Chapter 346
“That’s why you’re coming with me. You should get to know them,” Soren said, smiling.
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“Why didn’t you mention this earlier? I could have at least dressed up a little!” I grumbled. “I must right now. I have to be an embarrassment to you!”
.so dowdy
“No, no. You look beautiful already.” He turned, gazing at me with affection. “But you shouldn’t look too pretty from now on. It’ll attract too much attention, and I feel threatened by that.”
I was taken aback. “Excuse me? How did a gentleman who always seemed to respect women and their autonomy end up showing such a chauvinistic view?”
“I don’t know what ‘chauvinist‘ means, but I don’t like it when other men stare and drool at my girlfriend.”
I looked out the window, sighing. “Every day, you seem less like the man I thought you were.”
“Having buyer’s remorse?”
“Yeap. I realized you’re too good at pretending to be perfect.”
“The time for remorse has long passed, unfortunately.”
Our banter continued. The sun was beautiful, and the streets were bustling. I started humming a song.
“Want to come to the Kenway residence more often? You hardly ever dine or spend time with your family,” he suggested.
“Wait a second. I haven’t even earned your grandfather’s approval yet, and you’re already trying to integrate me into yours?” i asked.
“You’ll do fine tomorrow, I’m sure. You’ll see.”
I didn’t respond as that feeling of uncertainty crept back into my mind.
“That’s nice and all, but I have a business trip to Medhelanon soon, remember? Medhelanon Fashion Week is starting soon.”
Soren frowned. “But what about the Brigidlia Festival? You’re going to be alone again?”
“I guess so. Honestly, I’m used to it,” I replied.
The Jones family had never been welcoming to me. Dining with them, especially during a joyful festival that celebrated the coming of spring and the end of winter, felt like asking for torment. Celebrating with the Kennedys, though, was just as awkward.
To avoid all that, I usually participated in a fashion show abroad around this time.
Soren studied my expression, then said reassuringly, “You won’t have to deal with that anymore, Tay. Not this year. You’ve got me now.”
I smiled gratefully. “Thanks, but I’ve already committed to this year’s Fashion Week. I can’t back out now.”
As for Brigidlia next year? Well, maybe by then, we’d have broken up.
I may have learned to fight for the life I wanted, but I wouldn’t allow myself to dream too much. I knew I wasn’t good enough to dine with the Kenways.
It would be better not to celebrate this upcoming festival with them. It would only be painful unless every last Kenway had accepted me, and my relationship with Soren was more certain. But what if that didn’t happen?
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Chapter 346
Then every Brigidlia after that would just hurt. I’d be reminded of that one time when I almost had a family.
If I’d never experienced that feeling, I wouldn’t have to worry about losing it, right?
We arrived at the party, and I quickly realized it was livelier than New Year’s Eve. There were far more people.
Soleil spotted me immediately.
“Tay–Tay!” she called out, pulling me over to her friends. “Girls, this is the genius who made that gorgeous dress you saw last time!”
She added, grinning, “Also? She’s my brother’s girlfriend. My future sister–in–law, in other words!”
“Sol!” I hissed.
She just grinned wider. “You already are my sister–in–law to me, Tay! My one–and–only!”
I smiled politely, hiding both my anxiety and happiness.
Richard was there as well. Just like during New Year’s Eve, he immediately dragged Soren off to join their friends.
