Chapter 17
Cherise was just taking a sip from a milk bottle she’d pulled from the fridge after a chat with Trent when her phone buzzed with an unknown number–again. She decided to pick up.
“Cherise, it’s Andy. Got your number from Dennis, came Andy voice on the other end. He sounded relieved to have finally reached her.
“Hey, Andy. I was out for a jog this morning, phone–free, Cherise explained, taking another swig of milk.
“Grandpa’s been wondering when you’re coming back. Can you take it for dinner tonight at the family place?” Andy said, his voice filled with anticipation. “Dennis said you’re in Betrico, but you didn’t hit me up to crash at home.”
“I like my own space, but yeah, I’ll be there tonight, Cherise agreed.
Andy’s spirits lifted. “Awesome. I’ll get things ready here. Send me your address via WhatsApp. I’ll pick you up later this afternoon if that works for you.”
“Sounds good to me, Cherise responded, always one to appreciate the kindness of others.
in when a maid approached her.
At the Leach manor’s main house, Shirley was in the midst of applying her “Ms. Leach, I’ve been instructed to inform you that there is to bea banquet tonight at the main house,” the maid announced, her voice respectful.
Shirley looked up, her mascara brush poised. “Really? Who is the guest of honor?”
The butler mentioned that tonight’s banquet is in honor of the return of the Leach family’s young mistress, the maid informed her.
“What?” Shirley exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief.
“Impossible. I am the only young mistress of the Leach family. Besides, she’s supposed to it’s just not possible,” Shirley stammered, clearly shaken.
“You may leave,” Shirley dismissed the maid.
“Okay, Ms. Leach,” the maid replied as she hurried out, shocked by the sudden change in Shirley’s demeanor.
Alone, Shirley repeatedly tried to call someone without successfter several unanswered attempts, her frustration boiled over. She screamed in fury, her features contorted with anger, and hurled her cosmetics across the room
When the desk phone rang and she saw Jeffrey’s name, Shirley’s demeanor immediately softened. “Hi, Jeffrey, I’ve missed you terribly,” she greeted, her tone a blend of coquetry and distress,
Jeffrey’s voice gentled in response. “What’s the matter, Shirley? Has something upset you?
“No, nothing’s upset me. It’s just my stepsister coming back from that small town. She’s the true Leach heir. I love you, can’t stand in the way of your childhood engagement to her, Sherley said, her voice choked with emotion.
Jeffrey felt uneasy at Shirley’s tears. “Shirley, don’t weep. My heart is with you, not the Leach heir. You’re the one I plan to
marry.
“She’s out of place in our world, but you’re a renowned scholar from Betrico’s top university. She won’t be welcomed into the Chambers family, not by me or my parents.”
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Chapter 17
Jeffrey, please don’t speak of my sister like that. It wasn’t her chece to grow up away from all this.” Shirley pretended to be upset.
“Shirley, your kindness is one of the things I love about you. Truk me to handle this. My future wife can only be you, Shirley.”
“Jeffrey, thank you. I love you too. I have to go prepare for my stepsister’s welcome, Shirley said, hanging up. As she wiped her tears, a sly grin spread across her face.
‘Cherise, you’re no match for me. I’m a scholar from Betrico’s elite university, the true Leach heir. My mother is a Lewis family pride, and my fiancé is the Chambers heir. We’ll be a formidable union, while you’re insignificant. Hmph! Shirley
fumed to herself.
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