Chapter 594
It was utterly heartbreaking.
Curran exhaled a heavy sigh, his features sinking into despair, his entire demeanor that of a man watching his world fall apart.
It was then that Judie spoke up, her gaze piercing as it landed on Fernanda. Her voice was as sharp and detached as her usual distant demeanor.
“You’re rejecting my son because there’s someone else you fancy, aren’t you?”
Upon hearing Judie’s question, all eyes in the room snapped to Fernanda.
The Harpers wore expressions of confusion and bewilderment, while Robert looked visibly shaken, his face a mask of shock and anger. Michelle and Erika shared a quick glance, sparks of mischievous excitement dancing in their eyes.
Lately, they hadn’t stirred up any trouble for Fernanda, yet it seemed she was weaving her own web of drama. Didn’t she realize how much Robert prized this engagement? Fernanda was now pushing his buttons.
Ector shot a worried glance at Fernanda.
Fernanda slightly dipped her head, her thoughts lingering on Cristian. With all eyes glued to her, she couldn’t dare glance at Cristian—it would give everything away.
Today, at the Harpers’ place, Cristian’s presence was unusually muted. His striking features and noble air usually made him stand out in any crowd.
Yet, here, among his kin, he shrank into the background, fading into the decor like another piece of furniture.
This was not his usual self.
Fernanda understood that years of neglect from the Reed family and Curran’s icy detachment had taught Cristian to shrink away. He had learned to dim his light, to blend in rather than stand out, to avoid ruffling feathers.
Her heart went out to him.
He had been slighted by his own family; denying her feelings now—would that wound him further?
She knew he would grasp the situation. Things were charged, and even if she claimed to have no interest in anyone, Cristian would see it as her playing it safe.
He had always been there for her, a beacon of patience and understanding.
But Fernanda refused to hide their truth.
Their feelings were real, pure, and deserved to be acknowledged.
Facing Judie squarely, she declared, “Yes.”
She continued, “I do have someone special in my life, and the feeling’s mutual. That’s why I need to call off the engagement. My heart can’t juggle two loves. Since I’ve found my match, I can’t harbor romantic feelings for Bobby. It’s only fair to end this engagement.”
Things, for both our sakes.
Cristian, catching every word, felt a jolt of surprise. Positioned to the side, he gripped the back of a sofa, his hands clenching instinctively, veins bulging with tension. His jaw set firm as he fought to keep his composure.
.
.
.