Chapter 47

Jake’s initial pleasure vanished when he recalled seeing Thea get into another man’s car a few days earlier. His face hardened.

With a scoff, he tilted his chin and said, “Thea, stop. This behavior is annoying.”

“If you want to marry me someday, you need to work on that spoiled-princess attitude.”

Thea was utterly confused.

Jake gritted his teeth, stepped closer, and continued, “I’ve apologized for what happened with Madelyn, but you need to reflect, too. Your temper is awful, and if we marry, I’ll be miserable. I’ve given you many chances, but you keep putting up this front, then pulling stunts to get my attention. Isn’t this exhausting?”

Finally understanding his implication, Thea almost laughed at its absurdity.

She looked at him incredulously. “Why would I still be interested after you cheated? And why would I go out of my way to get your attention?”

Jake’s face tightened. “Then explain why you’re here.”

A smirk played on Thea’s lips, a strange glint in her eyes. “Jake, the Hendrix family isn’t just you. There are better options. I still plan to marry into the Hendrix family, but not you. Got a problem with that?”

Jake’s fists clenched. His voice strained, “What do you mean?”

Thea raised an eyebrow, her tone light but sharp. “Exactly what I said. I don’t want you. I’d rather choose someone else.” She paused. “Take my uncle, Nicolas. He’s good-looking, rich, and he’ll inherit everything. Why wouldn’t I choose him? Give me one good reason why I should settle for you.”

Jake’s expression shifted from anger to amusement. “Thea, even if you’re trying to annoy me, there’s no need to drag my uncle into this. Those of us in the family know, but not outsiders: Nicolas will never love another woman. He’s been in love with someone abroad for years. Even if he marries, it’s just to appease the family. His real wife’s spot is taken, and whoever’s with him will have to step aside when she returns.”

Thea’s face remained calm, but her heart twisted. Nicolas already loves someone? Why hasn’t he mentioned it? she thought.

Jake’s words echoed in her mind. Will our marriage end when that woman returns? She’d always known this marriage was a convenience, but the reality still stung.

Digging her nails into her palm to suppress her emotions, Thea’s voice sharpened with sarcasm. “If that’s true, the difference between you and your uncle is enormous. One of you knows commitment; the other throws away years of feelings without a second thought. I may not be good enough for Nicolas, but what makes you good enough for me?”

Jake’s face darkened, his temper flaring. He grabbed Thea’s wrist roughly. “Then let me teach you a lesson. You’ve been chasing me and trying to get into the Hendrix family. Whether you like Madelyn or not, you don’t get to make that choice. Grandpa’s here today, and I’ll tell him about our engagement personally. Once he decides, there’s no turning back. Being the future Mrs. Hendrix without my love is your punishment.”