Chapter 7 Leroy finally broke the silence . " Guess our little show's almost up . When are you gonna tell everyone what's really going on ? " I blinked at him . " What do you mean ? I meant it when I said I'd marry you . " He let out this bitter laugh , eyes dark . " Come on . You don't have to fake it with me . You've always been hung up on Jace . This engagement ? Just bait to make him snap . The second he does , you're out . Am I wrong ? " Guilt and annoyance tangled in my chest . Grandma's voice piped up in my head , amused . " Oh , honey . He's just jealous . " Just like that , the irritation was gone . I grabbed Leroy's hand . " What if I told you I meant it ? " He tried to pull back , but I didn't let go . His eyes searched mine , guarded . " Demi Mancini , are you really over Jace ? You're not just saying this ? " I frowned . " What else would I mean ? You don't wanna marry me ? " Before I could push further , he yanked me into his arms . His hold was crushing , desperate , like he was finally letting everything out . His voice , low and almost trembling , brushed my ear . " I do . " *** The wedding was set for next week . After yesterday , things between me and Leroy had heated up fast . So when he asked me to dinner , I didn't even think twice . But the second we walked into the mall , I froze . Two very familiar faces . Jace's brows slammed together the moment he saw us . " What are you doing here ? " Leroy arched a brow , calm but sharp. " So you two can shop as FRIENDS , but me and my NEWLYWED can't hang out ? " He threw the word like a dart . Yeah , technically we were just engaged , but whatever . Jace's expression soured . " There's nothing going on between us . Don't twist it . " First time he'd ever actually denied Ava . Predictably , she stood there looking tragic and mute . Grandma nailed it in my head : " Coward who won't own his feelings . Selfish jerk who wants it all " Couldn't argue with that . I was over it . Over him . I just wanted peace . So I didn't even let him drag it out - I slipped right into the restaurant with Leroy . He ordered like it was nothing , a full - on feast . When I glanced at the menu , I froze . Every single one of my favorites was already there , Catching my look , he cleared his throat . " You mentioned them once or twice . I remembered . " I blinked , the memory hitting hard - Jace never remembered I was allergic to chili . Always dumped on more spice . I'd nag , he'd laugh , blame his " bad memory " And I'd let it go . Later , I found out - spicy food was Ava's thing . Chapter 7 +25 BONUS Guess love - or not loving someone - is pretty damn obvious . Leroy's ears went red under my stare . He scrambled for a save . " There's a new ice cream place downstairs . Wanna check it out ? " I nodded , and he bolted like his face was about to combust . Grandma chuckled in my head . " This kid's a keeper . You're in for a good life . " I couldn't argue . Then someone slid into the seat across from me . I looked up , smiled automatically - until I realized it was Jace . My voice went flat . " What do you want ? " He leaned in , desperate . " You're getting married in ten days . There's still time . Call it off , talk to your grandpa - I'll get everything ready to marry you ! "