Chapter 3
His eyes locked on her, clearly unhappy with her loss of contact.
Josephine pressed her lips and forced herself to meet Nathaniel’s gaze. “So you’re worried about a meaningless sex partner?”
Usually obedient and compliant, Josephine suddenly got angry, which surprised Nathaniel.
A flash of defiance rose in him. He yanked Josephine close and wrapped his arm tight around her waist.
“Sex partner?
“It only happened once in two years. You call yourself a sex partner?”
Josephine didn’t know why Nathaniel suddenly went mad, and he grabbed her chin to kiss her.
Just then, a voice came from nearby.
“Nathaniel, so you’re here. Dorothy’s been looking for you.”
Nathaniel frowned slightly, released Josephine, and said to that person, “Got it. I’ll be right there.”
Josephine acted surprised and asked Nathaniel, “You know my sister?”
“More than just know her. Their relationship is more intense than you think,” Nathaniel’s friend said mockingly, “Josephine, you’re in for a big surprise.”
After they walked away, a hint of scorn flashed in Josephine’s eyes.
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They thought she was still in the dark and wanted to put on a show to
shame her.
But they didn’t know she had already sorted out her feelings and planned to cut Nathaniel off for good.
During the party, the lights suddenly went out.
In an instant, a spotlight hit the stage, and Nathaniel, wearing a suit, and Dorothy, wearing a white dress, appeared in front of everyone.
Edward smiled and raised his hand for silence, then announced loudly.
“I invited everyone here today to welcome Dorothy home after completing her studies abroad, and to share some good news.
“The Reynolds and Gordon families have been close for years. They arranged an engagement between Dorothy and young Mr. Gordon long
ago.
“Now the two are in love. The engagement party will be held at the end of the month. Please come witness their happiness!”
When Edward finished, Nathaniel’s friends looked at Josephine, waiting to see her break down.
But Josephine simply stood quietly among the crowd, her expression calm, as if everything on stage had nothing to do with her.
Nathaniel frowned.
In his plan, Josephine would lose control when she learned about him and Dorothy.
But she was unnaturally calm now.
A restless feeling rose in him for no clear reason. Dorothy noticed his oddness and quickly asked, “Nathan, what’s wrong?”
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Nathaniel casually withdrew his gaze. “Nothing. I just got distracted.”
28..bars)
He knew well that Josephine loved him deeply and couldn’t possibly have no reaction.
She was only forcing herself to stay strong.
***
Josephine went to the restroom and splashed her face with cold water.
Thinking back on her old longing for Nathaniel, she felt utterly foolish.
No wonder he had touched her only once in two years.
It wasn’t because he treasured her. He simply couldn’t be bothered to
touch her.
And the first night she had cherished was just perfect material for him to ruin her reputation.
When Josephine returned to the banquet hall, Edward called her over.
“Josephine, come say hello to your future brother-in–law.”
Josephine walked up to Nathaniel and put on a perfectly measured smile. “Hello, Mr. Gordon.”
At the word “Mr. Gordon,” Nathaniel’s face tightened.
Dorothy didn’t notice and smiled brightly. “Josie, I just heard Nathaniel is a board director at your school. What a coincidence. If you ever have trouble, you can ask your brother–in–law for help. We’re family after all.”
Josephine clenched her teeth and said slowly, “I won’t want to trouble my brother–in–law.”
She didn’t look at Nathaniel, but she could feel his cold gaze, and it made
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her shiver.
After some small talk, Josephine prepared to leave.
24 Vruch
Dorothy stepped forward, looped her arm through hers, and pretended to be affectionate. “Josie, it’s been so long. I have so much to tell you.”
She dragged Josephine into the lounge without asking.
As soon as the door closed, Dorothy dropped her smile and turned icy.
“Josephine, I heard you slept with Nathaniel, and the video is everywhere. Do you think you can win his heart with such despicable means?
“Here’s the truth: he never liked you. Not only did he not like you, he hated you!
“It was me who had him spread the rumor that your mom was a mistress. I told him to pursue you. I wanted to watch you fall for him bit by bit and then have him destroy you with his own hands!”
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Lateefa Khanam is a spirited writer who finds freedom in horse riding. She cherishes her mare and the newborn foal, calling them her little happy family.
