Wish I Never Met You Chapter 3 Part 3
CHAPTER 3 · PART THREE
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“So we do everything like a real marriage?”
“I wouldn’t force you to do anything you don’t want.”
“And how am I supposed to believe that’s true?”
He chuckled lowly, a sound that grated and soothed simultaneously. “We’ll sign a contract, dummy, where you can outline your hard limits and everything else that will protect you.”
I popped a strawberry into my mouth, thinking it over before asking, “Why not court me properly instead of all this? If I’m real to you, why not treat me like it?”
“Believe me, I’d like nothing more,” he said, a flicker of something soft in his voice, “but I don’t have the time for that.”
Of course. That fit his image—high and mighty, impatient to get what he wanted.
It didn’t matter. My decision was already made. I was going to grab this opportunity and hold on tight. By the end of six months, my life would be different—better. Gabby would have the life I never had.
“I accept your proposal,” I said.
The words felt heavier than I expected.
A broad, genuine grin replaced the smug smirk I’d grown used to. “That’s my girl,” he whispered.
And just like that, my world shifted.
I had never made such a drastic decision without running it by Zara first. Her opinion had always been my safety net—my checkpoint against doing anything reckless. But not this time.
From the way Zara kept raising her eyebrows and whispering, “Are you okay?” it was obvious she sensed something was up.
Even Gabby had been throwing me pointed looks, clearly waiting for me to announce whatever “stupid” thing I was about to do.
She wouldn’t take it well. That was exactly why I’d kept quiet.
I had thought everything through before saying yes to Seth’s proposal, and even now—two days later—I couldn’t bring myself to regret it. It was worth it.
Gabby’s phone buzzed, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts. I glanced at the screen.
Sebastian.
Of course.
I hadn’t spoken to him since our date. Guilt twisted in my stomach, chased closely by fear. What if he’d pieced together what Seth had said about my double life?
“Who’s calling me?” Gabby asked, balancing precariously on her tiptoes at the kitchen counter, reaching for a cabinet just out of reach.
“Sebastian,” I said, handing her the phone.
“Yeah, he said he wanted to talk to me.”
“About what exactly?”
“I’ll know when I pick up,” she said, answering the call. “Hello, Seb.”
“Hello, my dearest kiddo,” his voice came warmly through the speaker. “I was wondering if you’d like to come to the amusement park near your house. Of course, with your mom’s permission.”
Gabby finally grabbed the cereal box and jumped down triumphantly. “Firstly, I’m not a kiddo—”
“I know, I know. I just like riling you up.”
“If you keep doing that, I won’t convince my mom to date you anymore.”
My jaw dropped.
Sebastian’s laughter boomed through the phone. “You can’t possibly do that. I’ve already won you over.”
“Whatever,” Gabby muttered, rolling her eyes—though her excitement betrayed her. Zara chuckled from the table, spooning Frosted Flakes into her mouth.
“So,” Sebastian continued, “are you willing to come play all afternoon?”
Gabby turned to me, eyes wide. “Mom, can I go?”
“Yeah.”
“Thank you!” she grinned, grabbing another bowl.
“You have to eat, Gabrielle,” I said, slipping into my strict mom tone—one that rarely worked.