, let’s go.” I headed towards the door.

“No, Jackson. I think we should stay,” Jules spoke.

“Then go ahead and stay, but I’m not. I’ll have Edward wait here with the car, and when you’re ready to leave, he’ll take you home. Emily, let’s go.”

I stepped outside and instructed Edward to wait for Jules and Carter while I hailed Emily and me a cab. As soon as one pulled up, we climbed in, and I took in a deep breath to try and calm down.

“I’m not going to ask if you’re okay because clearly, you’re not,” Emily spoke.

“I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

“Don’t be.” She placed her hand on my shoulder. “Are we calling it a night?”

“I just want to go home. Will you stay?” I asked.

“Of course, I will.” She smiled as she laid her head on my shoulder.

Chapter Thirty-Five

ONE MONTH LATER

Emily

My feelings for Jackson hit an all-time high, and it was growing more difficult not to tell him that I loved him. Gregory and I had met after my conversation with Crystal, and we were slowly building our relationship as father and daughter. His wife, Stella, was shocked, to say the least, but she welcomed me with open arms. As for Jackson, he was still on the outs with his parents. My shop was thriving, and I was a girl who should have been on cloud nine. But I wasn’t because I wanted more from Jackson than just companionship. Even though it felt like we were in a real relationship, we weren’t, and I was growing frustrated. We slept together four nights a week, and I would toss and turn the three nights he wasn’t with me. Katie and Evelyn told me that I should slowly start to make my feelings known. But I was afraid because he still did even though I no longer bashed relationships. After finding out about my mother and why she was the way she was, I let go of everything she told me. I no longer guarded my heart, and I no longer wanted to play it safe. I wanted to be someone’s girlfriend, Jackson’s girlfriend.

A friend of Jackson’s was getting married, and he was invited to the wedding. I had just slipped on my heels when he walked into my apartment.

“Look at you.” He whistled. “You look incredible. I may have trouble keeping my hands off you tonight.” He wrapped one arm around my waist and kissed my lips.

“You’re looking quite sexy in that tuxedo.” I straightened his bowtie.

We arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel, where the ceremony was about to begin. Jackson wanted to skip it, but I told him we should go since the reception was immediately following. We were seated near the back and stood as the bridesmaids, and then the bride walked down the aisle.

“She looks beautiful. What a gorgeous wedding dress,” I whispered.

“Waste of money if you ask me. To spend all that money and only wear it a few hours.”

“Look who’s talking, Mr. Designer Tux.”

“That’s different. I wear this tux all the time. That dress is only worn once.”

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