Chapter 27
“Yes,” I said playfully. “Besides, you still have other promises to fulfill, don‘ t you?”
He sighed, defeated but amused. “Fine. I’ll let it slide–for now. And as for my other promises, we can take care of one tonight after dinner.”
“Are you sure?” I asked, my mood lifting.
Gordon nodded, his smile warm and reassuring.
“Absolutely. You can go to the basement and drive with this car,” he said while giving me a key car. “I‘ ll make sure no one knows about it.”
With that, the lingering tension in my chest eased, replaced by a growing sense of gratitude.
However, as I descended into the
basement, I noticed Gordon already
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waiting by the car.
When he saw me approach, he immediately stepped out and opened the passenger door with a quiet gesture.
Without saying a word, I slipped inside, knowing there was no point in protesting. I could tell Gordon was determined to drive
me home.
But as we started down the road, I couldn’t. resist teasing, “I didn’t expect you to drive me personally, Mr. Kingston.”
Gordon arched an eyebrow at me, his lips. curling into a smirk. “Gordon,” he corrected firmly. “Please, call me Gordon, or I’ll turn this car around and drop you off at the nearest inn instead of your parents‘ house.”
“Oh, is that a threat, Mr. Kingston?” I couldn’t resist teasing him more.
He chuckled lowly, his voice carrying a mischievous edge. “You know, I’m not as nice as you think I am. My reputation in
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California isn’t exactly spotless, Valerie.”
“I know,” I admitted, folding my arms. and pretending to think deeply. “But I also believe you wouldn’t harm me. If you were really that ruthless, maybe you‘ d have sent a driver or let me come alone.
The fact that you‘ re here, taking the time to drive me yourself, proves just how much you care.”
Gordon’s eyes flicked from the road to me, and a sly grin spread across his face.
“Are you taking advantage of my feelings for you, Valerie?” he asked, his hand suddenly resting on my thigh.
I froze momentarily, unsure how to react, but then relaxed and decided to play along.
“Maybe just a little,” I replied with a
smirk.
Gordon threw his head back in laughter, his grip on my thigh loosening but still lingering. “No wonder Anthony was crazy about you. You‘ re the perfect push–and- pull type of woman. So frustrating, yet so
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irresistible.”
His mention of Anthony sent a pang through me, but I disguised it with at lighthearted laugh.
Without thinking, I began recounting how Anthony had chased me for two relentless. years before I finally gave in to his proposal.
It felt natural, almost like confiding in a close friend. Gordon listened attentively, his gaze occasionally flicking toward me.
But the atmosphere shifted when I noticed. his hand tensing on the gear stick, his jaw. tightening ever so slightly.
“You really intend to make me jealous, don’t you?” he said, his voice laced with
mock irritation.
His smirk returned, though his eyes gleamed with determination. “But I’ll make you a deal, Valerie: give me two more days, and I’ll make sure you‘ re mine.”
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I laughed, though my cheeks betrayed me with a faint blush. His confidence was infuriatingly charming, and I hated that it was working on me.
“Two days, huh?” I teased. “We‘ II see.”
Before we knew it, we arrived at my parents‘ cozy countryside home. The porch light was on, and my parents stood outside, waiting eagerly.
My heart swelled as I saw their warm smiles. Despite everything, they had always. been my anchor, my safe haven.
As soon as I stepped out of the car, my
mother rushed toward me, pulling me into.
a tight embrace. “Valerie, you look so
beautiful!” she gushed, her voice filled with pride. “We saw you on TV yesterday- you were amazing.”
Hearing my mother call me by my new name was unexpectedly touching. It
solidified her acceptance of my choices, of
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my transformation.
“Thank you, Mom,” I whispered, hugging her back tightly. “I’ve missed you so much.”
My father approached, his eyes twinkling with joy. “It’s good to see you again, darling,” he said, patting my back.
Then his gaze shifted to Gordon. “And who’s this fine gentleman?”
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