Doreen failed to detect the evasion in his voice.
Seeing Roscoe not agreeing to her proposal, she boldly suggested, âHow about I come over to your place tonight? We couldâ¦â
Roscoe, unable to contain himself any longer, shook her off as he walked, responding coldly, âThatâs not very convenient.
â This was his kindest way of saying no.
Miguel had been constantly reminding Roscoe that it was crucial he treated Doreen nicely.
The alliance of their families was based on merging interests.
Roscoe couldnât speak freely, and he was expected to tolerate Doreenâs tantrums at all times.
Miguel had advised Roscoe that girls were delicate and reserved and that he needed to spoil Doreen.
Indeed, Doreen was the epitome of delicacy.
She would complain about her feet and legs hurting after just a short walk, and even dining was fraught with complications.
Her delicacy was frustrating.
As for Doreenâs supposedly reservedness, Roscoe couldnât see it.
He understood her overtly flirtatious hints.
He simply chose not to respond.
They even repulsed him.
âWhatâs wrong? Are you busy tonight?â Doreen persisted in asking.
âYes, I have some matters to discuss.
â
Doreen was upset by his rejection but didnât give up.
âOkay, then maybe tomorrow night or the night afterâ¦â
âIâm sorry.
Iâll be busy for a while, and I donât believe in premarital relations.
I hope you can understand that.
â
Roscoeâs response was nearly blunt, leaving Doreen feeling humiliated.
Doreenâs cheeks turned a deep red.
After all, she was a wealthy young woman, accustomed to popularity, but Roscoe always treated her coldly.
âRoscoe, how dare you!â Doreenâs anger finally erupted.
Her voice was arrogant as she declared, âYouâre nothing but a lowly bastard, yet you act superior in front of me.
Marrying me would be your lucky break.
You should be thanking me.
Yet you dare show such an attitude! Who do you think you are!â
Roscoe appeared to have anticipated her outburst.
Doreen had never been one to keep her temper, yet she posed as fragile and weak around him, which he found utterly disgusting.
He responded indifferently, âI apologize for that, but you really shouldnât degrade yourself.
â
Hearing this, Doreenâs expression shifted, and she quickly asked, âWhat do you mean?â
In a burst of frustration, Doreen let the words slip.
The charade was wearing on her, yet beneath it all, she still cared deeply for Roscoe.
The thought of him wanting to end their engagement filled her with dread.
Roscoeâs voice was measured as he spoke.
âIf you believe Iâm unworthy, donât settle.
Maybe you should find someone who meets your standards.
â
âHow dare you!â The words escaped Doreen before she could catch them.
Roscoeâs suggestion that she look elsewhere ignited a fury in her, rendering her momentarily speechless.
âOh, this really hurtsâ¦â Doreen whispered, clumsily trying to steer away from the tense subject.
Publicly switching grooms after announcing the wedding date would be a scandal, not to mention humiliating.
Plus, her heart was set on Roscoe.
If only he could show her a little more tenderness, her anger might have been quelled.
A slight compromise on his part could smooth everything over.
But his aloofness persisted.
With a calm detachment, Roscoe stated, âPerhaps itâs time to reconsider our engagement.
â
Doreen was startled.
She hadnât expected him to continue discussing breaking up.
Wasnât this the moment for him to offer reassurances?
âRoscoe, it wasnât always Like this between us.
You used to love me deeply.
Doreenâs voice broke as she feigned vulnerability, reminiscing about a past that had never been.
â