Page 52 of Bid For Me

“I…” Her voice falters, and I hold my breath, my entire world hanging on this one moment.

Finally, she nods, a tear slipping down her cheek as her lips curve into a soft, shaky smile. “Yes,” she says, barely louder than a whisper. Then, stronger: “Yes, Seb. I will. I’ll marry you.”

Relief crashes over me like a tidal wave, and before I can think, I’m sliding the ring onto her finger. My hands tremble as I do it, the cool metal catching the light, glinting like a promise I don’t ever intend to break. The moment it’s in place, I rise to my feet, pulling her into my arms, and she lets out a soft laugh that sounds more like a sob. Her arms wrap around my neck, her face burying into my chest as if she’s trying to hide from the enormity of what we’ve just done.

When I kiss her again, it’s different. It’s not just heat or passion – it’s something deeper, something that feels like a beginning. Her fingers curl into my jacket, holding on tightly,and I pour everything I feel into the kiss – every unspoken word, every unacknowledged fear, every silent hope.

And when we finally pull apart, her breath is as unsteady as mine, her cheeks flushed, her eyes glistening.

But then reality edges back in, bringing with it the weight of what I have to say next.

I rest my forehead against hers, my voice low. “Elle, there’s something we need to talk about.”

She pulls back slightly, her brows furrowing. “What is it?”

I hesitate, the words sticking in my throat. “We’re having dinner with my father tomorrow,” I say finally. “We need to sign the contract before then. He can’t know the truth – not yet.”

Her expression changes instantly. The warmth in her eyes cools, replaced by something harder, more guarded.

“Tomorrow?” she repeats, her voice sharp and disbelieving.

“Elle, I know it’s a lot,” I say quickly, desperate to keep her with me in this moment. “But it has to be done. My father?—”

“Your father,” she cuts me off, stepping back, her arms falling to her sides. “Of course. This is about him, isn’t it? About his expectations, his approval, his control.”

“Elle, no,” I say, reaching for her, but she steps out of reach, her eyes blazing.

“What happened to all that talk about building something real?” she snaps, her voice trembling. “Because this – this feels like just another one of his moves. And I won’t be a part of it.”

Her words hit me like a slap, and I realise too late that I’ve ruined everything.

“Elle, please,” I say, my voice raw. “This isn’t about him. It’s about us. I’m trying to protect you – to protect what we’re building together.”

She shakes her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “I don’t need your protection, Seb. I need honesty. I need to know I’m more than just a pawn in your father’s game.”

“You are,” I say fiercely, my voice rising. “You’re everything to me, Elle.”

Her voice cracks as she whispers, “Then why does it feel like I’m the only one risking anything?”

Her words slice through me, leaving me raw and exposed. I want to tell her she’s wrong, that I’m risking everything for her. But the truth is, she’s right. I’ve been holding back, letting my fear of my father dictate too much.

She stares at me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. And then, slowly, she shakes her head.

“I can’t do this, Seb,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “I can’t keep pretending this is something it’s not. Love doesn’t come with contracts and deadlines and fathers pulling the strings.”

“Elle—”

“No.” She cuts me off, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I need time. Time to figure out what I want, who I am in all of this. Because right now? I don’t know if I can trust you. I don’t know if I can trust in us.”

Her words hit me harder than I thought possible, and I can feel my chest tightening, my throat closing up. But I don’t stop her as she steps away, her arms wrapping around herself like a shield.

“I’m sorry, Seb,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “I need to go.”

And before I can find the words to stop her, she turns and skates away.

The weight of the ring on her finger feels heavier now, like a reminder of everything I’ve just lost.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE