Terms and Conditions (Dreamland Billionaires, #2)

by Lauren Asher

“Special is the last word I would use to describe you.” It feels far too generic for someone like her.

Sure, my relationship history isn’t the prettiest. I’m always the one to bow out before things get real because fear makes me act first and have regrets later. My patterns aren’t the healthiest, but they’ve prevented me from ever turning into my mother. Because while I love her, growing up witnessing her abusive marriage to my father turned me off from ever putting myself in that position. To love means to lose more than I’m willing to part with.

“I think part of me always knew she would be the one. It just took a while for the rest of my brain to catch up.”

While he might be considered cold to the rest of the world, he makes me burn.

I can guarantee it because there will always be some new goal he thinks will fill that gaping hole in his chest. All of them will fall short. It’s a vicious cycle driven by one sad fact: he is looking for happiness in all the wrong places.

“Turns out people stop inviting you places when all you do is say no.”

Yuánfèn: A predestined infinity.

“Marriage is like going on a road trip with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, except you have no map or fancy GPS system to help you out. You might not always agree on what music to play or which direction you should go. I can guarantee there will be moments you want to rip your hair out—or each other’s. Just like there will be times that test you, where you think that maybe things would be easier if you hitch a ride with someone else. The point is, life is going to throw a lot of things at you. Stuff like flat tires, dead ends, and mechanical issues. But you can either make the most of the journey with one another or cry about never getting to your destination. No one can make the right decision but you.”

Everyone I love always leaves anyway. Why bother letting anyone close if there is no guarantee they will ever stay?

But are you going to spend the rest of your life alone because you’re too afraid to get close to someone? It’s still the same loneliness no matter how you paint it.

I don’t expect that and I’m not sure if I ever will because I’m the furthest thing from lovable. I’m selfish, rude, and don’t know the first thing about being in a relationship with someone. But that doesn’t mean I’m not willing to try for you if you let me.”

“At the time, it felt like my world was ending. But now I realize it was the best thing that could have happened to me.” “Because you found Rowan?” She shakes her head. “Because I found myself.”

You make me happy in a way that makes me afraid to blink just in case it all disappears.”

I cup his cheek. “I will always love you. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.”