Chapter 364
+25 BONUS
Conflicts between women were never easy to define, often leaving it unclear who is right and who is wrong
Even someone as shrewd as William chose not to intervene, silently sipping his coffee.
Soren turned to look at me, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement.
I glanced at him, feeling an inexplicable irritation.
Was he actually enjoying this? Did he find it entertaining to watch Candy and me bicker over him?
I shouldn’t have agreed to be his girlfriend, not when I hadn’t known about Candy’s ties to his family in the first place!
My life was already complicated enough, and now it felt like an even bigger mess.
Meanwhile, the two older gentlemen changed the topic, easing the tension and silence between us.
Just then, my phone rang.
I checked the screen–it was Jamie, likely calling about work.
I excused myself and stepped outside to take the call.
Jamie went over some details regarding the fashion show, and the conversation lasted about eight minutes.
When I hung up and turned around, I saw Soren walking toward me.
“We’re heading to the main building for lunch. Miss Frieze will be joining us, but our grandfathers will dine here in the courtyard,” he said, taking my hand and lowering his voice.
I gave him a meaningful look before noticing Candy stepping outside as well.
Without hesitation, I asked, “Is your grandfather trying to set you up with Candy?”
Soren’s expression flickered for a moment.
I laid it out plainly. “It’s pretty clear what he’s suggesting that he doesn’t mind you dating me, but when the passion between us fades in a few years, you’ll need to listen to him, cut ties with the outside world, and accept whatever marriage arrangement they have for you.”
“That won’t happen. I’ll decide who I want to marry,” Soren stated firmly.
I chuckled. “There’s a saying that we shouldn’t think too far ahead, but enjoy what we have right now. I’ll wish you well if that day ever comes, and- Ow!”
Soren flicked me on the forehead with surprising force before I could finish.
“Wish me well, my ass! If I can’t marry the person I love, no amount of well wishes would be anything but a joke,” he said, gritting his teeth in mock annoyance.
Candy appeared next to us just as he finished his sentence.
She completely ignored the playful exchange between Soren and me and smiled as she said, “Soren, let’s go eat. I haven’t had the chance to visit your mother yet.”
Soren immediately replied, “You go ahead. I’m meeting our grandfathers with Taylor for a while.”
He took my hand and led me back.
1/2
Chapter 364
+25 BONUS
I saw Candy’s face darken instantly, and a wave of satisfaction surged through me.
Honestly, it must have been difficult for her–the way she strutted around like a peacock, flaunting her charms. To be shut down by the man she was so clearly in love with couldn’t have been easy.
I wouldn’t have been able to hold it in if I were her.
It took serious mental strength and thick skin to keep picking yourself up and justifying a man’s reactions after so many setbacks.
I admired people like her for their persistence.
“Aren’t you worried she’ll turn around and play the pitiful woman in front of your family?” I asked.
“I was polite and respectful, without being rude in the slightest. How exactly could she play the victim?” Soren countered confidently.
I smirked but didn’t respond.
Fair enough… He always exuded charm and impeccable manners. No one could find fault with him except, perhaps, a romantic rival, at which point he revealed a hint of irritation.
When we returned to the courtyard to bid our farewells, William, right before my eyes, reminded Soren to take good care of Candy. His blatant favoritism was almost insulting.
I simply pretended not to hear, maintaining a polite smile as I walked away.
Candy hadn’t waited outside. It seemed she knew better and had already gone ahead to the main building.
By the time Soren and I arrived, we hadn’t even entered the living room yet when we heard her chatting cheerfully with Lisbeth. They were laughing and talking as if they were the best of friends.
