Chapter 1442
Chapter 1441:
She knew perfectly well what he meant. She glanced at Adah and Lance, smiling together, then turned back to Ruben with a conciliatory expression. “Love is a war where everything can change in an instant. You’re a seasoned veteran who emerged victorious from your own romantic battles. More than anyone, you should understand that p>
A seasoned veteran who emerged victorious? Those words were music to Ruben’s ears. He recalled the days when Diane had suitors by the dozen and he had managed to prevail over every last one of them — including Raymond. That victory had been his lifelong pride. Elliana’s words hit the mark perfectly. Love, in the end, truly was a battlefield where fortunes could shift from one moment to the next.
The anger faded from his face, though the worry lingered. “So are you saying Allan still has a chance p>
She smiled, knowing full well it wasn’t merely a possibility but a certainty. Even so, she chose not to say it aloud — she knew that would be enough to send Ruben into a fit right then and there.
Instead, she replied carefully. “Matters of the heart are unpredictable. If you manage to secure the heart of the one you love, consider yourself fortunate. If not, that’s simply how things go. For your own sake, don’t get so worked up. At your age, those mood swings aren’t doing your heart any favors p>
Just then, Adah and Lance walked over to join them.
The subject vanished from Ruben’s mind, replaced by a beaming smile. He did everything he could to appear kind and approachable, afraid she might see him as nothing more than a grumpy old man.
Adah returned a warm smile. “Hello, Mr. Evans p>
“Ah, hello! Hello!” he replied, laughing enthusiastically as he showered her with affectionate questions and kind remarks.
Seizing the moment, Elliana slipped away discreetly. She preferred to keep some distance from Ruben for the time being — she had no intention of shouldering the blame if Lance’s romantic plans fell apart.
She rejoined Cole, while Hailee returned to Merlin’s side, effortlessly resuming her role as his secretary.
𝗪𝗲е𝗄𝗅𝘆 𝗋𝘦𝗅e𝖺𝘀е𝘴 𝗼𝗻
The birthday banquet continued without a hitch, each part flowing seamlessly into the next, until the most anticipated moment arrived: the gift ceremony.
One after another, carefully prepared presents appeared, though none surpassed those from Rita and Sophie, who promised from the heart to love Adah just as Sally would have.
Each gift made her feel more cherished. Although her mother was still missing and her family remained incomplete, being surrounded by so much affection filled her with a genuine happiness.
When she opened the last box, Allan still hadn’t appeared. Whatever hope she had been holding onto vanished completely.
After thanking everyone, she turned to Lance. “So, where’s your gift? Weren’t you going to show it to me p>
He pulled a delicate jewelry box from his pocket. Despite the warmth she had shown him all evening, nerves overtook him and his heart hammered in his chest. This was his chance to propose — a defining moment — and the fear of ruining it paralyzed him. The words wouldn’t come. With his face flushed and his hands trembling, he stood frozen.
Every gaze in the room locked onto the box, and the hall fell into an expectant silence.
Adah looked at him with calm determination. She had already made her decision — if he proposed tonight, she would say yes.
The seconds stretched into eternity.