Chapter 76 Ivan happened to be holding a glass of wine to his lips. Thank God he hadnât taken a sip, or he might have choked âCanât believe youâre asking such a childish question, Jared,â Ivan said. âWhen did you start dating? How come I didnât know about it? Is your girlfriend some 20âyearâold chick?â
Jared responded calmly, Tm actually married.â
Ivanâs hand, which had been gently swaying his glass, froze. His tone turned serious, âReally?â
Jared didnât answer, and just downed the rest of his wine.
1 donât mind you dating,â Ivan began âGaining experience in love is just like work, itâs not a bad thing. But marriage isnât a walk in the park. I thought. Mamie would be your bride.â
Jared said, âMamie and I grew up together, I thought things would naturally fall into place. I proposed to her, but she said no.
Then some unexpected things happened, and this girl appeared. My life suddenly became interesting. From the moment we got our marriage certificate, I decided to take it seriously.â
Ivan didnât show any obvious reaction, his fingers lightly rubbing the rim of his glass, seemingly lost in thought.
âYour situation with Mamie, I donât want to interfere,â Ivan began. âYouâre both adults, you have your own minds. But my sister is stubborn, Iâve spoiled her since she was young. The more she canât have something, the mare she wants it. You better sort this out with her sooner rather than later.â
1 know,â Jared replied.
Ivan raised his glass with a small smirk, âAnyway, congratulations on your marriage.â
A hint of helplessness crossed Jaredâs face as he thought of someone. Nevertheless, he leaned over and clinked glasses with Ivan, âThanksâ
âSo, is your new bride mad at you?â Ivan asked, changing the subject. âWhat kind of girl is she that sheâs got you so smitten?â
Jared let out a rare sigh, âSheâs not just mad at me. Sheâs run away. I have no idea where she is.â
Ivan laughed, âNot many women would dare to make you suffer. Now Iâm curious to meet your wife, she must be quite a character.â
Jared got up with a sigh and walked towards the balcony.
After having a bath, Agnes couldnât sleep. Jaredâs face was all she could think of. Was he back at Maplewood Manor? Was he still with Mamie?
The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. She felt suffocated in the large room, so she decided to go out onto the balcony for some fresh air.
The room had wall of floorâtoâceiling windows. Agnes pulled back the thick curtains and stepped onto the terrace.
The terrace had a Central European style, similar to what Agnes had seen in the movie âRomeo and Julietâ.
The view outside was beautiful. A large lake looked like a huge mirror in the moonlight. Trees were trimmed into a maze, and the flower field was filled with English roses. It looked like Alice had entered a dreamy wonderland.
Agnes couldnât help but marvel. What a beautiful place Willowbrook Town was.
The night breeze in June wasnât that hot, and it felt like a gentle hand caressing her cheek.
Agnes closed her eyes, feeling much more relaxed.
She was about to go back to sleep when she noticed a silhouette on the neighboring terrace.
Every room here had a balcony, and the