Without a word, Maggie poured Jaelyn a glass of water after hanging her apron, âExcuse me for a minute, Iâll just change.
â
Maggie would do her role as a hostess.
It was up to Jaelyn if she wanted to play along.
Jaelyn felt a pang of discomfort as she observed Maggieâs slender figure clothed in pajamas.
In the past, Jaelyn herself had lived a happy life like that with Stanford.
But things had changed.
Maggie sat across from Jaelyn after getting changed.
âMiss Duffy, how can I help you today?â
Jaelyn gathered her thoughts.
âI heard youâre a wedding dress designer now?â
âYes,â Maggie replied simply.
Studying Maggieâs composed expression, Jaelyn asked, âWhy are you back? Arenât you worried about
Sanfordâs mother using your family as leverage again?â
Maggieâs fingers tightened at the question.
After a momentâs pause, she admitted, âI am scared, but for once, I want to live for myself.
â A flicker of determination glinted in her clear eyes.
Jaelyn stared at her, deep in thought.
Jaelyn remembered Maggie as a simple country girl half a year ago.
She used to despise her.
Yet, now, Maggieâs eyes held a new lightâconviction and a defiant fight for love.
Could this be what swayed Sanford to forgive her and welcome her back?
A sharp pang pierced Jaelynâs heart.
She swallowed and asked, âSo, you and Sanford are truly reconciled?â
Maggie met her gaze and offered, âIn a way.
â
Jaelyn pressed, âWasnât Sanford still mad at your last departure?â
Maggie fell silent for a moment before speaking.
âHe forgave me.
â
Jaelyn bristled.
âWhy? I left abruptly too.
Why did he show you special treatment?!â
Jaelynâs frustration simmered.
Maggie returned home and was welcomed back, while she, in contrast, was viewed as an enemy.
Maggie felt incredulous.
Didnât Jaelyn understand her actions? How could Sanford, with his arrogance, tolerate repeated deception?
Instead of a direct accusation, Maggie posed a question.
ââJaelyn, do you truly love Sanford?â