Chapter 30
Chapter 30
In a jewelry store in Beliston, Ashley, wearing sunglasses, was checking out the display. Every few minutes, she’d spin around and ask Sebastian ho
does this look on me?”
Sebastian barely paid attention. He stood with one hand stuffed in his pocket, lazily scanning the crowd.
Truman chimed in with a nod. “Totally killer.”
After a few times, Ashley’s enthusiasm waned. She walked up to Sebastian and asked somewhat petulantly, “Are you serious about marrying me?
Sebastian finally met her gaze, his expression icy. “What do you think?”
The words stung. “If you’re not into this,” Ashley said, voice tight, “then why’d you go and announce our engagement to everyone in town?”
Sebastian glanced at her, then quickly looked away. The news of him shopping with Ashley had spread two hours ago. He figured Yasmine would show up any minute now.
Ashley stepped right in front of him, looking up expectantly. But his gaze never once landed on her. Frustrated and feeling desperate, she snapped, “Give me one good reason, or this engagement is off.”
Sebastian turned, fixing Ashley with a half–smirk. A chill suddenly ran up her spine, and she instinctively stepped back.
“Beliston’s got plenty of women,” Sebastian said, his tone ice–cold.
Ashley stiffened. “Then why’d you choose me?” she pushed, a stubborn edge to her voice.
“I played along with your little game.” His voice dropped. “Consider this payback.”
Ashley’s heart dropped. She muttered, her lips trembling, “So, none of this is real?”
Silence was her only answer.
Ashley studied Sebastian’s stony expression, her mind drifting back to their simpler teenage years. A bitter thought took root–they never should have broken up three years ago.
‘If that nosy old witch hadn’t interfered, I’d be Mrs. Zimmerman by how–maybe even with Sebastian’s baby. I wouldn’t be stuck hustling for roles at industry parties. This is so not how my life was supposed to go,‘ she thought.
“Ms. Webster,” Truman smoothly intercepted, blocking her view of Sebastian with a professional smile, “why don’t you select a diamond ring you like? Mr. Zimmerman’s show needs the right props.
“You should know which prop has more impact, right? Of course, once everything is settled, the prop is yours to keep as a gift.”
Each word cut deeper than the last. Ashley blinked back tears before pasting on a dazzling smile for the hidden camera she’d planted. “Thank you for the engagement gift, Sebastian. I’m overjoyed,” she said, raising her voice on purpose.
The moment she turned away, her smile vanished. She looked at the display case with a blank expression. “These bargain–bin pieces won’t do. Show me your most exclusive ring–the one you keep in the vault.”
The sales associate presented a diamond with a nine–figure price tag. Ashley finally smiled–this matched her worth, and it would make their charade impossible to deny.
Once the rumors started flying, even a total lie could become the truth. She’d make sure Sebastian would have to marry her for real.
“Wrap it up,” Ashley commanded.
