Chapter 564
Bride Behind The Mask
Margueriteâs ears were practically calloused from all the flattering talks Zack was throwing her way. She knew he was buttering her up, hoping to make his future at work a little less grueling.
She was about to wave him off when Miley latched onto Zackâs arm and demanded, âHow did you know that, Zack? And if youâre fibbing, Iâll spill the tea about your little gossip session to Mr. Winston!â
Zack paled, shaking his head frantically, âI would never fib! Actually, before you two arrived, I got a call from Mr. Winston! It scared the daylights out of me, because why would a big shot like him lower himself to ring me up?
He mentioned his assistant had a sprained ankle and insisted we take it seriously or else heâd have my head. Thatâs why I asked Ms. Lockwood if she wanted a wheelchair earlier.
At first, I thought Mr. Winston was just testing our hospitality towards clients. Only when I found out Ms.
Lockwood is Mr. Winstonâs ex-wife did I realize his concern was genuine!â
Marguerite was surprised. Frederick had actually called to make sure Zack took care of her?
What in the world was that man up to?
Meanwhile, Miley was grinning from ear to ear, âI never bought it when Robert said Mr. Winston was shy. But now, itâs clear heâs indeed like that. Itâs funny, though. If he wants to pamper his lady, why go through middlemen? Sounds like a fuss over nothing!â
As Miley prattled on, Margueriteâs scalp itched with irritation.
Without giving Zack another look, she ignored him, and he took the hint to skedaddle.
Munching on a cold cut from her plate, Miley suddenly blurted out, âItâs dull if you do nothing.â
Marguerite was baffled, âWhat are you talking about?â
Miley rolled her eyes, âYou really donât catch my drift? Fine, Iâll lay it out plain and simple! You are still in love with Mr. Winston, no doubt about that. And Mr. Winston, even though heâs tight-lipped, heâs been showering you with tender loving care in every little aspect of life. I donât see the point in your dithering and testing. Love isnât about entanglement. Sure, you need a storm to see the rainbow, but whatâs the use if your relationship is always stormy? If thereâs a big bang and the world explodes, there wonât be any rainbow left.
Think about it, Marguerite. I reckon you need to take the bull by the horns.â
Marguerite felt a pang of sadness, âI already made a move, didnât I? He rejected me.â
âThat was a move? How long did you persist? A week?â
âAnd what if he rejects me again?â
âThen you cut him off, for good. Never see him again. I donât believe a man who truly loves you would watch you walk down the aisle with Maurice Winston.
If that happens, no matter what Mr. Winstonâs reasons are, Iâd say heâs a coward!â
Mileyâs candidness made sense, and Marguerite fell silent, deep in thought. If everyone else could see that he loved her, but he himself was oblivious, was there any point in continuing this charade?
She had never been the one fooling herself-it was Frederick all along! But facing his feelings was one thing, admitting them quite another. Was she really ready to tear down that wall?
Marguerite was tangled in her thoughts again.
That evening, at the Winston Mansion.
Marguerite, laden with bags of toys, returned to the Winston Mansion, changed into her pajamas, and headed to the nursery.
In the room were only Hayes and Teresa. At the sight of the toys in Margueriteâs hands, they were over the moon!
They divided the spoils amicably, and Teresa wasted no time playing with her new Barbie doll.
Hayes, however, was cradling a brand-new Transformers toy with a glum expression, pouting as if wrestling with a tough decision.
Sensing his mood, Marguerite asked softly, âDonât you like it, Hayes?â
He shook his head and stuttered, âLike⦠but Manley⦠likes moreâ¦â
Manley was crazy about Transformers.
A few days back, when they had made up, Hayes had given all his Transformers to Manley.
Marguerite got the picture right away, âYou want to give this toy to Manley, right?â
Hayesâ eyes widened with hope as he gazed at Marguerite and nodded earnestly.
Teresa, on the other hand, was having none of it, âNo way! Manley lied this morning, said Mommy hit him! Iâm not giving my toy to him!â