Wade didn’t shy away from Alicia’s questions. He said matter–of–factly, “She and I have known each other for almost 20 years.”

Those words could mean a lot of things.

He and Janice had formed a strong, indestructible bond over that long span of time.

Alicia’s fists tightened. Her eyes hardened for a split second as she fixed her gaze on Wade.

Still, Alicia was a smart woman. Instead of pressing him further, she tactfully changed the subject. “You have a point. It’s alright. I understand, and I’m fine with it.”

She nodded with a considerate look. As always, Alicia showed her reliance on Wade while maintaining the proper distance

between them.

Wade looked at her. He could only pretend to be oblivious to certain things. He couldn’t possibly reciprocate the feelings she had

for him.

As for Janice and him,they were destined to be together.

After leaving Alicia’s workplace, Wade got into his car, a frown etched on his forehead.

Janice had been upset lately. Wade knew she would never bring herself to end their relationship–she was too soft–hearted for that. Still, he didn’t want her consumed by negative emotions over something that wasn’t even true.

Her unhappiness weighed on him as well.

After a moment’s thought, Wade decided to call Janice and try to appease her anger so they could move forward with the wedding preparations.

He had pinned her number at the top of his contacts.

Just as he was about to press dial, his phone lit up with an incoming call from Charles.

Wade furrowed his brows and took the call.

“What on earth were you doing?” Charles‘ loud, angry voice thundered through the line. “We told you to come to the Swanson residence to discuss your marriage registration. Were you really that busy?”

Wade rubbed the center of his brows. “Something urgent came up.”

“What could possibly be more important than you completing your marriage registration?”

The frown on Wade’s forehead deepened. “We can get our marriage registration done any time we like. It’s not that big of a deal.

11

He truly believed that.

“I’m warning you! Jan was very displeased that you didn’t show up today. She even said she didn’t want to marry you anymore in

a fit of temper. You’d better take this seriously. You can never tell what a woman might do in her rage.”

Wade froze when he heard that Janice had told Charles she didn’t want to marry him. His heart sank.

A strange sense of unease washed over him,though only for a brief moment. He quickly pushed it aside, his expression hardening. It was hard to tell whether he was anxious or exasperated. “She won’t!”

He said it with conviction, born of his faith in their relationship.

Wade had never doubted Janice’s love for him. She might throw tantrums or argue, but she would never abandon him. Besides,

1/3

Chapter 57

+25Bonus

he hadn’t done anything wrong.

Even if Janice was bothered by Alicia’s existence, Wade was simply looking after her to help Janice make amends for the past. “Make sure you handle this properly! The wedding is happening, no matter what!” Charles barked before hanging up. Wade sat in the car for a long while. The phrase “she didn’t want to marry you anymore” echoed in his ears.

He never thought Janice would actually say those words to his father’s face. Wade couldn’t tell whether she was merely expressing her dissatisfaction or forcing him to make a decision.

Either way, Wade felt she didn’t need to resort to such measures.

Even though he blamed Janice for acting so recklessly and causing Alicia to be met with that accident, his feelings for her hadn’t changed.

Even Alicia had urged him not to be upset with Janice—she was willing to forgive her.

Wade used to be annoyed by Janice’s fussing, but now he resolved to call her and finalize the date for their marriage registration. That should put her at ease.

He was about to tap her number when another call came in. This time, the call came from his superior. An urgent mission awaited. Wade had to depart for the military base immediately.

He gazed at Janice’s number for a long moment.

After a short pause, he set his phone in the center console and drove to the base.

He figured he still had time.

COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus

P

Comments

Support