The summer sun was merciless.
Aurora had been kneeling for half an hour, her face flushed a deep red, sweat soaking through her dress.
Payne was the only thing keeping her going.
Suddenly, the sound of a car engine broke through the stifling silence.
The car door swung open so close it nearly brushed her cheek. A pair of silver heels touched down on the driveway.
Monica stepped out.
She let out a low, mocking laugh. “Well, Ms. Quinn, what did you do to deserve this? Let me guess… got a little too friendly before the wedding, did you?”
Aurora’s face betrayed no emotion. She shifted her gaze across the yard, locking eyes with Daniel for a split second.
She bit the inside of her lip, humiliation burning inside her.
Daniel looked at her only briefly before turning away.
With a little skip, Monica rushed over and hooked her arm through Daniel’s, parading him inside as if staking her claim.
Aurora watched their retreating figures. They looked perfect together.
A heavy ache settled in her chest.
Inside, Jordan greeted them with open arms. “Dan, Monica, you’re here!”
He couldn’t help but gush over his youngest daughter’s connections: now the sister of Mr. Chambers, and best friends with the Cooper heiress.
For the first time, he realized Eleanor was far more useful than Samuel.
He was glad he’d kept his daughter close.
Daniel nodded politely, while Monica stood demurely at his side.
Daniel took a measured sip of tea and glanced out the window. “What’s going on out there?”
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Jordan’s face. “Forgive us. We’ve clearly failed in raising our daughter, letting you see this spectacle.”
Mrs. Quinn chimed in, her voice trembling as she bowed her head and dabbed at imaginary tears. “We only just found out—Aurora… she has a three-year-old child. We had no idea she’d done something so shameful back home. I’m so sorry.”
Daniel’s expression remained unreadable, giving nothing away.
He said quietly, “I know about this. I know the child’s father.”


Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Trash Husband, I'm the Top