Page 5 of A Billionaire's Second Shot

Levi’s smirk returns, but there’s something softer in his eyes now, something almost like relief. “You won’t regret this.”

“I already do,” I mutter, pushing back my chair. “I’ll need the terms in writing before I agree to anything public.”

“Of course,” Levi says, standing as I do. “I’ll have my lawyer draw up the paperwork tomorrow.”

I turn to leave, but his voice stops me.

“Tania.”

I glance back, my heart skipping a beat at the way he’s looking at me. Like I’m still the woman he used to know. Like he wishes things had turned out differently.

“Thank you,” he says quietly.

I don’t respond. Instead, I walk out of the restaurant, vowing to keep my heart locked up tight. I might need Levi’s help, but that doesn’t mean I’m letting him back in.

Chapter Four

Levi

The sound of the jeweler’s bell jingles as I push open the door, stepping aside to let Tania enter first. She hesitates, her gaze sweeping over the luxurious displays of glittering diamonds and gemstones.

“This is ridiculous,” she mutters under her breath. “I don’t need a ring.”

“You do if you want this to be convincing,” I reply, my tone casual, though my heart pounds harder than I’d like to admit. “Engaged couples wear engagement rings. It’s a basic expectation.”

She shoots me a glare, but I catch the faintest hint of pink coloring her cheeks. “Just keep it simple,” she says, her voice tight. “Nothing flashy.”

It’s such a Tania thing to say. She’s always been practical, grounded, uninterested in the superficial trappings that so many others in my world chase after. But that practicality doesn’t stopme from wanting to see a ring on her finger—a visible sign that she’s mine, even if it’s only for show.

“Mr. Nichols,” a smooth voice greets us as an impeccably dressed man in a tailored suit approaches. His nametag readsEthan, and his smile is all charm and polish. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“Ethan,” I acknowledge, extending a hand briefly. “We’re looking for an engagement ring.”

“Congratulations,” Ethan says warmly, his gaze shifting to Tania. The smile he gives her is decidedly different—longer, warmer. “You’re a lucky woman.”

Tania stiffens beside me, but she manages a polite smile. “Thank you.”

Ethan’s eyes linger on her for a moment longer than necessary, and a flicker of irritation sparks in my chest. He’s a professional, sure, but the way he’s looking at her feels personal.

“Let’s get started,” I say, my tone a touch sharper than I intend.

“Of course,” Ethan replies smoothly. He gestures toward a glass case lined with a dazzling array of rings. “Do you have a particular style in mind?”

Tania steps closer to the display, her arms crossed. “Something understated,” she says firmly. “Elegant but not ostentatious.”

Ethan nods thoughtfully, sliding open the case. “I have just the thing. Classic solitaire? Perhaps with a platinum band?”

He places a few rings on the velvet mat for her to inspect, but his attention stays squarely on Tania, like I’m not even standing here.

“This one would suit you perfectly,” he says, picking up a delicate diamond solitaire. He holds it out to her, his smile a little too wide. “May I?”

Tania hesitates, glancing at me briefly before holding out her hand. Ethan slides the ring onto her finger with practiced ease, and for a moment, I can’t look away.

It fits perfectly.

The diamond catches the light, sparkling against her skin, and an unexpected surge of possessiveness rises in me. I hate that Ethan is the one putting it there, hate the way he’s looking at her like she’s a prize to be won.

“What do you think?” Ethan asks, his voice low, intimate.

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