I felt a pang of guilt.
I didnât want to inflict pain on Andrew.
He had been a pillar of support, a guardian to both Abby and me.
Without him, we might not have survived.
âIâm sorry, Andrew,â I apologized earnestly, my remorse evident.
âI can be quite stubborn when Iâve made up my mind.
But rest assured, even though I canât truly be your fiancee, Iâm willing to maintain the charade until Shirley and Veronica relent.
â
He let out a deep sigh.
âDebra, itâs more complicated than you realize.
â
His gaze drifted to the passing scenery outside the car window, fleeting reflections dancing in his deep-set eyes before dissolving into the depths.
When he turned back to me, his eyes held a renewed intensity, capturing my reflection within them.
Perplexed, I inquired, âWhat do you mean?â
Andrewâs demeanor grew solemn.
âIf we persist with this facade, Shirley might be deceived, but Veronica wonât be.
Sheâs sharp and possesses keen observational skills.
Sheâll undoubtedly detect the discrepancy.
â
Doubting his assertion, I questioned, âHow is that possible? Weâve successfully maintained the facade thus far.
â
Andrew clarified, âItâs not as straightforward as it appears.
To spare you needless worry, Iâve kept this from you, but Veronica has harbored doubts about our engagement for some time.
Sheâs been testing us, probing whether our relationship is genuine.
That is why Iâve been asking the butler about you, ensuring our performance as an engaged couple remains convincing.
â
Suddenly, everything clicked into place.
âI understand now.
â
His timely interventions during moments of crisis werenât mere coincidences; they were responses to Veronicaâs suspicions.
He continued, âFurthermore, remember when you were abducted to the border of the two worlds? Veronica is aware of Calebâs role in rescuing you.
Sheâs begun to suspect that he might be your true mate.
â
I was taken aback.
Veronicaâs perceptiveness was truly remarkable.
It was unsettling.
Urgently, I asked, âWhat should we do? Given Veronicaâs suspicions, how can we validate our engagement to her satisfaction?â
After deliberation, Andrew proposed, âThe solution is straightforward.
We must organize an official engagement ceremony to cement our betrothal.
â
Debraâs POV:
I was completely caught off guard.
An official engagement party?
Wouldnât that twist turn our pretend engagement into reality?
âAbsolutely not!â I dismissed the notion without hesitation.
Andrew explained, âDebra, please donât misunderstand.
The engagement party is merely a facade for public eyes.
Youâre free to depart whenever you want, and I wonât impede you.
Moreover, youâve recently had a falling-out with Caleb, havenât you? The engagement party would serve as an ideal cloak, ensuring your safety within the witch clan without arousing any suspicion.
â