Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law
Chapter 38: Informal Invitation

Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Informal Invitation

“Sorry about my dad,” Isabella said as she closed the door and walked into her room.

“Oh, it’s alright,” I answered, my voice slightly breathless. “He walked in on me changing by accident.”

My heart was still rapidly pounding from having Gareth’s eyes roam all over my exposed body. He had seemed angry—his nostrils flaring and his gray eyes narrowed—but I saw the lust he tried to hide.

My hands were still shaking as I smoothed down my purple miniskirt and tried to control my reaction around his daughter.

“Guess what came in the mail?” Isabella asked excitedly. She sat in the chair in front of her vanity and carefully placed three fancy-looking boxes on the glass surface.

Curious, I followed her and watched as she opened the boxes one at a time. The first one displayed five diamond-studded necklaces, shimmering elegantly under the bright lights of the vanity. Isabella slowly traced her slender finger along the middle necklace, pausing to admire the dark blue diamond on the end.

She opened the second velvet box, revealing five delicate silver bracelets. The last one held stunning rings that were similar to Isabella’s engagement ring. All the pieces of jewelry were intricate and beautifully crafted. There was a timeless elegance to each one that matched Isabella’s graceful beauty.

My breath caught in my throat. “Wow, these are...stunning.”

“They are,” Isabella agreed with awe in her voice. “I have to choose one of each to wear for my wedding. It’s going to be a hard decision. They are all so beautiful.” She looked up at me, her eyes twinkling with happiness. “Will you help me choose?”

A heaviness settled in my chest as if my heart was being weighed down. But I pushed away the pain. Isabella was a kind person and deserved my honest opinion.

“You can’t go wrong with any of these.” I leaned in to take a closer look. “In my opinion, I think this necklace,” I pointed to the one she’d been tracing with her finger, “with the blue diamond, would look amazing on you. The dark blue color perfectly matches your eyes.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking!” Isabella mused, and we shared a smile.

I helped her choose a delicate silver bracelet and a classic round-cut ring.

“Thank you for helping me.”

A small smile crossed my face. “I’m happy to help.”

Helping my ex-mate’s future bride pick out her wedding jewelry was a strange situation to be in, but it felt like Isabella and I were genuinely connecting. I liked her as a person, and I truly hoped that she found happiness with Elliot, despite being a much better person than he was. Hopefully, he could change for her.

Isabella gazed down at the jewelry we’d chosen for another moment and then gently shut the boxes. She stood and drew me into a hug.

I froze for a moment, and then my body relaxed into her embrace. Isabella’s gentle nature calmed me, and I needed this hug more than she could have realized.

“I know that we don’t know each other very well, but I would love it if you could come to the wedding.” She pulled away to look me in the eyes.

My stomach swooped, and I hesitated.

“I don’t need an answer right now,” Isabella added. “Just know that I would love to have you there. I’m going to call Elliot about my jewelry. Thank you again for your help.” She beamed at me, then bounced out of the room.

I let out a long breath I didn’t even know I was holding. Could I really attend Elliot’s wedding? My ex-mate, who had rejected me, then asked me to be his secret mistress?

I shook my head to clear it. I couldn’t think about that right now. Especially not in Isabella’s room, still surrounded by Elliot’s familiar scent.

Again, I stood in front of the mirror, studying the white tank top and purple skirt. Isabella did have a good eye for fashion. This seemingly simple outfit showcased my curves but still made me look youthful. On a whim, I took out my hair tie, allowing my long hair to fall in gentle waves around my shoulders.

I left Isabella’s room but stopped in the doorway when I saw that Gareth was still standing there, talking with Michelle. He immediately noticed me and paused mid-conversation. His gray eyes rove all over my body, taking in my tight tank top that showcased my full breasts. My nipples hardened, just like when his heated gaze had been on my naked chest. The lust in Gareth’s eyes heightened as they traveled down to my shapely hips and exposed thighs.

Michelle stepped forward, still wearing the same anxious expression as earlier in the backyard.

“Are you okay, Jasmine?” she asked. “Are you sure I didn’t hurt you?”

I laid a gentle hand on her arm. “I’m completely fine. I promise. I think that our lesson went really well today. With more training, you are going to ace that weapons test next week.”

Michelle smiled, but her green eyes still held a trace of guilt. “Well, why don’t you at least stay for dinner?”

I hesitated as I looked at her hopeful expression. I should get home to my mother, and spending more time around Gareth didn’t seem like the best idea. Things were already so complicated between us. Especially since he walked in on me naked. Was he imagining me without clothes right now? Why did a part of me want him to be?

For everyone’s sake, it was best if I went home.

But before I could decline her invitation, Isabella walked around the corner.

“That’s a great idea, Michelle!” she said excitedly. Isabella grabbed both of my hands, wearing the same hopeful expression as her younger sister. “Elliot just told me that he’s busy tonight, so I’ll be staying for dinner too. Please stay. We would love to have you.” Isabella turned to her father. “Wouldn’t we, Dad?”

Michelle also turned to her father and smiled expectantly.

Gareth was staring at me, a muscle twitching in his jaw. I couldn’t decipher his expression.

Was I imagining things, or was there desire mixed with frustration in those hypnotic gray eyes?

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