His thoughts spiraled—
What did Emerald look like in Alaric's arms?
Would she make those soft, breathless sounds in bed?
Had she ever looked at him the way she looked at Alaric?
And worst of all—
If he had been braver…
If he had defied his family and insisted on marrying her…
Would things have turned out differently?
Ethan's grip tightened around his wine glass as his gaze lingered on Emerald's curves, jealousy burning in his chest.
He had always known she was beautiful, but tonight—dressed in elegance, surrounded by people far beyond his reach—she looked untouchable. And it was driving him mad.
"What are you thinking about?" Mrs. Florida's sharp voice cut through his daze. "I'm talking to you! Your fiancée is about to perform."
Ethan snapped back to reality. His throat felt dry. He swallowed hard and muttered hoarsely, "Nothing."
But it wasn't nothing.
It was her.
Emerald.
The memory of that night at the bar clawed at his mind.
"I thought about marrying you."
