He Said He’d Marry Her, So I Married Someone Else Chapter 17

He Said He’d Marry Her, So I Married Someone Else Chapter 17

He remembered how happy Ava had been that day, so giddy she looked like she could fly.

She had tugged on his arm, chattering nonstop.

One minute she was showing off her blue ribbon, the next she was bragging about the horse she had leased.

Then she couldn’t help but mention that the guest of honor who had presented her award was very handsome.

But she only had eyes for Ethan, so she had only stolen one quick glance at the man.

The corner of Ethan’s mouth lifted into a faint smile.

He and Ava both loved to ride.

The horse Ava leased was still at the Whitmore family’s equestrian club.

Suddenly, Brooke pushed the door open.

“Ethan.”

She wore a long white gown with a pearly satin sheen.

The dress had been custom-made, modeled after the one Mrs. Whitmore had worn for her own engagement years ago.

Mrs. Whitmore came from a modest background.

Mr. Whitmore had swept in and saved her from some trouble, and their marriage had become the stuff of local legend.

Even now, people still talked about it.

Ethan had always been proud of his parents’ love story.

Perhaps that was why, when he had first rescued Brooke, he had felt something different for her.

And now, standing before him, Brooke looked just as gentle and beautiful as his mother in those old photographs.

Ethan’s heart softened.

Even if he had never imagined things with Brooke would go this far, to an engagement and marriage.

For today, at least, he would give her a perfect engagement ceremony.

Ethan stood and held out his hand to Brooke.

She smiled softly, lifted her skirt, and walked toward him.

“You were up here for so long. I was getting a little worried.”

“It’s fine now. Let’s go.”

“What about Ava… Is it handled?”

“Yes.”

Ethan’s gaze swept over the tanzanite brooch on his chest.

“Ava was spoiled rotten, and she has a terrible temper. You’re gentle. From now on, let’s just have her stay in Chicago. She doesn’t need to come back.”

A wave of delight washed over Brooke.

But her face remained a mask of concern.

“Is that really okay?”

“Ava’s been pampered her whole life. Won’t she be miserable out there all alone?”

Ethan’s tone was flat.

“A little suffering will teach her to behave.”

Brooke said nothing more, obediently taking his arm as they walked downstairs.

Six o’clock.

Her engagement ceremony was about to begin.

From this day forward, she would never have to work another shift in a restaurant.

She would never have to live in a run-down shared apartment.

She would never have to squeeze into a tiny room with roommates again.

Her family’s entire future would change because of her.

Ethan was her one and only chance to climb out of the life she’d been born into.

She would hold on tight.

And she would never let go.