The Abandoned Wife's Second Chance (Scarlett and Jasper) novel Chapter 130

Chapter 130

(Scarlett’s POV)

An hour after Jasper leaves, the birthday cheers around me quiets down.

I retreat to a corner, taking out the gift Jasper handed me. It’s light, fragile.

Inside the box is a necklace, silver chain. But the charm–my baby tooth. My childhood tooth, the one James had pulled out.

I must have been seven. I remember sitting on the edge of the tub, James standing over me, nervous and sweating, a length of pink thread in his hand.

“Ready, Scar? One quick tug, like ripping off a band–aid. You won’t even feel it.”

“I’m scared, Daddy! Don’t do it!”

“Don’t be scared, I’ve got you.”

I press my fingers against my lips, tasting salt. They always do this. First abandon me, then when I try to cut them off, they try to force themselves back into my life.

I can’t help but wonder. Is emotional blackmail a thing now?

Swallowing back the tears, I drop the chain back in the box and snap it close.

“Scarlett?” Dorian comes behind me, Lily sleepy but beaming in his arms. The sight of them, framed in the warm light of the bakery, eases the tightness in my chest. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I smile, tucking the box under the counter.

“Come on, everyone’s looking for you.”

I run to his side, and he slips an arm around me, leading me outside. The sight that welcomes me is stunning.

Chloe, Elena, and a few of our closest, most loyal regulars have been busy transforming the small, grassy patch of lawn next to the bakery.

A small, portable grill is sizzling, filling the night with the comforting smell of woodsmoke and grilling meat.

The night air is cool, but a string of fairy lights twinkle over the simple, rustic setup. Children laugh, sliding between legs, chasing fireflies.

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“Chloe and Elena insisted on a party, Dorian explains, his hand resting on the small of my back, leading me to the group.

“It’s amazing,” I whisper, eyes glistening. And it is. Because it’s the kind of small, warm, and comfortable celebration I’ve always wanted.

As the evening progresses, conversation flows easily.

We drink wine and beer and talk about Lily’s new school year, the bakery’s expansion plans, Dorian’s upcoming trip to London, and our ridiculous, fast–paced engagement.

“We need a date!” Chloe demands, wiping barbecue sauce from her chin. “I need time to plan my maid–of–honor speech!”

I laugh, leaning into Dorian’s shoulder. “We just got engaged an hour ago, Chloe! We’re not thinking about the wedding yet.”

“Why not? It doesn’t have to be a grand affair. Something simple, cozy, maybe a winter wedding…”

“She’s right! It doesn’t need to be grand, as long as it happens soon. In fact, the sooner, the better!” Elena nods, giving her an approving smile.

Before nothing, I didn’t even dare to think about an engagement, and yet, they’re already discussing my wedding?

I shake my head, and leave them be. Whatever makes them happy.

Someone puts on an old, jazzy swing record, the music drifting softly over the grass. Dorian sets Lily down, now contentedly tucked into a makeshift fort of blankets, and holds out his

hand to me.

“Care for a dance?”

I tilt my head, and meet his gaze. They’re warm, gentle. Shining with the kind of regard I…

I shake my head. I can’t think about him. Not anymore.

Since I accepted Dorian’s proposal, I owed it to him to be faithful, in body, mind, and heart.

Jasper can no longer occupy my thoughts.

I smile, and take Dorian’s offered hand. He pulls me close, his arms wrapping securely around my waist. As we move together, the unfamiliar steps of the swing music become a perfect, synchronized rhythm.

We dance until the music slows to a tender, quiet ballad. Dorian pulls me in closer, resting his

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Chapter 130

cheek against my hair. I close my eyes, inhaling his scent–fresh, clean, and utterly, wonderfully safe.

I feel a profound, soul–deep peace.

There’s no restlessness, no nervousness, no pain. None of the exhaustion I felt in my relationship with Jasper.

I rest my head on his chest, hearing his heartbeat. Mine slows, becomes calmer.

No one interrupts us. No one stands between us.

Everything is beautiful and perfect.

Then why?

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