Chapter 14
I shook my head. I couldn’t bring myself to act like everything was fine.
“Then forget it. If you’re not going, neither am I!” He was all about me. It made me sick.
Come on, Ms. Perez. Join us, please!”
Not wanting to ruin the mood, I forced a smile.“Alright, give me a minute to change.”
Leland beamed like a child, kissing the back of my hand. “Great!”
He didn’t smile often, but when he did, it was breathtaking and soothing like a gentle spring breeze. I could never get enough of looking at him.
Since I was leaving soon, I decided to make the most of these last few days.
It would be my final chance to be with the man I loved so deeply.
I followed Leland to the golf course. Seeing our old friends lifted my spirits.
I even joined in a few rounds. Everyone knew I was good at golf.
Leland wiped my sweat, handed me water, fanned me, and whispered sweet nothings in my ear,“My princess is amazing. I’d give up the whole world for you. You’re the only one I’ll cherish forever.”
“Mr. Pearson, you’re so cheesy! Have some mercy on us single folks!”
“Yeah, Ms. Perez, Mr. Pearson, your relationship is the envy of us all. I want to get married too!”
Everyone burst out laughing. “You, the eternal bachelor? Who’d believe you? Come on, let’s eat some barbecue and have a drink!”
I was surrounded by them, listening to their praise. I looked at Leland and felt nothing but irony.
Didn’t he feel embarrassed?
He held my hand, his eyes filled with adoration, his gaze sweet enough to make anyone melt.
I couldn’t see any signs of betrayal in him, yet the deception felt so real.
After eating a bite of lamb skewer, he fed me a bite of cookie. He said I was a clingy little one.
But then my phone buzzed again. It was Caitlyn’s message.“Believe it or not, if you leave now, Leland will call me over. They all adore me like I’m the real Mrs. Pearson.”
The skewer fell from my hand onto the ground. I blocked Caitlyn’s number, forcing myself to stay calm.
I felt a little unsteady on my feet.
“What’s wrong, Kay?” Leland was always watching my every move, holding me tightly as if afraid I might fall.
I forced an awkward smile. “It’s nothing, really. But my stomach still hurts. Sorry, honey, I think I need to go home
and rest.”
Leland looked concerned.“Then let’s go home. I’ll make you some stomach–soothing soup when we get back.”
As Leland helped me up to leave, his friends started to cheer, “No way, Ms. Perez. Give Mr. Pearson a day off! We really want to have another drink.”
“Yeah, Leland, ask Kaylie for a day off. Everyone’s waiting for you!”
< Chapter 14
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Leland looked at me with worry in his eyes. I shook my head. “Just have the driver take me home. I’m not a child.”
I had to put on a brave face to find out the truth.
But his genuine concern made it hard to believe he was faking it. He looked like he would collapse if anything happened to me.
How could someone who loved me so much hide so many things from me?
I tried to control my emotions as I got into the car under their watchful eyes.
Leaning against the window, I silently watched the scenery pass by, my mind racing with thoughts.
Thinking about Caitlyn’s words, I spoke up, “Johan, you’ve worked for my family for a long time. My parents trusted you. No matter what happens in the next twenty days, please don’t say anything, okay?”
Johan realized I had something important to say.“Ms. Perez, I’m loyal to the Perez family. Whatever you need, I’ll protect you with my life.”
I nodded, feeling touched.“Thank you, Johan. What I need to tell you is that Leland has betrayed me.”
< Chapter 15
