Chapter 26
Marger’s tone was a masterful Mend of curiosity and charm, and it was evident why she had made Devine Margot such a success. She possessed the art of extracting information from her (moljsak, skillfolk gilding them into open and candid conversations.
theaned forward to address the saling rumers head–on. “I want to make it absolutely clear that there has been macheating,” Lemphasized, my voice steady as 1 sought to dispel any lingering doubes. Leould see Alma’s tension beside me, het composure unwavering despite the difficult situation. She was, in essence, shielding Daniel despite having been cheated on
Marget wann’t entijelo cominced, her persistence evident as she probed further. “Tut there are rumors suggesting that you two met while you were still with Daniel,” she pointed out,
Toffered a seaturing squeeze to Alana’s thigh, and she reciprocated by placing her hand over mine. With a touch of humor in her voice, Alama spoke up, “If that’s the case, then how would ene explain all the off–set time that Daniel and Suzanne spent together?”
Mangsi conceded, hes frown indicating he recognition of the validity of Alana’s agent. The briefly consulted her notes, giving us a momentary respine.
Taking the opportunity, I clasified. “I wasn’t actually in boweni til the last two mouths. My presence was only here in town at the end of Alana’s relationship with Daniel” Maign, with her signature sweetness, redirected the conversation, “Could you share with us the story of how you two reconnected? It seemed like we glossed over that.”
́ve always had a passion for reading.“1 hepan, troventing our serendipitous reunion. During my time in town, I visited an indie bookstore. There, I unexpectedly crossed paths with
whom I hadn’t seen in years, and we instantly hit it off.” 1 remembered Mrs. Jordan telling me how Alana would go lo small libraries just to buy books for her mother. Alana added, “1 have this habit of shopping for books to surprise my mom. So, as fare would have it, Alecand I reunited in that quaint bookstore.”
sigot delved further, inquiring about out shared history. “The have been claims that you knew each other from earlier on. How accurate is that?”
( quite accurate,” Laffirmed “We attended the same high school and later on, the same college, I’d always been infatuated by Alana but lacked the courage Marga leaned in, intrigued by the unfolding love story. “What changed, then?”
to press them”
saw Alana in that bookstone, it was like the first day of high school all over again we started talking and spanding more time together I seized the mument and asked her out,
I responded with a warm smile, noticing boss Mange became engrossed in our story,
scontinued with the same soft passion, recounting our journey. “Our first date was incredible, and with Ale, I felt understood. So, we lurpt going out together.”
the wedding approached, Daniel and I realized it would never happen and discussed canceling it,” Alana added, her voice tinged with reminiscence. “But then, one random night, as Alec and i walked after getting ice cream, he proposed to me, and I immediately said yes”
Magnezed the opportunity to delve into the complexities of out unusual situation. “Did feel strange to have the wedding planned with Daniel and then spend it with Alec?”
Alana shrugged præcefully, explaning “Daniel was quite busy with his acting career and didn’t have a vision for the wedding. I was free to make the decisions. After I said yes to Alec, he and I started making dunges to the wedding plans here and there. In the end, it felt more like our wedding than something that belonged to Daniel and me.”
Margot then skalifully need the conversation back to our high school days, so, how were things in high school? Was Alana different?
Tcould see the apprehension in Alana’s eyes, likely worried that I might reveal her past as a bully. Instead, I smiled warmly and spoke, “Alana has always been a strong woman. We had our
tal duglements, but she is one of the smartest people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet. We were constantly neck and nock in terms of academic scores. Moreover, she’s
Margot probed, seeking further insight.
was a poor orphan in a private school, and 1 Laced a lot of bullying A pravileged clulthood similar to Alana’s.
Alana stood up for me,” I chuckled softly, alming to lighten the atmosphere. I noticed that Margot, too, had enjoyed a
Margo’s beatain was heartwarming. She pushed with enthusiasm, placing her hands over her heart, “oh my goodness, that’s so heartwarming. You two have such a lovely story” Mangot the smoothly transitioned to discussing the wedding’s finer details. She inquired about the centerpieces, Alan’s dress and jewelry, and especially the engagement ring These asperts had raptivated the poble i imaginarium, and Margot was determined to uncover their origins
died her docun no Alana’s engagentent ting, noticing the absence of the ring in s photos that had circulated recently Theis have been some photos selene Alana buy’t. chanded the question with ease, offering a light–hearted explanation. “We weren’t ready to go public with the beakup On Daniel gave me the green light, which was on my wedding aring her engagement ring or just Daniel’s Can you explain that? Margot inquired. lannadairly femoved hunting You know how the media can be. If I was caught without it, people would find out the truth about our situation” Ichimesh in to provide further context. “When I proposed, it was with a temporary lng This was hard to come by, but it was the one I wanted Alana to haww,” ktarget raisedan utiqued eye was the glaredat Ala’s hand, which now spotted the beautiful ting. Alana couldn’t hide her delight. “Now, I can’t stop staring Marga complimented || acknowledging my choice. It’s quite a pretty ring, Aler. You did well “
ut way back to the parking lot, wat by Alana’s car, wearing a contented smile. Folde’t help Lenjoying the waimuth of het smile du tespotuse
said, giving may likep a traveling speede
ank you, no wie “Trepied, returning her kindle.
my plans for the rest of the day. “You albork to work
I be home later than mual,” i stortted, knowing that Killian is likely to demanda rabe.
help but comment on the successful interview.
“Tot i le muran,” I playfully
delay. “‘ll be bolted. You can wall”
Ja lopened flerat dan de lei, de expireduein “The sate, Alec *
Inked, wing head, et filled with the action that sheerly card ny well–being on a
qon she would’t have told me to be safe.
