Chapter 11
Matthew’s fragile patience snapped. His face darkened as anger rushed to the surface.
“What did you say?” he barked. “What do you mean, what business is it of mine? You step out of another man’s car in the middle of the night, and you’re acting like you’ve done nothing wrong? Last time I checked, I’m still your fiancé.“
Before Mabel could respond. Beatrice stormed over, practically vibrating with righteous indignation. She didn’t bother to understand the situation before jumping in. “Mabel, how dare you speak to Matthew like that? I raised you better than this. Apologize to him now, she barked.
Meanwhile, off to the side, Rhea was practically glowing with glee. Yes, yes – this is the kind of drama I live for!
Mabel’s stomach churned at the sight of Matthew. His accusations were grating enough, but Beatrice’s overblown theatrics were the cherry on top. Mabel hadn’t planned on wasting energy on these people, but since Matthew had the audacity to start this, she decided it was time to set the record straight.
“Fiance” Mabel’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Let’s get one thing straight–there hasn’t even been an engagement ceremony. We’re not officially engaged, so stop throwing that word around. And even if we were, do you seriously think you’re in any position to lecture me? You know exactly what kind of person you are, Where do you get off acting so high and mighty? Last time I checked, when your best buddy’s girlfriend sent you a text, didn’t you sneak off to meet her over the weekend? You can save the act for yourself. From now on, you say out of my business, and I’ll stay out of yours.”
Matthew, a couple of years older than Mabel, had always acted as though their relationship gave him a sense of ownership. In their past lives, they had only gotten officially engaged when Mabel turned eighteen. Right now, their so–called relationship was merely an understanding between their families, Matthew had no real claim over her, With no legitimate status, he had no right to dictate her actions.
Mabel’s words hit Matthew like a slap to the face. His chest tightened, and his confidence faltered. How on earth does she know about the text thing?
His face turned pale as he stammered. 1- I only met her to clear things up, to set her straight. I wasn’t trying to
Matthew had always been a poor excuse for a partner, even in Mabel’s previous life. While basking in Mabel’s devotion, he’d shamelessly pursued other women behind her back. Worst of all, he’d eventually entangled himself with his future sister–in- Law, Rhea
Back then, Mabel had been naive, blinded by his charm and his expertly crafted lies. She’d doubted herself, believing her suspicions were signs of insecurity while Matthew’s love had seemed so genuine.
Not this time. This time, she was here to rip his mask clean off
“Oh? ‘Set her straight‘? What, in bed?” Mabel snapped, her voice cutting like ice. “Going after your best buddy’s girlfriend? That’s revolting – even for you.”
Matthew’s face turned a sickly shade of red, then white. “W–what are you even saying? I would never-”
“You know exactly what you did,” Mabel interrupted, her tone colder than ever.
She was done with this debate. “Let me spell it out for you – I will never marry you. Find someone else to harass, because if you try to interfere in my life again, you won’t like how I handle it“.
Matthew stood frozen, staring at her like he didn’t even recognize her anymore. The Mabel he’d known was gentle, soft- spoken, and utterly devoted she’d practically worshipped the ground he walked on. She had never spoken with such biting contempt, let alone dared to challenge him like this.
Any other woman talking to him like this would have been cast pade without a second thought. But tonight, Mabel was captivating. Her defiance, her fire – it was intoxicating, no matter how much it stung his pride.
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22:22 Thu, Dec 12 T O·
Chapter 11
Her charm clouded Matthew’s mind. He clenched he jaw.
He didn’t know how to respond but letting her go? That didn’t feel like an option anymore.
59%.
At that moment, Rhea stepped forward, her voice trembling with urgency as she leaped to defend Matthew, the man she secretly adored. “Mabel, Matthew doesn’t deserve this. How can you do this to him? You can’t just toss him aside because you’ve found someone new. You’re about to be engaged – how can you be so selfish and irresponsible?*
She turned to Matthew next, her tone soft and full of pleading. Tagging gently at his sleeve, she added, “Matthew, don’t be sad. I’m sure Mabel is just in a bad mood today. No matter what he says or who she’s with, you’ll always be family to me.”
Beatrice, standing on the sidelines, furrowed her brows in confusion. Mabel’s refusal to marry Matthew should have been a golden opportunity for Rhea Now Beatrice wondered why Rhea was rushing to patch things up instead of letting Mabel dig her own grave.
Beatrice was baffled, but Mabel saw right through the act. At this point, Rhea and Matthew had barely begun their flirtation – it was just the budding stage of stolen glances and coy smiles. If Matthew stormed off and severed ties with the Harper family. Rhea’s chances to seduce him would vanish with him. Rhea needed Matthew to stay close so that she could lure him
The memory of how these two had humiliated her in her past life sent a surge of anger coursing through Mabel. No way would she let herself get played this time.
While Rhea poured on the sweetness, Mabel leveled a cold, disdainful glare at Matthew. Her lips curled into a delivered her parting shot. “You’re like a dive bar bathroom- everyone’s had a turn, and it’s never clean. I’m walking out for some fresh air. hope the next user enjoys the filth.”
With that. Mabel spun on her heel and strode back to the villa, leaving the others behind in stunned silence.
As Mabel’s figure disappeared into the distance, Matthew’s face darkened like a thundercloud. He turned his sharp frustration on Beatrice, his voice dripping with contempt. “Ms: Harper, you don’t seem to have raised them as properly as you claimed:
Beatrice, terrified of upsetting the Preston family’s heir, plastered on a nervous smile and quickly tried to diffuse the situation. “Oh, Matthew, I have no idea what’s come over Mabel today. She’s usually such a sweet and obedient child. Please. don’t let her nonsense upset you… Rhea, why don’t you stay here and take care of Matthew? I’ll go inside and give her a good talking–to?”
Without waiting for a response, Beatrice retreated into the villa, pager to escape the tension.
Left alone with Matthew, Rhea seized her chance. She stepped closer, her voice turning syrupy as she played the part of a doting spouse. “Don’t be upset, Matthew, You’re so amazing – Mabel knows that. Deep down, she adores you. She’s just making a scene to get your attention.”
As she spoke, Rhea tucked a loose strand of hair behind her earlier cheeks tinged with a rosy blush. Then, with a shy smile, she added. “Besides, there are plenty of women out there, who’d die for your attention. If Mabel can’t see how lucky she is… maybe you should look a little closer to home.”
But Matthew didn’t even glance at her. His eyes remained locked on the path where Mabel had disappeared. Before Rhea could finish her carefully planned suggestion, he interrupted her
I’ve got the exclaimed, his voice brimming with certainty. Rhea’s heart fluttered. She thought, ‘Finally, he’s realized my ferlings! Her face lit up with excitement as she asked tentatively, “Great! Now tell me.”
Matthew’s expression shifted into one of triumphant confidence “Mabel’s jealous!” he declared. “She’s madly in love with me
that’s why she’s acting out. She’s trying to make me jealous by showing up with another man. And when she says she don’t want to get engaged! That’s just her way of testing me. Of course! I knew it! She loves me too much to let me go.”
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Thu, Dec 12
Chapter II
Rhea’s smile froze midi–flutter.
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