The remorse Maggie felt was profound.
She found herself unable to adequately repay him for his unwavering support.
Just then, her phone chimed with a message.
âNo need to thank me.
Just remember what I said,â Karlâs reply read.
Maggieâs heart clenched as she recalled Karlâs words: he urged her to pursue true love and reminded her to not forget to look back if she ever grew weary.
The weight of guilt settled heavier upon Maggie.
There was no denying itâKarl was truly a good man.
But unfortunatelyâ¦
Suddenly, a chill seemed to settle beside her, the surrounding temperature dropping a few degrees.
Maggie instinctively turned her head and met Sanfordâs tense profile, his demeanor as cold as ice.
She knew he was clearly angry.
She shifted slightly, attempting to lighten the mood.
âSanford, itâs not winter yet.
You donât need to chill the air.
â
Sanfordâs smile, however, was as frigid as the air around them as he glanced at her phone.
âMaggie, you appear to be occupied.
Would you like to bid farewell to your âboyfriendâ properly before we
leave?â
His keen eyes had caught her messaging Karl, and her somber expression did not escape his notice.
Why that look? Was Maggie really considering Karl as a backup plan?
âNo, Sanford, donât misunderstand,â Maggie hastily clarified.
âEarlier at the factory, someone verbally attacked me, accusing me of being your kept woman.
Karl stepped in, claiming to be my boyfriend, to defend me.
â
Sanford couldnât ignore the pang of jealousy that surged within him.
âHmm, your Karl certainly knows how to play the gallant knight,â Sanford remarked, his tone laced with sarcasm.
âMaggie, I suppose youâre feeling rather pleased with yourself, arenât you? Having someone pursue you must be quite the ego boost, I imagine.
â
Upon hearing Sanfordâs sarcastic tone, Maggie wanted to retort but ultimately held her tongue.
He was angry right now, and she knew better than to stir the pot.
It was best to let him cool down first.
Sanford glanced at her, noting her submissive and downcast expression.
He took a deep breath, trying to quell the jealousy bubbling within him.
âIâLL cancel my engagement with Millie, so no one will call you my mistress anymore,â he said.
Remembering how he had just stood up for her, Maggie felt a warmth spread through her heart.
But recalling Millieâs previous actions, she clenched her fists.