Chapter 11
Chapter 11
William easily saw through Alex’s expression.
Placing a peeled shrimp on Kaylee’s plate, he dabbed his fingers with a napkin. “Living together already? Time to think about marriage then.”
Lucy propped her chin on her hands, blushing.
Kaylee focused on her food, avoiding the conversation.
This dinner was clearly Alex introducing Lucy to the family
Susanne must have known about Alex’s new girlfriend – and disapproved.
That’s why Alex brought Lucy to William instead.
The real power in the Morgan family.
With William’s approval, his parents would fall in line.
Love played cruel games sometimes.
She and Alex had lived together for four years with his family’s blessing, yet marriage was never urgent.
But after just one week with Lucy, he couldn’t wait to introduce her to William, pushing for something serious.
Social class was just an excuse.
It was about who he truly wanted.
As Kaylee finished her bite, William suddenly pulled her chair toward him.
Caught off guard, she stumbled against his arm.
His cologne, woody and expensive, filled her senses.
Acting casual, William motioned to the waiter. “Another place setting here.”
Of course for Lucy’s father.
–
Right between her and Lucy.
As she straightened her silverware and reached for her water, William spoke softly.
“Which day of the week do you prefer?”
With their chairs so close, his low voice was for her ears only.
Kaylee blinked, confused.
She turned to look at him.
They were suddenly face to face, his dark eyes warm despite his composed expression.
Seeing her confusion, he asked again, “Which day of the week?”
This time she knew she hadn’t misheard.
Such a strange question.
Hospital schedules worked in months, not weeks.
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Chapter 11
She had no favorite day.
Thinking of what Wendy would say, she answered, “Saturday?”
William nodded slightly. “Saturday it is.”
She had no idea what he was planning.
When Henry Kingston arrived at the private room.
After brief pleasantries, William said, “Since Alex and Lucy are planning marriage, why not get engaged first?”
Henry’s company was in crisis – he’d been hoping to publicize Alex and Lucy’s relationship. His face lit up at the mention of engagement. “Yes, yes, of course!”
Alex turned pale.
He couldn’t refuse outright, only hoping to delay the date.
William’s lips curved slightly. “Next Saturday would be perfect. Let’s do it then.”
“Uncle!” Alex finally burst out. “I should discuss this with my parents first.”
“Of course. I’ll have friends handle the engagement party arrangements. Talk to your parents about the guest list. Let me know if there are any issues.”
William’s tone was mild.
But he clearly had no intention of canceling.
Lucy, surprised at how smoothly things were going, smiled sweetly. “Alex, your uncle is so good to you.”
Henry chimed in, “Our company isn’t nearly as prestigious as the Morgans. Lucy adores Alex, but I worried your family would look down on us. I never expected… you’d be so open–minded.”
“In these modern times, Alex’s happiness matters most,” William’s eyes held amusement as he looked at Alex. ” Unless you don’t want to marry Lucy?”
Alex was trapped.
He’d had many casual relationships before.
Just for fun.
His feelings for Lucy weren’t much different.
She’d moved in only because he was angry at Kaylee.
He’d expected Kaylee to apologize quickly, like always.
Instead, his uncle was forcing an engagement to Lucy!
Lucy scooted closer to Alex, clutching his arm. “Baby, you said you’d marry me. Your uncle approves too! Isn’t next Saturday perfect?”
Alex dropped the pretense. “Marriage is a lifetime commitment. We’ve been together less than a month, I’m busy with work, we need more time to know each other.”
If Henry wasn’t here, he could just refuse outright.
But Henry’s presence complicated things.
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The Kingstons were still influential – he didn’t want to offend them.
Lucy’s face fell. “But you said we were perfect together, that you wanted to be with me forever…”
Alex frowned. “My parents…”
“I’ll handle them. Don’t worry.”
William cut him off.
Throughout this discussion, Kaylee stayed silent, focusing on her food.
But as she observed….
She realized things weren’t what they seemed.
Alex didn’t want this engagement.
Lucy, Henry, and… William did.
William had casually asked her favorite day, then set Alex’s engagement date.
He hadn’t asked about month or date.
Just the day of the week.
He’d planned this rushed engagement all along…
Kaylee lowered her eyes, suddenly understanding.
Perhaps to William, anyone was better than a housekeeper’s daughter marrying Alex.
Afraid they’d reconcile.
That’s why he rushed the engagement.
It explained William’s strange behavior lately.
He was just placating her, preventing her from pursuing Alex.
Kaylee set down her fork. “Thank you for dinner. I should head home.”
Lucy quickly stood. “Kaylee, will you come to our engagement next Saturday?”
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Chapter 12
