Following the voice, Ethan noticed a young man dressed impeccably, with an earring glinting under the light. He was walking toward them with a broad smile. The man’s gaze on Lily caught his attention as it was filled with undisguised desire.
“It really is a small world, I can’t even shop for clothes without running into you.” Lily shot him a glare before retuming her focus to picking out clothes.
What rotten luck of all the people, she had to nun into Dariel Webb today.
The reason she attempted to jump off a building yesterday was because her parents were forcing her to marry him.
“Isn’t it a sign that we’re meant to be? so, did your parents tell you? When are we getting engaged?”
As he brushed past Ethan, he took advantage of the narrow aisle and deliberately bumped into himn.
Ithan was not one to tolerate such blatant disrespect. “Hey, couldn’t you at least ask me to move politely?”
“Who do you think you are to deserve that? Dariel steered, turning back to glare at than with contempt. “A country bumplan like you should be grateful 1 I’m not getting my bodyguards to rough you up.”
At his words, two burly men stationed at the door stepped forward. Their imposing builds made it clear they weren’t to be trifled with “Seriously, what’s with this store letting just anyone in? Doesn’t that cheapen your brand?” Dariel added with a derisive laugh.
“Apologies, Mr. Webb. This gentleman came in with the young lady, the store manager quickly intervened, rushing to explain
Dariel was a VIP customer who spent tens of thousands on every visit, making him a prized client.
Beyond that, as the heir of the influential Webb family in Silverbank City, his presence carried an air of intimidation. To offend him was to invite disaster- possibly even a late–night swim in the river, courtesy of his connections.
“Impossible. Lily wouldn’t associate with a nobody like him.”
“Dariel! Show some respect to Etty!” Lily retorted before than could say anything
No one was allowed to belittle him in her presence, especially not because of his background. So what if he was from a rural area? Everyone’s ancestors were farmers if you went back far enough.
More importantly, Ethan had only just arrived in Silverbank City, she couldn’t let this encounter damage his self–esteem. It would weigh on her conscience. “Did I bear that right, Lily? You’re actually mad at me because of him? You’re my fiancée, Isn’t acting like this in public a bit much?
“Bab! Fiancée? Don’t you dare sully my reputation! I’ve never agreed to anything of the sort!”
The supposed engagement was nothing more than an idea their parents brought up. No formal ceremony or arrangements had been made. Calling her his fiancée was just an excuse for his shameless behavior
“Stop it, Lily. Our parents have already sorted everything out. Once we pick a good date, it’s settled. When you graduate,
Despite Dariel’s words, his intentions were far from noble. With some time left before her graduation, his plan was simple–enjoy himself to the fullest with Lily,
we’ll
get married!”
and once he grew tired of her, he would break up with her under some pretense.
With the power of the Webb family behind him, he was confident the Bennett family wouldn’t dare cause trouble even if they wanted to. That was his true goal. “Dream on! I’d rather die than marry you.” Lily had already made that abundantly clear with her actions yesterday.
“Erty, let’s go. We’ll shop somewhere else
Chapter 20
Chapter 28
