Chapter 56
“Stop using other people as excuses. If you want to see Jonathan, just say so. If you can’t afford a dress, just admit it. Acting like this will only make Jonathan resent you more.”
As Preston Winslow finished speaking, Jonathan let out a small smile.
Jonathan’s smile, usually so captivating, felt like a knife to the heart this time.
Niamh said nothing. She slipped between Jonathan and Marina, striding purposefully toward the manor.
“Honestly, Niamh is so calculating,” Preston muttered, frustration evident in his voice. “All this space, and she just had to squeeze right between Marina and Jonathan.”
Clifford hadn’t expected Niamh to show up today, but after hearing the whole story, he quickly realized she’d been tricked by Marigold.
“Nia, tell me which designer you like and I’ll buy you a dress,” Clifford offered, already reaching for his phone. “No one gets to look down on my
granddaughter–in–law.”
Niamh hurried to stop him. She truly didn’t care about the dress–she could afford one herself.
She didn’t care what Marina or Preston thought of her, either.
But as for Jonathan…
Niamh sighed, steering the conversation away. She asked her grandfather how his health had been lately, reminding him gently to take his medications on time.
When she left the house, the garden party was still in full swing.
Marina was clinging to Jonathan’s arm, surrounded by a group of people.
They looked like old high school friends–familiar with both Marina, Jonathan, and Preston.
“Do you two have any idea how much heartbreak you caused us when after graduation?” one teased.
you broke up
“Especially Preston! He was ready to jump on a plane and drag Marina back so she could reunite with Jonathan.”
“Ancient history, guys. What matters is Marina’s back now–true love always finds
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Chapter ob
its way.”
“So, when’s the wedding? You’re not getting any younger, you know!”
Marina basked in their congratulations, a blissful smile on her face.
She knew Niamh was nearby. With a coy look, she replied, “I don’t mind getting married–it’s all up to Jonathan…”
The crowd immediately broke into laughter and teasing.
“Jonathan, that’s her hint!”
“Don’t tell us you’ve already set a date?”
“If you keep secrets, don’t expect any wedding gifts from us!”
“Oh please, like Jonathan needs our gifts,” someone joked.
Niamh stood quietly, hands cold, listening as they all but set a wedding date for
Jonathan and Marina.
She and Jonathan weren’t exactly keeping their marriage a secret, but their wedding had been a small, private affair–just family and a few close friends. Most of Jonathan’s high school friends, apart from Preston, had been out of the country helping with family business, so they didn’t know he was married.
Jonathan certainly didn’t act like a married man, either.
Niamh felt foolish for eavesdropping. Why torture herself like this?
Just then, Marigold glided over with a cocktail, joining the conversation.
“Marina really is a wonderful girl,” Marigold declared. “When I was in the hospital, she brought me Elixir & Co.’s tonics every single day. That alone makes her worthy of being a Thomas daughter–in–law.”
“Elixir & Co.? That’s the brand started by a world–famous nutritionist, right?” Preston gaped. “I heard their tonics are insanely expensive and nearly impossible to get. Money alone won’t get you in the door!”
“Marina, you’re incredible!”
Everyone joined in praising Marina, and Marigold beamed, as if all the compliments belonged to her.
“What are you all talking about?” interrupted a woman dressed in elegant,
conservative fashion.
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“I’ve never sold a single tonic to Ms. Thornton,” she said, her tone icy.
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