Page 153 of Merciless Obsession

The girls came into the living room with Mom, all holding to-go bags.

I approached Ziora. “Give that here.” She was still on crutches.

“I got it.”

“And now I got it.” I took the bag. She was determined to do everything on her own and hated when someone tried to help her.

“You women nowadays,” Mom muttered, shaking her head. “Always want to be so strong and independent. Never allow a man to lead and be a man.”

“Not me. I would make a wonderful trophy wife.” Ziora’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“There’s nothing wrong with being able to handle things on your own. Women aren’t here just to lay on our backs and have babies,” Cashlynn mentioned.

Mom waved her off. “That’s not what I’m saying and you know it. Marriage is about partnership, and if you never acceptwhat your spouse has to give, then how can you be considered partners?”

“Tell ’em, Mama.” I smirked.

My mom was the strongest woman I knew. She kept my dad grounded and the family together even during dark times. If there was anyone who could show Ziora how to stop fighting everything I had to give her, it was my mother.

____

I was in my office getting ready to leave for court when the door was aggressively pushed open. I lifted my eyes and they landed on Ziora who stood in the middle of the walkway with her eyes fiercely peering into me, dressed in one of my shirts and her hair in a messy bun of curls on the top of her head. I licked my lips, loving the unkempt display in front of me.

“Did you come to see me off?” I closed my briefcase, giving her my attention.

Today, I was delivering my closing statement for Felix’s case. After requesting a few recesses because of what happened with Ziora, it was time to end this once and for all.

“Ezra,” she said coolly but tightly.

“Yes.” I grinned.

Her lips pressed together and her eyes tightened. She hobbled into my office and lifted her left hand.

“What the hell is this?” The engagement ring I had made for her shone brightly on her left hand.

Walking around my desk, I leaned on the corner and crossed my arms in front of me. “It’s the beginning of our future together.”

I had to pay an express fee to get the process sped up but it was worth it. The ring looked perfect on her delicate finger.

“Beginning of our future? What does that even mean?” Her eyes bulged.

Wetting my lips, I pushed off the desk and walked toward her. Reaching down, I grabbed her left hand and examined it.

“We’re engaged so it was time to bring proof of that into play. Do you like it? I know you’re not the flashy type so I stayed subtle with the diamond, but if you want bigger than?—”

“The diamond size isn’t the issue, Ezra, the engagement ring is. This is crazy! We’ve only been together a few months.”

“And when you know, you know. Call it love at first sight.”

Her lips thinned. “Ezra…”

I released her hand and stood straight. “You already agreed to be my wife and I told you a ring would follow. I’m not taking it back and you’re not taking it off your finger either.”

She opened her mouth to speak but snapped it shut and looked down. “This is too much.” Her lashes fluttered and she gazed back at me.

“It’s not enough.” I lifted her hand and kissed her ring finger. “Me and you will make magic together. This ring is only the beginning.” I kissed her finger again before releasing it and spinning on my heels.

I walked to my desk and grabbed my briefcase. “Since you’re downstairs, follow me outside. I have one last surprise for you.”