I woke up to the smell of something incredible.]

    Opening my door, I found the dining room set with an borate brunch spread–beautifully ted dishes that clearly came from Magnolia’s.]

    My mother–inw’s ce.]

    Her private brunch café.[]

    The estate’s housekeeper bowed respectfully before leaving, “Mrs. ckthorne, the young master had this prepared and brought over for you.“[]

    I looked at the table–all dishes I’d shown extra appreciation for in front of my mother–inw.

    By then, the guest bedroom door opened.]]

    Ryder looked confused for a moment, then gradually focused when he saw me.[]

    “Babe, got you special breakfast–all your favorites, right?“]

    “Last night… you know I was wasted, said and did stupid shit that didn’te from my heart.“[]

    “Don’t… don’t be mad.“]

    He put on his most apologetic smile.

    I stirred my coffee, creating soft clinking sounds with the spoon against cup.[]

    His smile stiffened.]

    The housekeeper timely served him a bowl, “Young master, your mother is still hoping you’ll bothe home.“]

    Ryder exhaled softly.

    “This time I really crossed the line. I’ll learn from this whole Wren situation and never let her get out of hand again, okay?“[]

    He ced a sugar cube into my cup.

    “I’m sorry.”

    “Babe, at least acknowledge that I’m trying here…“[]

    I set down my spoon.]

    Cut straight to the point: “Are we still going to the estate or not?“]

    “Yeah, yeah, yeah!“]

    Dure Friendchin) Then Whu’s the Bahu His? Enjoy Your Cells Soulmates!

    94.4%

    I lowered my head and ate my breakfast, lost in thought.[]

    Last night’s mess at the police station meant my mother–inw definitely had to pull strings to get Ryder out.[]

    Whether my report was true or false didn’t matter.[]

    She’d never tolerate anything that could create negative publicity for the ckthorne name.]

    As for our marriage… I figured her attitude was probably: happiness is idealb, /bbut if things get messy, just cover it up and keep it from blowing up.

    After all, that’s how most people in their circle handle things.]

    Sure enough, when we arrived the family estate, my mother–inw acted like yesterday never happened, greeting me with a warm smile.

    “Jessa’s here! Your father and I have been waiting forever.“]]

    With that, she immediately smacked her son upside the head.]

    “You little shit! Yesterday you said you’d bring Jessa home for dinner, then had the nerve to say we wouldn’t get along.“[]

    “What the hell was that about?!“[]

    “If you made Jessa unhappy, I’ll beat your

    ass!”

    With that outburst, she cut off any chance I might have had to call out Ryder myself.[]

    Then she pulled me affectionately to the couch, opening an ornate wooden box.]

    “Jessa, look what I found at an auction the other day. I thought it would be perfect on you.‘

    A Bulgari bracelet, encrusted with diamonds and colorful gemstones.]].

    Obviously worth a fortune.]

    I was contemting silently when suddenly there wasmotion at the front door.

    Wren Carter bounced in carrying a Maltese, grinning ear to ear.[]

    b“/bRyder! You came home today!”

    “I wondered whose car I saw in the driveway.“]

    “So not cool that you didn’t tell the crew you wereing back. When did you get so stingy? Even after getting hurt, I didn’te crying to you~~“]

    She fake–poutedb, /bsetting down the dog before immediately making a grab for his crotch.]

    The moment the little dog hit the ground, it went nuts, running around like crazy. Then something spooked it and it charged straight for the coffee table –

    b94.6/bb% /b

    b“/bCRASH-b” /b

    A half–full coffee cup fell down and smashed onto the his head.]

    Hearing the poor thing whimpered, Wren’s expression instantly changed.]]

    She rushed over and scooped up the dog, tears streaming down her face, “Jessa, you can’t even tolerate a dog?!“]

    “This is Ryder’s home, not yours.“[]

    “Even if you hate me, you don’t have to…“]]

    Before she could finish her performance, my mother–inw’s face hardened, “I threw that cup at your dog.“]

    Wren froze, her half–fallen tears suspended on her cheeks, “Mrs… Mrs. Hawthorne…?“[]

    My mother–inw raised her voice.

    “Who let this dog into my house?! Didn’t anyone tell you I’m allergic to dog hair?!“[]

    ? (0)