Chapter 861

Janice is confronted by Alicia, who invites her inside to escape the cold, but Janice declines, wanting to leave quickly. Alicia reminds her that she is designing both Janice’s and Wade’s wedding outfits, a fact Janice finds absurd and painful given their rivalry. Wade confirms that Alicia was assigned the job by Janice’s mother, which deepens Janice’s suspicion and discomfort.
Despite the tension, Alicia tries to ease the situation by offering to take Janice’s measurements and help with the dress design without making a big deal. Wade remains quiet but attentive, showing that he believes Alicia means no harm and that Janice’s behavior is unnecessary. Janice, feeling overwhelmed by the situation and Wade’s attitude, reluctantly agrees to let Alicia design the dress, though she does so with a sense of injustice.
Alicia then casually suggests Wade try on some wedding outfit styles, which Janice meets with a steady, challenging gaze. Wade quickly realizes Janice is acting out in frustration and coldly reminds her of her earlier words about breaking off the engagement. The chapter ends on this tense note, highlighting the unresolved conflicts and emotional strain among the three characters.
Chapter 862
Janice’s brow furrowed deeply as she reluctantly pivoted to face the approaching figure.
Alicia came rushing up to her, her voice light but insistent. “You’re here! Come inside quickly. It’s freezing out today.”
Janice pressed her lips into a tight line, her expression guarded. “No, thank you. I have other things I need to take care of.”
She was determined to leave as soon as possible.
Alicia let out a soft laugh, a hint of amusement in her tone. “Weren’t you coming here to tell me about your wedding dress preferences?”
Janice blinked in surprise. “What?”
A gentle smile played on Alicia’s lips, but there was an unmistakable flicker of something deeper—perhaps a hidden satisfaction—in her eyes. “You didn’t know? I’m designing both Wade’s outfit and yours. After all, I’m a wedding dress designer. Your mom thought it’d be best if I handled it.”
Janice found the whole idea utterly absurd.
Her romantic rival was going to design her wedding gown? As if the situation wasn’t already painful enough.
“You don’t have to do that,” Janice said firmly, trying to brush past her.
But Wade had already stepped forward, standing close by. “Your mom told me the outfits need to be finalized. The job’s been assigned to Allie.”
Janice glanced up at him, suspicion sharpening her tone. “Do you think Ms. Newman is being put out by this?”
Or maybe he felt Alicia was being unfairly burdened?
Wade caught the edge in her voice; the tension from last night was clearly still lingering between them. He met her gaze steadily, not looking away. “If you don’t want to trouble her, you don’t have to ask your mom to have Allie do it.”
After all, only Janice knew about Alicia’s profession as a wedding dress designer. Grace was completely unaware. If Janice hadn’t mentioned it, none of this would have come up at all.
Janice found it hard to believe. “Me?”
Did Wade truly think she was intentionally causing problems for Alicia?
No wonder Alicia had looked so uneasy earlier.
“It’s fine. This is my job anyway,” Alicia said softly, stepping forward. “Jan, come on in. I’ll take your measurements. And if there’s any design you like, just tell me.”
She didn’t seem interested in making a big deal out of it and gently tugged on Wade’s sleeve, signaling him to stop talking.
Janice noticed the small, intimate gesture. It struck her—Wade’s conflicts with her needed Alicia’s mediation, and he was willing to listen to Alicia.
He stayed quiet, his eyes quietly fixed on Janice.
He thought Janice didn’t need to behave this way. Alicia never intended to compete with her. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ.net
Despite Janice’s secret meeting with Charles yesterday and the whole wedding dress issue crossing a line, he hadn’t once suggested calling off the wedding.
Janice clenched her fists tightly, remaining silent for a long moment.
Then, without warning, she lifted her gaze to Alicia. “Fine. If you’re going to design the dress, then please do a good job, Ms. Newman.”
With that label already stuck on her—and Wade thinking along those lines—arguing, shouting, or explaining would only make matters worse. So why bother?
If Alicia wanted to take on the dress, then so be it.
Alicia hadn’t expected this from the usually impulsive and straightforward Janice. She studied her quietly for a few seconds before nodding. “Of course.”
Janice turned to Wade, her eyes burning with an overwhelming sense of injustice that was almost too much to bear. She wanted to provoke someone—especially that one person who cared about Wade the most.
“Since you’re here and we’re talking about wedding outfits, why don’t you try on a few styles from the shop’s collection with me?” Alicia suggested casually.
She paused mid-motion, seemingly unaware of the tension hanging in the air.
Janice met Wade’s gaze steadily, reading every flicker of expression on his face.
Alicia quietly stepped back, as if she didn’t want to interrupt whatever was unfolding between them.
Wade stared at Janice for a long moment before realization dawned. She was throwing a tantrum.
His voice turned cold. “Didn’t you say you wanted to break off the engagement?”
The chapter delicately captures the complex emotional undercurrents swirling around Janice, Wade, and Alicia. Janice’s struggle with her feelings of vulnerability and injustice is palpable, as she wrestles with the reality of Alicia’s unexpected role in designing her wedding dress. The tension between the characters reveals the fragile balance of trust and misunderstanding that colors their interactions, highlighting themes of jealousy, pride, and reluctant acceptance.
Despite the unresolved conflicts and simmering emotions, there is a subtle shift toward a tentative truce, underscored by Alicia’s calm professionalism and Wade’s quiet support. Janice’s decision to accept Alicia’s involvement, though tinged with bitterness, suggests a willingness to navigate the complicated dynamics ahead. The chapter leaves us with a poignant sense of the characters’ inner turmoil and the delicate threads holding their relationships together as they move forward.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions simmering beneath the surface of Janice, Wade, and Alicia’s interactions. As Janice grapples with her feelings of injustice and suspicion, the fragile balance between them threatens to tip into open conflict. The subtle power plays and unspoken resentments will likely come to the forefront, challenging their ability to navigate the complexities of their intertwined relationships.
Expect the emotional stakes to rise as Wade confronts Janice’s provocations, and Alicia’s role as mediator becomes even more pivotal. The question lingers: can they find a way to reconcile their differences, or will the tension unravel the plans they’ve all been trying to hold together? The coming moments will test their trust, loyalty, and the true strength of their bonds.