Twisting my lips to one side, I recomposed my emotions before shrugging apologetically at Elliot. “Sorry, I apologize on behalf of my parents. It looks like you came over for nothing.”
Elliot lowered his head, smiling amusedly. “No, it’s alright. I should be the one to apologize for showing up so suddenly. It is a bit too soon, but I promise I won’t disappoint if you give me a chance.”
This man was certainly worth giving a chance as he was devilishly handsome and possessed immense wealth.He was the kind of man that every woman dreamed of—except me.
I shook my head and smiled, not wanting to make things difficult for my parents. “There seems to be a misunderstanding, Mr. Moore. I haven’t moved on from my previous marriage, nor do I plan to start a new relationship soon. I apologize as I’m not the woman you’re looking for.”
Although I spoke humbly, we both knew that I was more than worthy of having men flock before me, given both the Moore family and the Stovall family’s support for me, as well as the assets under my name. Me being highly sought after was a fact, regardless of my divorce and my three children.
Ever since Thora started pestering Ashton, I knew that this day would come; but what I hadn’t expected was that my parents would be the ones to set me up.
How disappointing.
Emery once said that my parents were ruthless in setting Rebecca up with Ashton. She explained that they wanted to grow their influential power through securing the Fuller family.
Remembering Emery’s words, I can imagine why my parents would set up this embarrassing date.
My gaze subconsciously darted over to the kitchen. I felt a tightness in my stomach as I had completely lost my appetite.
Elliot stood silently for the longest time beside me. I turned to look at him and saw nothing but a firm calmness on his face. He didn’t seem to care about my rejection.
So I spun on my heels and headed for the kitchen.
There, Cameron leaned leisurely against the wall with a hot cup of tea in her hands as she threw sharp gazes on the maids who were cooking.
It was obvious that she had lied about preparing dinner to force Elliot and me to spend time together.
She sipped on her tea for some time before jolting nervously, realizing that I had entered the kitchen. “What are you doing here? I can manage the kitchen just fine, now shoo! How could you leave our guest alone?”
I crossed my arms, sighing at Cameron before looking over at the maids. “Why don’t you guys turn off the stove and head out, so Mrs. Moore and I can talk privately.”
“Yes, Ms. Stovall.”
The maids understood that I still possessed a significantly high status in this household. Hence, they stopped what they were doing and left without forgetting to close the glass door for us.
They walked out, leaving Cameron and myself in the enclosed kitchen.
“Why did you invite Elliot?” My gaze pierced at her in an unflinching manner.
“What are you talking about?” Cameron held a straight face as she approached me and leaned against the white oak cabinetry. A smile crept onto her face. “The Jacobson family and us Moores are old family friends. Elliot is simply visiting your Dad on behalf of his father. Now, why on earth would we invite him over for no reason?”
“Is that so? Then why didn’t you inform me beforehand that there would be a guest tonight?”
“He just called to tell us right after he got off the plane.”
How bold of her to continue making excuses!
“Alright then. Since I’m not that well-acquainted with him, I suppose it won’t matter if I’m absent while you guys catch up about old times. Summer and I will head home now.”
Anger came to a roaring boil in my chest. I hated being set up by others, who assumed they knew what was best. On top of that, I hated having to guess the motives of those I called my family.
I understood that an heir was needed to pass on the family name and inherit properties and assets. I also understood that a marriage alliance between two families was, indeed, the easiest path to achieve that. However, that didn’t mean that I supported my parents, nor was I willing to be some chess piece in their plan to unite the two families.
As I turned to leave, Cameron’s hand darted and clasped around my wrist. “Letty, what are you doing? The guest is still outside… he’ll feel unwelcomed by us Moores if you leave with your child now. How will our families continue to stay friends after this?”
My face darkened to a hideous brownish-red with no intention of compromising.
She eventually gave in after seeing my unwavering frown. A long and weary sigh escaped her lips as she nagged. ”Fine, I’ll admit it. Your Dad and I planned tonight’s dinner because we want what’s best for you. Everything between Ashton and Thora is stirring up such a storm right now, so you should consider an alternative.
Now, I know Elliot is slightly older than Ashton, but he’s better when it comes to respecting his parents and being a considerate man. Granted, he may have been too devoted to his family and preoccupied with his booming career to dabble in relationships, but a husband like him would be hard to come by. You…”
