The Devil's Good Girl
Chapter 190: Engaged

Chapter 190: Engaged

"Ahem, ahem!" Jackson cleared his throat in front of everyone after calling for their attention.

Confusion was plastered not just on their few guests, but also on Fil’s family. The guests looked at each other and then looked at Jackson with disdain. It was clear as day that Fil’s new friends disliked him with passion. If not for Fil, they wouldn’t come even if the venue was in a luxury hotel or an exclusive island. Jackson wasn’t worth the trouble. Hence, explained their expressions.

"I know it’s Eli’s birthday today, but since you’re all Fil’s friends, I want to save herself the trouble of calling you all one by one after tonight." Jackson’s smug face warranted an unpleasant look from everyone — except her family. He smacked his lips and held Fil’s arm, guiding it up to show them the ring around her finger.

"She said yes," he announced, grinning from ear to ear.

Simon’s mouth almost hit the ground while Irene covered her mouth in surprise. Elijah, on the other hand, slowly snapped from his daze.

"What?" Elijah gasped. "How can you get engaged when you’re not even dating?"

Jackson shrugged. "I charmed her?"

"Cheating!" this time, Chris (Mr. Windsor) yelled while pointing at Jackson. "This cannot be!"

"Huh?" Fil and Jackson furrowed their brows while her parents looked at one of Fil’s friends. "What is he talking about?"

"You said you’d let me craft the ring for her! I haven’t finished it yet — this engagement is not happening." Chris dramatically flung his arm away. "Give him back the ring!"

"..."

Everyone disliked Jackson, but they understood that this was not a matter they had to comment on. After all, even though Jackson was a total prick to them, they knew he treasured Fil more than anything. Moreover, their dislike of him didn’t mean they didn’t respect the man.

But Chris... he rendered everyone speechless.

"Oh, god," Kim breathed out in disbelief, shaking her head at Chris. "I don’t know him."

"I also don’t know him." Dustin leaned closer to Irene, whispering to her. "I just met him today. Should I kick him out of here?"

Irene slowly looked at Dustin and chuckled. She simply patted the man’s shoulder mildly and nodded in understanding.

"This is betrayal at its finest!" Chris continued as if the couple owed him their relationship. "How could you do this to me?"

"Can I break him?" Jackson leaned to Fil and whispered, eyes on Chris. "I’ll do it gently — firmly, but gently."

Fil glanced at Jackson and smiled. "You said this ring was made by your friend and I just assumed it was him. Where did you get the ring?"

"From a friend?" Jackson slid his eyes into the corner while she arched a brow. "I’m saying the truth. It’s just that, that friend is what he calls his nemesis."

That explained it.

Without a word, Fil slowly took off the ring while Jackson gasped.

"Before you say anything, I’m not calling it off." Fil grabbed his other hand and put the ring back in his palm. She then faced everyone and smiled brightly. "We’re engaged. The ring is to follow."

Fil gazed at Chris, only to see the man rocking his head in satisfaction. It wasn’t like she was trying to please him, but she had been friends with Chris. It would be nice to have a piece of jewelry customized by the legendary Chris Windsor.

"Oh, Filly!" Irene exclaimed, marching to her daughter with open arms. Tears formed in the corner of her eyes, embracing Fil with relief. "I am so glad to hear this news. It’s about time you two decide on your relationship."

"Jackson!" Simon, on the other hand, approached Jackson with a wide smile. "I knew you’d break through her. So glad you did."

Jackson offered his hand for a handshake, only to see Simon spread his arms wide.

"This deserves a hug, son," Simon humored, taking Jackson to a big and tight hug. "Come here. Don’t be shy."

One by one, everyone greeted the two about their decision to take their relationship to the next level. Although most of them congratulated Fil and shared her happiness, they also didn’t spare Jackson of warning of what would happen if he ever hurt her the slightest.

At that point, Fil just couldn’t help but tell herself, she found good and real people in a span of three months. Good thing she chose to spread her wings and step away from what she thought was her comfort zone. If not... she would rather not think of it.

*

*

*

Since Jackson and Fil announced their engagement, everyone was in the mood to drink more. One would wonder if that was because they disapproved of Jackson or their satisfaction in seeing Fil’s happy. Either way, it was a double celebration until they started dropping one by one.

"Jack?" she called, turning her head to her side. She heard him hum with his eyes still closed, lying leisurely on the grass while they sober up a little. "You’re... my fiance now."

The corner of his lips curled up as he slowly reopened his eyes. Jackson turned his head to her.

"And you’re my soon-to-be wife," he remarked gently, but with certainty. "Three months just went by, huh?"

"Do you think I’m making a rush decision?"

"Even if you are, it’s not a bad one." He winked. "You’re not taking it back, sweetheart."

"Who said I’m taking it back?" Fil peeled her gaze from him, staring up into the sky. "I’m just... glad?"

"Glad?"

"That everything happened," she clarified. "I keep telling myself I didn’t want to think about what happened or what could’ve happened if I didn’t meet you that night. But I can’t help it."

Jackson slowly rolled to his side, propping his knuckles against his temple.

"Back then, I thought I’d die," she whispered. "The anger in my heart... I can’t even think of anything else that could distinguish that. I’ve never wanted to hurt anyone in my life because I thought I wasn’t capable of that."

A subtle smile appeared on her face, sliding her eyes to him. "I’m not angry anymore and I’m only staying in the office for a week. Once I finish my report, what are your plans?"

"Put Chris on fire so he finishes the damn ring?" he answered without a second hesitation. "Maybe, plan a wedding? Or would you like to postpone that?"

"I thought you’d want to postpone that."

"And why would you think I want to delay? If I can marry you today, I would."

"Why?"

"Hmm?"

"Why do you want to marry me?" Fil slowly propped her elbow and lifted her body a little. "Back then, I wouldn’t even kiss anyone before marriage, thinking it would be sweet if we had our first kiss in front of the altar."

"But I not only gave you my first kiss, you also had my first night," she added. "The second, third, fourth... until I started losing count."

Jackson lowered his head slightly, his gaze holding hers. "Are you saying since I am getting the wife services for an unofficial girlfriend price, I wouldn’t want to marry you?"

"That’s what I’m saying."

"I haven’t gotten everything." He raised his brows knowingly as he pressed his index on her chest. "You never said you love me."

"You’re marrying me because I hadn’t said the magic word?"

"I’m marrying you because I want to. I’m simply telling you I may have got everything you thought you could give, but I haven’t."

Fil smiled subtly. "And yet, you don’t demand it?"

"I don’t demand things like that, my Filomena." He lowered his head even more, smirking. "I earn it."

Fil smiled back and chuckled as he closed in until his lips were on hers.

******

[FLASHBACK]

As scheduled, the crown prince and his entourage arrived at the Duke’s Manor early that morning. The Duke, his men, and Latrice stood under the portico to welcome him.

"Latrice!"

Jackson knitted his brows slightly as he saw the crown prince abruptly jump out of the carriage. He followed his figure with his gaze, and a frown dominated his face when the crown prince jumped on Latrice.

"You had no idea how my longing for you grew every day," the crown prince embraced Latrice tightly, relieved and excited to see her after such a long time. He rested his chin on her shoulder and continued, "I waited day and night for this day."

Latrice didn’t react. If anything, she retained her naturally innocent visage as she slid her eyes in Jackson’s direction. This time, she smiled.

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