Chapter 516
“You turned him down?” Mia asked.
Lena nodded. “Yeah.”
Mia let out a sigh, wearing an expression that clearly said, “I knew it.”
After a brief silence, she spoke again, her tone more earnest. “Honestly, I think you should give Tyler a chance. You might actually be good together And, Lena, I mean it–forget about Joshua.”
Lena lowered her gaze without answering.
Shaking her head, Mia pressed on. “I just don’t get it. Besides being good–looking, what does he really have? Babe, no matter how handsome he is, it’s not worth loving someone for this many
years.”
A flicker of sadness crossed Lena’s eyes, and she answered seriously. “He’s more than just good- looking. Back in school, he was an excellent student–kind, hardworking, the type everyone liked. Sure, his family wasn’t wealthy, but he was ambitious and driven. Mia, he does have feelings for me. He just can’t face them because of the difference in our backgrounds. All these years, he’s been working hard to build his career. I want to wait for him.”
Mia didn’t hesitate. “That’s the problem. You’re seeing him through rose–colored glasses. Yes, he was a good student, but only because school was his only path forward. He may be ambitious, but at best he’ll end up running a small business. He’s never going to break into your world, Lena. At the end of the day, he’s still the housekeeper’s son, and you’re the daughter of the Zeller family. Your parents will never approve.”
The sadness in Lena’s eyes deepened, making Mia’s heart ache. “Babe, better to rip the band–aid off now than to drag this out. Try falling for someone else.”
Lena lowered her lashes and murmured, “But I’ve loved him for so many years… I’m already used to the pain.”
Mia looked at her helplessly and sighed. “Fine, fine. I see you won’t turn back until you hit a wall. Have it your way.”
Lena stayed quiet.
The air between them grew heavy.
Mia took a sip of water, then changed the subject. “It’s been a while. Why isn’t Lottie back yet?”
“Good question.” Lena frowned. “You don’t think something happened to her, do you?”
Mia sat up from the lounge chair, slipped on her sandals, and stood. “Let’s check next door.”
“Okay.” Lena got to her feet.
*
Over in the next room, the air was thick with heat and tension.
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Chapter 1916
15 BONUS
Sean’s lips brushed the back of Charlotte’s neck, his voice low and husky. “Did you miss me?”
Charlotte, sitting with her back to him, felt the cool spring water surrounding her. Even so, skin was flushed and damp with sweat.
She lied without hesitation. “No.”
“No? Say that again.”
her
The ripples in the pool grew closer together, and Sean’s touch shifted from gentle to commanding.
Suddenly, a knock sounded against the wooden gate
Knock, Knock. Knock.
Charlotte’s scattered thoughts snapped back into focus. All she could hear was her own heartbeat, quickening with each passing second.
“Lottie, are you in there?” Lena’s voice called.
“You’ve been in there forever. You’re not in trouble, are you?” Mia added.
Charlotte let out a soft hum, the sound sweet and breathy like a spoiled kitten. “It’s Mia and Lena. I should go open the door.”
“Babe, you’re torturing me,” Sean said with a low chuckle. “I’m almost done.”
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