Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“This.”

“Really?” His eyebrows rise.

I look down and grimace. It’s an obnoxiously huge diamond on a shining gold band.

This is so not me.

But neither is this marriage.

It’ll work as a perfect daily reminder that everything is fake.

Before I can put the monstrosity on my finger, Charles plucks it away from my hand.

“There are no reporters around,” I say. “I can put it on myself.”

His lips twitch in response, only fueling my irritation.

Here I am drowning in lost dreams, and he’s enjoying this.

“How about you try this one?” Charles takes out a blue velvet ring box from his jacket. When he opens the box, nestled in the soft white cushion, is the prettiest ring I’ve ever seen.

A daisy—circular yellow diamonds in the center with white shining petals.

“The jewelers sent it by mistake. It was custom made for someone, but the couple split up. Neither of them want a reminder of their failed engagement. The jeweler is going to split it and reuse the diamonds.”

“They’ll rip it apart?” The horror in my voice can’t be tamed. “Why can’t they sell it as secondhand?”

But my boss couldn’t be more pragmatic as he shrugs. “It would be difficult to sell it as the promise of a lifetime when its original owners find it imperfectly misfortunate.”

Imperfect.

There’s that word again, which is the foundation of our relationship. “I’ll take it.” I grab the box from his hand.

“You don’t want something with less bad luck?” He tugs on his tie, a telltale sign that he’s skeptical, but I can’t help my laugh.

“How can it be bad luck when we want this marriage to fail? I think it’s perfect. Plus, it’s beautiful.” My hands stop before I can put it on my finger. “Should I?” I look at him to find his gaze fixed on my hand before sliding to my face. My breath hitches, and I know I’ll never forget the way Charles is looking at me right now.

He slowly nods and I put the ring on.

The diamonds shine against the light as I move my fingers, admiring the ring. The feeling in my heart is almost indescribable. Almost like watching the last episode of your favorite show. You want to know how everything wraps up, but you also don’t want it to end.

Charles clears his throat. “What are you thinking?”

“That I’d hate for this to be ripped apart someday.”

“It doesn’t have to be ripped apart.” Charles’ voice drops lower than usual. “You can always keep it. It would make a good investment for the future.”

Of course, if there’s anyone who would think of an engagement ring as an investment, it’s my boss.

“I’ll think about it.”

“When you send these back, can you also get a wedding band for me?”

“You’ll wear a band?” My question is laced with shock.

“How else will I flaunt my undying love for you, wife?” His hesitant grin makes me shiver. “Nothing fancy. Just get something simple. Whatever seems okay to you will do.”

While Charles stands there, the wedding band in my bag screams to be picked up.