Clapping hands felt forced, a strained performance for everyone but Jackson, Vivian's brother. He, who'd always been like a big brother, sat in the shadows, his handsome face unreadable. He wasn't necessarily pleased with my answer about Arthur. Perhaps, like others, he worried Arthur might be after my money. But after seven years together, I knew Arthur was the one for me.
“J–Jack…”
My warm smile faltered as Jackson walked past me, leaving the venue without a single word. I bit my lip, the urge to chase after him a war with the hurt blooming in my chest.
Vivian placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "He'll come around," she assured me. "Jackson's just...protective of us."
I forced a sigh, scanning the crowd for Nina and Arthur. Finding them absent, I wandered towards the restroom, the diamond ring on my finger suddenly feeling heavy. As I passed a stall, a muffled moan drifted out. My hand flew to my mouth to stifle a gasp.
"Do you really want to marry her?" It was Nina's voice, laced with unmistakable desire.
The world tilted. Bile rose in my throat.
"No," came Arthur's reply, equally passionate. "You're the one I want, Nina. She's..."