His Fake Proposal Led Me To My Real Husband Chapter 03
I was still looking at the screen when my mother pushed the door open.
“What’s happened? Becca, the coordinator said the opening has been delayed.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Westbrook still aren’t here. Did something happen on the way?”
She looked up at Mason.
“Mason, do you know what’s going on?”
Tyler laughed.
“His parents have no idea there’s an engagement party today. Of course they’re not coming.”
My mother froze mid-step.
She asked carefully, “Did something come up for them at the last minute?”
“It’s all right. I can represent Rebecca’s family for now. Please, let’s not have a fight over this.”
Mason cut her off.
“Mrs. Walker, the party needs to be postponed. Please let the guests know.”
“Sorry to have made everyone come all this way. I’ll come by the house to apologize properly another time.”
My mother was silent for a moment, then forced a smile.
“That’s all right. Another day is fine.”
She waved her hands quickly. “No need to apologize. We can work around your parents’ schedule.”
“The food can still be served. We can just treat it as a dinner party. We ordered your favorite steak, and Becca’s favorite lobster ravioli.”
Mason said impatiently, “I know. We’ll talk about it later.”
My mother stood there, her hands fluttering uselessly at her sides.
My eyes began to burn.
For years, the Westbrooks had made it clear they thought I wasn’t good enough for Mason. My mother measured every word, terrified of saying something that would make my position even more precarious.
I took her arm and walked her toward the door.
“Mom, just do what the coordinator said. Tell the kitchen not to send out the food.”
My mother patted my hand.
“You and Mason talk this through. Don’t fight today.”
I nodded.
“Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
I saw my mother out.
Behind me, Tyler said loudly, “Mrs. Walker really lays it on thick.”
“Is she that scared Mason’s going to dump her daughter? Does she already think she’s in-laws with the Westbrooks?”
“Mason, I think she wants into your family even more than Rebecca does.”
I walked back over and slapped Tyler across the face.
He was stunned. Mason shoved me, and I stumbled back two steps before catching my balance. He stepped between me and Tyler.
“Rebecca, when did you get so sensitive?”
“Tyler was just joking. You’re going to hit him over a joke?”
I looked at him.
“I was just joking, too. Why are you taking it so seriously?”
Mason drew a sharp breath.
When he saw I wasn’t backing down, he took a step back.
“Fine. You’ve had your moment.”
“That’s enough for today.”
“I’ll reimburse you for the party.”
“Don’t tell your mom about the bet. There’s no point in making her worry.”
One second he’s shoving me, the next he’s trying to buy his way out of it. The casual cruelty of it made my stomach turn.
My mother sent a message.
*Becca, the host said the opening starts in fifteen minutes. Are you sure everything’s okay?*
I replied: *Everything’s fine, Mom. The engagement party will start on time.*
Mason saw my screen and frowned.
“Rebecca, stop this charade.”
“Fine. I’ll stay. I want to see how you dig yourself out of this one.”
“But let’s be clear. If you embarrass the Westbrook family, my parents will never accept you.”
With that, he led his friends toward the door.
Before they were even out of the room, I heard someone start making bets again.
“How long before she goes begging to Mason?”
“I’ll bet one minute.”
Mason didn’t stop them.
He was so sure I’d give in. He sent me one last message.
*That’s enough. Don’t take it too far.*
*Be good. I’ll take you for chocolate cake.*
I hadn’t even finished reading it when the lounge door opened from the outside.
Julian Cavendish walked in.
He glanced down at his phone, then looked up and smiled at me.
“I’m not late, am I?”
His suit sleeves were pushed to his elbows, a sheen of sweat on his temples. He’d run.
“Rebecca.”
“Have you really thought this through?”
I nodded.
“I have.”
“You don’t have to choose me because of what happened today,” he said.
“Even if all you need is someone to walk out there with you so this doesn’t turn into a public humiliation, I’ll do it.”
“But I have to ask you first. Do you want to marry me? Or do you just think I’m a better option than Mason?”
He looked at me, his gaze steady.
He didn’t rush me. He just waited for my answer.
“Julian, I’m not using you to get back at him.”
I paused.
“If I didn’t want to choose anyone today, I would have just left. I wouldn’t have asked you to come.”
“I called you because you’re the person I want to marry.”
He was silent for two seconds, then tipped his chin toward the ballroom.
“Then let’s go, my fiancée.”
I nodded and took his arm.
As the host began the countdown, Julian took my hand and noticed my little finger was trembling.
He patted the back of my hand.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
I nodded.Â