Chapter 32
okre.” Norle mmsponded, then stepped terwandte follow Aaron out,
mica stood frozen, her eyes locked on them until they disappeared completely from view. Only then did she turn to Heidi, her jaw tight with frustration
“Mom, and you still insist you’re not playing favorites? You’ve known I’ve liked Aaron for years at the moment Nicole returns, you just luted this perfect
Hesh snapped out of her thoughts, her expression cold as she looked at Monica. The usual affection in her eyes had vanished, and even her tone carried a hint n
“Monica, what happened to the manners and etiquette I’ve taught you all these years? Do you think that it was acceptable to act like that in front of Mr. Compton?
The Compton family is prestigious, and Mrs. Compton’s family has been scholars for three generations. They value refinement and grace above all else. Aaron chose Nicole. You think I can just tum him down? Since when did you become so thoughtless?”
Monica was at a loss for words. But seeing the genuine disappointment in Heidi’s face, she had no choice but to swallow her fury and jealousy.
himmered on her lashes as she muttered, “Mom. I’ve loved Aaron for so long. I just can’t accept that I won’t be the one beside him.”
Heidi’s expression softened at the sight of Monica’s tears. Her voice lowered into a coading whisper.
“Monica, be good. You know forced love never lasts. Aaron made his choice, and I have no power to change it.
“But I promise you I’ll find someone even better for you. A man who will cherish you and love you wholeheartedly. Alright?”
Macaw it was pointless to argue further. Angering Heidi now would only backfire
So she forced herself to say, “Alright, Mom. I’ll listen to you.”
shraced, and Heidi gently patted Monica’s back in silent comfort
But what she couldn’t see was the steely glint in Monica’s eyes.
In her beam, she believed no one in Silverwood came close to Aaron. He was the only man worthy of her.
Meanwhile, Nicole followed Aaron into the car.
For reasons she couldn’t explain, she felt oddly warm, though there was space between them. Her breathing tumed shallow, as if someone had quietly nightened An invisible grip around her.
Her heart pounded and her fingers twisted nervously.
Aaron shot her a sidelong glance, picking up on every bit of her tension. A trace of amusement curved his lips as he asked, “What’s wrong? Are you that nervous about going out with me?”
Nicole’s face sittened even more at his question. She lowered her eyes, refusing to meet his gaze.
Pretending?
reise around now, Mr. Compton. We don’t need to keep pretending.”
Aaron recalled that it was supposed to be a marriage of convenience.
So in Nicole’s mind, all of this was just for show
His expression returned to calm indifference. Without another word, he instructed the driver to go
ole had no idea where they were headed. She stared out the window, silent the entire ride.
The silence in the car was stifling. Nicole realized just how exhausting it was to be around him. It might be best to keep their interactions to a minimum–she was afraid the tension might suffocate her
Nicole was never much of a talker to begin with, but no one had ever made her feel this awkward. Aaron was definitely the first.
It wasn’t until she recognized the familiar hospital up ahead that she snapped out of her thoughts. She turned to Aaron la surprise
“Mr. Compton why did you bring me to silverwood Hospital?
