Mistress Commission: 'Design Our Rings!' But Darling I'm Still His WIFE novel Chapter 3

3

“Did you get the cake and flowers I ordered for you?”

The notification snapped me back to reality.

Julian was checking my location.

I let out a cold laugh and typed back.

“Got them.”

“Oh, and the studio’s organizing an outdoor sketching trip. I’m going for some inspiration.”

His reply came instantly:

“Sounds great. I’ve been swamped lately anyway–couldn’t have gone with you. Stay safe, babe.”

I’ll give you all the room you need to perform.

Over the next few days, he personally packed my bags.

Watching him bustle around made my stomach turn.

If I didn’t already know his plan, I might’ve actually been touched by this caring husband act.

At the airport, he didn’t even wait for me to board before rushing off.

I looked away and glanced down at my phone.

A message from Chloe.

“Ms. Sterling, change of plans. Meeting his parents today and having a simple engagement party. Can you deliver the rings today?”

The address attached was the most luxurious hotel in the city.

My finger hovered over the screen. I replied smoothly:

“Perfect timing. Let me share in the joy.”

When I arrived at the hotel, I spotted Julian’s parents walking in.

I pulled my cap down low and quietly followed.

His mother pulled him aside into a corner, her tone anxious:

“I don’t mind you finding someone to have a kid with, but throwing a whole engagement party? That’s way over the line.”

“The Sterling family and ours go way back. We have business ties. Burning bridges helps no one.”

“I won’t let Amelia find out. Don’t worry.”

Listening to their conversation, emotions churned inside me–finally settling into a laugh.

Self–mocking. Helpless. Bitter.

Silent and sad.

Growing up, Julian’s mother treated me like her own daughter.

I remember being sick with a fever as a kid–she stayed up all night by my bedside.

13:12

Mistress Commission: Dacian One Dinnall .. ..

Chapter 3

When I scraped myself and got a scar, she worried more than my own mom, dragging me to multiple dermatologists.

Every trip she took, she always brought back a gift for me.

Whenever Julian and I fought, she’d scold him first.

My mom used to joke: “She’s not my daughter–she’s yours. Maybe they mixed us up at the hospital.”

Even my father, who’d spent years navigating politics, once said:

“The Blackwoods are people of integrity. I trust them with Amelia.”

But now? All she cared about was not “burning bridges.”

How fucking ironic.

Right then, Chloe came bouncing over, all excited. Julian’s mother immediately switched to a warm, caring expression.

“You must be Chloe. What a lovely girl. Julian’s so lucky to have found someone like you.”

“Oh my, you’re carrying my grandson now–be extra careful when you walk, dear.”

Even Julian’s usually stoic father had a hint of joy in his eyes.

Guess they really did care about the whole “heir” thing.

All those reassurances-“It’s fine,” “We can adopt“-were just to keep me quiet.

Chloe nestled shyly into Julian’s arms, her tone dripping with barely concealed pride.

“I had terrible morning sickness earlier. I was worried something was wrong, but the doctor said it might be a boy–that’s why the symptoms are so intense.”

At that, Julian and his parents lit up instantly, rushing to help her into the private dining room.

They pushed the door open, and that’s when I saw it–familiar faces. All of them.

Julian’s relatives. His close friends. Business partners.

Every single one of them connected to me in some way. Almost all of them had benefited from my help at some point.

They all stood up, offering congratulations.

Julian’s cousin was now warmly holding Chloe’s hand:

“Chloe, you’re gorgeous! You and Julian are such a perfect match! How far along are you? Make sure you take care of yourself!”

I funded the startup capital for her beauty salon. I designed her wedding ring myself.

One of our mutual friends clapped Julian on the shoulder:

“Congrats, man! Finally gonna be a dad!”

Last year, his kid was on the brink of death. I pulled strings to get that top pediatric specialist.

The room buzzed with laughter and chatter. But all I saw was blinding hypocrisy. Cold, hollow faces.

Those same people who once looked at me with genuine gratitude were now fawning over another woman.

After a round of pleasantries, Julian led Chloe to the center of the room.

“Thanks for coming, everyone. Today’s a little engagement ceremony for Chloe and me.”

Chapter

The atmosphere was warm and celebratory, Julian’s mother stood up eagerly, holding out a gift.

A jade bracelet.

Identical to the one she gave me.

“Chloe, this is a family heirloom. Passed down to the daughter–in–law.”

“And now that you’re engaged, you can start calling me Mom.”

Chloe blushed and softly called out, “Dad… Mom,” before burying herself in Julian’s arms.

The room erupted in cheers.

And I’d finally seen enough.

I shoved the door open.

Everyone froze, staring at me in shock.

I let a slow, mocking smile curl at my lips.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“Ms. Bennett was in such a rush for the rings. Thought I’d deliver them myself.”