Royal Furline Betrayed BY Mark Twain 8
Chapter 8
Back then, I’d swallow the sting of his refusals quickly, telling myself he just wasn’t ready to shift roles from secret lover to acknowledged partner.
I’d cling to the sweet hope that one day he’d be proud to claim me.
Now, I knew those once-cherished wishes would never come true.
I pulled myself back to the present and teased Matthew with mock astonishment. “Did you buy out the entire mall or what?”
My mom swatted my arm lightly, laughing. “Don’t talk nonsense, young lady.”
Matthew just smiled. “I was worried I wouldn’t bring enough to convince Ms. Ortiz to spare me an afternoon.”
My mom practically shoved us out the door. “Gigi hasn’t had a proper outing since she got back. I’m entrusting her to you today-have fun!”
Matthew agreed graciously, every inch the perfect gentleman.
Once we were alone in the car, the air felt a little thick with
nervousness.
Feeling awkward, I tried to make small talk, and to my surprise, Matthew handled the conversation effortlessly, pivoting from one interesting topic to the next whenever the momentum dipped.
Slowly, the knot in my chest loosened.
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Then my eyes landed on the ornament dangling from his rearview mirror.
It was a Superman sticker, laminated into a round acrylic charm.
The edges were worn with time, yet it was clearly well cared for.
I covered my mouth in surprise. “This can’t be…”
He glanced over, smiling softly. “Yep. The very one you gave me when we were kids.”
That was when Matthew’s family had just moved into the neighborhood.
He was chubby back then, shy and introverted-often bullied by other boys.
One time, when I saw him being picked on, I grabbed a stick and charged right in, pulling him out of it.
I’d planted myself in front of him and yelled, “If any of you ever bully Matthew again, I’ll knock you all out and drag you to the police!”
They’d jeered and run off.
I hauled him up, trying to sound grown-up and wise. “If they mess with you again, fight back!”
But seeing the tears clinging to his lashes, I’d softened. “Eh, forget it. Next time, just tell them you know Angelique Ortiz. That’ll scare them off.”
Then I peeled a Superman sticker from my collection and pressed it onto his forearm. “Here. This is Superman, my favorite hero.”
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Charm with my fingertips.
A sudden, sharp pang of contrast hit me.
During the worst of Bainbridge’s business wars-when enemies circled like vultures, and he narrowly escaped harm several times-I’d gone to a church and bought a small silver cross, praying it would keep him safe.
He never wore it.
The difference in how men cherished something-or didn’t-was suddenly, painfully clear.
With encouragement from both our parents, Matthew and I moved forward at an astonishing pace.
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We saw each other every day-dining, shopping, and even discussing the intricacies of our families’ business deals.
The engagement date was set swiftly.
The night before the party, I lay awake, nerves jangling with a strange mix of anxiety and excitement.
Life really was unpredictable.
A month ago, I’d been dreaming of forever with Bainbridge.
Now I was hours away from promising the rest of my life to a man named Matthew Ford.
I pictured his broad shoulders, lean waist, that quiet eight-pack, and a sly little smile tugged at my lips.
Well… I certainly wasn’t losing out here.
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Chapter 8
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Early the next morning, I was woken up to get my makeup done and slip into my gown.
The stylist was the one I’d always adored-Matthew had flown him in from abroad.
The gown had been custom-ordered years ago.
The engagement party was held in a secluded venue, attended only by our closest family and friends.
As the ceremony began, Aelfric’s phone buzzed.
None of us paid it much mind.
He stepped aside to take the call, chuckling into the receiver. “Gigi’s been thick as thieves with you since you were kids how could you skip her engagement party?”
There was a sudden pause on the other end. Then Bainbridge’s voice, low and startled, sounded. “Who did you say is getting engaged?”
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Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear, polished, and engaging for readers.
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