The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart (Brittany and Isaac)

Jonathan was head over heels for Saskia, always parading her at the fanciest gatherings.

Saskia was a delicate flower, always had been.

With all the hobnobbing, tongues started wagging. The word on the street was that Saskia was set to become the next Mrs. Metzger. Riding that buzz, she became the talk of Craneville.

The first to flip their lid were none other than the Metzger family.

Mrs. Metzger slapped Jonathan across the face, waving the latest tabloid in his face. "Explain this!"

With a red cheek, Jonathan confessed, "I want to marry Saskia."

Two more slaps came flying. "Have you lost your mind?"

Even if Saskia was the belle of the ball, she wasn't born a Lynette. Why would they want a trophy wife?

Jonathan's lip split under the assault, but he stood his ground. "I like her, Mom. She's everything to me. Why can't I marry her?"

"Don't you know the state of the Lynette family right now?" Mrs. Metzger's face was like stone. "Saskia's just an adopted girl, not even a blip on the family tree. After Yuri kicked Leila to the curb, do you think she's still a catch?" Jonathan hated his mother's coldness, treating marriage like a business deal. "But I love her."

"This marriage is off the table." Mrs. Metzger wouldn't have a useless daughter-in-law, but she didn't want to push her son too far. "I like the Joyner girl, though." Softening her voice, she continued, "She's the sole heiress of the Joyner family, sharp as a tack, quite the looker. I'm going to arrange for you to meet her."

"Ophelia Joyner?" Jonathan grimaced. "Mom, remember, she was engaged to Saskia's cousin before that whole mess..."

"She called off the engagement," Mrs. Metzger admired Ophelia's spunk. "She's bold, capable, a perfect fit for you."

If she could, Mrs. Metzger would've wanted Ophelia as her own daughter. She gave Jonathan a long look. "Jonathan, you're my pride and joy, my only son. I don't want you to make a mistake. You can keep Saskia as your mistress." In high society, such arrangements weren't unusual.

"Ophelia is the daughter-in-law I want. This marriage will happen."

Jonathan flushed with anger. "Mom, how can I do that to Saskia? How could I disrespect her like that?"

No decent woman would want to be someone's little secret.

"Then it's settled. You break it off, and she'll find a proper family to marry into."

Feeling like he was hitting a wall with his mother, Jonathan stormed off.

Mrs. Metzger watched him go, her eyes narrowing.

...

In a foul mood, Jonathan drove to a bar and drowned his sorrows.

After knocking back several bottles of imported spirits, he was more than a little tipsy.

The manager recognized Jonathan and, fearing trouble, approached cautiously. "Mr. Metzger, are you alright?"

"Get lost!"

Jonathan smashed a bottle, sending the manager scurrying away in fear. He slumped over the bar, his handsome face flushed with alcohol. Meanwhile, Brittany, Ysabel, and Ophelia arrived at the bar.

After breaking off her engagement, Ophelia had thrown herself into her career. Now that the gossip had died down, she had time to relax.

The trio had booked a private booth. As old friends, they chatted eagerly, with Ysabel always in the know.

"Ophelia, I heard Mrs. Metzger and your mom have been thick as thieves lately?"

"Yeah, they're playing matchmaker for me and Jonathan."