Page 31 of Forbidden Fruit

“Because I’m trying to be responsible,” he says, his tone condescending. “I want to be financially stable before we get married. Isn’t that what you want? A successful husband?”

The way he says it makes my skin crawl—like he’s doing me a favor by considering marriage at all.

“I want a partner,” I say quietly. “Someone who values me as much as I value them.”

Jack rolls his eyes. “Now you sound like a Hallmark card.”

I take another sip of champagne, feeling a strange calm settle over me. I spent five years waiting for this man to love me how I deserve. Five years of planning other people’s perfect weddings while putting my dreams on hold.

“My apartment lease renews in two months,” I say. “I’ll think about it.”

“What’s there to think about?” Jack looks genuinely perplexed. “It’s the obvious next step.”

Before I can respond, Kay appears, beaming as she approaches our table. “How are we doing over here? Ready for dessert?” Her eyes dart between us, clearly searching for signs of a proposal.

“We’re fine, Mom,” Jack says tersely.

“Wonderful!” She clasps her hands together. “I thought I saw something sparkly being passed across the table!”

The awkward silence that follows is excruciating.

“Not yet,” I say with a tight smile.

Kay’s expression falters. “Oh! Well, the night is young.” She shoots Jack a pointed look before backing away. “I’ll just... check on dessert.”

Once she’s gone, Jack groans. “See what I’m dealing with? She’s been like this all week.”

“She wants you to be happy,” I say, though I’m not sure I believe it. It seems more like Kay wants what Kay wants.

“She wants what she thinks will make her look good,” Jack mutters. “A high-society daughter-in-law to brag about to her friends.”

I feel a sting at his words. “Is that how you see me? A social trophy?”

“What? No.” He looks confused. “I’m talking about my mother’s motivations, not mine.”

“And what are your motivations, Jack?” I ask, genuinely curious. I’m not sure we’ve ever had this conversation in five years.

He looks at me like I’ve grown a second head. “What do you mean? I love you. Isn’t that enough?”

The words should warm me, but they fall flat. When was the last time Jack said them without prompting? When was the last time I felt them?

“Is it?” I press. “Because lately, I feel like we’re on completely different pages.”

Jack sighs and reaches for the bottle to refill his glass. “Look, I know you’ve been to a million weddings, and you have this whole fantasy built up in your head, but real life isn’t like that. It’s about making smart decisions.”

“And I’m a smart decision?” My voice is quiet, barely audible over the sound of waves crashing nearby.

“Of course,” he says, like it’s obvious. “You’re stable, you have a good job, your family has connections. We make sense together.”

I stare at him across the table, this man I’ve spent five years loving, and feel something inside me crack open. Not a break, but a release—like pressure escaping from a valve.

“That’s not love, Jack. That’s a business arrangement.”

His face hardens. “Don’t be dramatic. This is how adults approach relationships. Not everyone needs the fairy tale.”

I look down at my half-eaten meal, the champagne bubbling in my glass, and the elaborate setting Kay has arranged for a proposal that isn’t coming. Not tonight. Maybe not ever.

“Maybe I do,” I whisper.

---