Chapter 20

Seeing the hopeful eyes of Matthew and Lindsey, I finally nodded. But deep down, I vowed: if Jace had any further dealings with Tanya, even after we married, I would leave him without a second thought. Everyone at the table sighed in relief at my agreement; the atmosphere immediately warmed and relaxed.

After dinner, I couldn't simply leave. Back in the bedroom, the awkwardness between Jace and me intensified. "You go take a shower," Jace broke the silence.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Lena. I glanced at Jace. "You go ahead. I'll take this call."

Jace went into the bathroom, and I answered. Lena's voice held a hint of accusation. "Rea, you didn't sleep at my place last night, and you're not here tonight either. Did you go back to Jace's?"

Looking at the large bed, I replied softly, "Yeah."

"You and Jace are back together?" Lena sounded surprised.

I bit my lip. "We're getting our marriage certificate tomorrow."

Lena was silent for a moment before asking, "Are you sure about this?"

I walked to the window and looked at the crescent moon. "People change. He blocked Tanya's contact and promised not to see her again. I want to give him one more chance."

After a pause, I added, "The last chance."

Lena knew me well. Once I made up my mind, arguing was pointless. She simply said, "Rea, just remember you deserve someone who can make you feel secure and happy."

"Yeah," I replied, ending the call. I stood there, lost in thought. My mind was blank, my emotions neither happy nor sad.

A chill on my back made me realize Jace was hugging me from behind. He wasn't wearing a shirt, only pajama pants. His arms, still damp from the shower, held me close. He was undeniably sexy.

His lips found my neck, gently nipping and sending shivers down my spine, tightening my nerves. I knew what he wanted, but I stopped his hand. "Let's wait until tomorrow."

We were getting our marriage certificate tomorrow; one more day wouldn't make a difference.

Jace stiffened, his grip tightening, but he didn't push further. He kissed my cheek. "Alright, you go take a shower and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we'll go get the certificate and be the first ones there."

He sounded eager.

I laughed. "Is there a prize for being first?"

He paused before replying, "Yeah."

He was ready, but I wasn't, so I made a hasty exit. I went to the bathroom and stayed for almost an hour, hoping he'd be asleep by the time I came out.

Jace, worried about my discomfort, had indeed fallen asleep. His phone lay on the nightstand, completely silent. Even though nothing would happen tonight, the memory of the last time still made me anxious; it might ring any moment.

I didn't sleep well that night, constantly dreaming. I dreamt of Jace driving to a riverside, of him drinking in a cave with his car door open, and a snake slithering in and out, which then transformed into a monkey jumping around.

When I woke up, the sky was still dark, and Jace was deeply asleep. I gently turned to look at him. His high nose bridge, long lashes, and perfectly shaped lower eyelids looked like artwork. His lips were full, a bit on the fuller side, which was said to be a sign of good fortune and loyalty in men.

Lost in my thoughts, Jace suddenly opened his eyes, catching me in the act. Despite our familiarity, my heart skipped a beat, and my cheeks flushed. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Mrs. Johnston." Jace's voice was husky from sleep.

I froze, the heat in my cheeks intensifying. Quickly, I moved away from him and got out of bed to wash up. By the time I emerged from the bathroom, Jace had left the bedroom. I chose a white dress from the wardrobe and paired it with a light yellow coat, making me look bright and cheerful.