Chapter 12
Chapter 12:
“What exactly do you want from me?” Cristian asked impatiently, steering the conversation away from the topic.
He was well aware of Bobby’s tendencies. Bobby always had a flair for dramatizing even the most mundane events.
“Come on, Cristian, lighten up a bit. Tell me about your encounter with that stunning woman today,” Bobby pressed, his curiosity undiminished. “Did you get her number? Or… are you with her right now? Wow, has it already moved that fast? Are you at a hotel p>
“Goodbye p>
“Hey, wait!” Bobby exclaimed quickly. “I won’t pry any further, I promise p>
Cristian paused to take another sip of wine before responding in a subdued tone, “Out with it then. What do you really want from me p>
“Well, it’s about that dreaded engagement,” Bobby replied, his voice tinged with irritation. “My parents have gone ahead and invited the Morgan family over for dinner this Sunday! They’re adamant that I meet the eldest Morgan daughter p>
“Isn’t that a good thing, though?” Cristian’s tone was calm, almost coaxing. “She’s meant to be your fiancée. It’s only a matter of time before you meet her p>
“I’m drawn to modern women—stylish, glamorous, like the vision we encountered today. Not some country bumpkin!” Bobby’s exasperation was clear through the line. “Cristian, tell me—how can I possibly avoid this meeting? I truly don’t want to go through with it p>
“You can let it slide this time, but what about next time?” Cristian chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. “Besides, you haven’t even met Miss Morgan yet. How can you be so certain she’s just a country bumpkin? You’re making assumptions too quickly p>
“I heard from Erika today—she told me all about her sister’s antics!” Bobby continued with a grimace. “She called her sister ill-mannered, unworthy of being part of the elite. And guess what? Erika caught her sister getting cozy with two men today! Such brazen behavior surely doesn’t bode well p>
Bobby’s contempt deepened as he aired his grievances. “She’s supposed to be engaged to me, yet here she is, flirting with other men. Why would I want anything to do with her p>
Having voiced his frustrations, Bobby felt a wave of relief wash over him. He exhaled deeply, his mind set on his next move. “Come on, I need your help, Cristian p>
“And just what do you expect me to do to help you?” Cristian asked.
“Do me a favor and check on her,” Bobby replied decisively. “I’ll skip the dinner. You attend in my place, assess her, and if she turns out to be tolerable, I might consider meeting her. Otherwise, I’ll avoid the whole ordeal and save myself the trouble p>
Influenced by Erika’s exaggerated stories, Bobby’s opinion of his soon-to-be fiancée had hit rock bottom. He had always been this way, rarely sparing a thought for women he found unappealing.
“Alright,” Cristian answered with a sigh of resignation.
“Cristian, you’re an absolute lifesaver! I swear I’ll never forget this favor!” Bobby exclaimed, his eyes nearly brimming with gratitude. “You’re the best cousin anyone could ask for p>
“I’m hanging up now,” Cristian said abruptly, ending the call before Bobby could say anything else.
Cristian’s interest in women was generally lukewarm; none had ever truly captured either his favor or disfavor. However, lately, someone had piqued his curiosity—the enigmatic Letty.
Reflecting on this newfound intrigue, Cristian decided to reach out to her again, sending another message.
The next morning, as sunlight crept through the curtains, Fernanda noticed Cristian’s message while going about her morning routine. It was an invitation to join him at a banquet that coming weekend.
A smirk played on her lips as she read it. They had only met twice, and now he was asking her to a banquet? And as what—his date?
Fernanda had little patience for the pretentious world of high-society gatherings. Besides, she had other commitments that weekend. Over breakfast, Michelle had enthusiastically explained their upcoming visit to the Harpers’ house.
“Sorry, I’m busy,” Fernanda replied quickly, her response carrying a hint of finality.
This visit to the Harpers’ house was important. Although her return to these social circles was linked to a potential engagement, Fernanda wasn’t about to rush into any matrimonial commitments. She intended to handle the situation on her own terms.