Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 5

The next morning, as if afraid Effie might change her mind, Lyman showed up at her door bright and early to take her to the courthouse.

Because he was Lyman, the whole process was a breeze. They skipped the lines, whisked straight through-no waiting, no hassle.

As they signed the marriage papers, the clerk couldn't help but tease them, saying they made a striking couple.

Effie felt a little embarrassed. Just moments ago, as they posed for their photo, she thought—maybe it was just her imagination—that she caught the hint of a smile on Lyman's face.

Half an hour later, they stepped out into the sunlight, marriage certificates in hand. Effie still felt as if she were in a daze.

She was someone's wife now.

Before she could process it, Lyman slipped a silver ring from his own pinky and slid it onto her ring finger.

Effie froze, examining the band. The pattern etched into it was unique-something she'd never seen before.

She was a jewelry designer herself, well-versed in precious metals and stones, but she couldn't even identify what this ring was made of. It looked almost like a symbol of what, she couldn't say.

be expensive, right?" she asked

a pair

her mouth to protest, but

possessive-commanding, even.

let's go. Want me to drive you home?

that moment, Effie's phone rang. She glanced at the screen,

"Hello?"

are you?" Mitchell's voice

her tone calm and detached at the sound

important meeting today— about the

Mr. Lloyd," Effie

they were just joking around—had one too many drinks." Mitchell sounded defensive, as if the whole thing had

the way, I'm off today

kind of ultimatum?" Mitchell's reaction was instant-disbelief and suspicion

Effie almost laughed aloud.

ultimatum? So that's how he

gone numb, because