Chapter 5
In that split second before impact, James didn’t hesitate–he threw himself over Sophia, shielding her completely with his body. When the car finally stopped rolling, he carried her out and ran from the smoking vehicle without even glancing back to see if I was okay.
Meanwhile, I was trapped in the backseat with what felt like a broken ankle, surrounded by the ominous smell of leaking gasoline.
In my most desperate moment, it was Noah who kicked open the warped door and pulled me out just seconds before the car exploded.
He shielded me with his body, but I still got injured.
By the time we reached the safety zone, James finally remembered my existence and came looking
for me.
When he saw my injuries, he couldn’t even meet my eyes.
“I’m sorry, Emma. I thought you’d already gotten out,” he said lamely.
“Sophia has a weak constitution and panic disorder–it could be life–threatening if she had an episode. You’re different–you were the track team sprinter in college. I figured you’d easily outrun the explosion.”
Then he noticed Noah standing next to me, his arm around my waist as I leaned against him for
support.
James’s expression froze instantly, then his eyes flushed red with anger.
Pointing at Noah, he demanded, “Who the hell is this guy? Emma, how dare you let him touch you
like that?!”
I was so completely done with him that I didn’t even bother responding.
All I cared about was getting Noah to a doctor to check his injuries.
But James grabbed my arm, refusing to let me go.
Noah knew about my relationship with James, and he’d witnessed everything over the past five days.
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Second Choice No More 1 Upgraded to a Loyal Pup
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Chapter 5
In that moment, I could see he was indignant on my behalf.
“Who am I?” Noah challenged. “I’m Emma’s fiancé!”
“James! Aren’t you supposed to be her uncle? Why did you abandon her when the accident
happened? You were sitting right next to her!”
James opened his mouth but couldn’t come up with any explanation.
I didn’t want to waste another word on him, so I helped Noah into the ambulance.
After a week in the hospital, there were just two days left until James’s birthday. I insisted on marrying Noah on that specific day.
Mom couldn’t talk me out of it and finally agreed.
During those days, James kept trying to apologize to me, but I avoided him using every excuse
possible.
My mom was also upset with him for abandoning me during the accident.
So until the morning of his birthday, James and I hadn’t seen each other once.
On his birthday, James was certain I would attend the celebration.
He had prepared the gift I’d always wanted–a pair of Cartier Love wedding bands, carefully wrapped and hidden in his pocket, waiting for the moment I’d appear so he could surprise me.
But after waiting for hours, I never showed up.
Instead, his sister dragged him to The Peninsula Chicago.
James thought this was my birthday surprise for him.
He straightened his clothes and pushed open the heavy doors of grand ballroom with a mix of solemnity and anticipation.
Instead, he saw me in a wedding dress, standing on an elaborately decorated wedding stage, taking a ring box from a little flower girl’s hands.
My mom, dressed in a custom Oscar de la Renta evening gown, smiled brightly at James.
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Chapter 5
“Little brother, surprise! Emma specifically chose your birthday for her wedding. She said she wants.
to throw her bouquet to you!”
“You two have such a special uncle–niece bond.”
James’s eyes widened in shock.
What he did next stunned everyone.
Just as Noah and I were about to exchange rings, James rushed onto the stage and knocked the rings
from our hands.
“Emma, have you lost your mind?!” he shouted incredulously. “You’re MY WIFE! We’re already
married!”
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