09:48 Wed, May 7
After the New Year’s Eve Tragedy: Her Icy Return
Chapter 105 Bring It On
The call came from Edwin
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As soon as Caroline picked up, his furious voice exploded through the speaker. “Caroline, seriously? I went out of my way to set you up, and you showed up with another guy? Are you trying to humiliate me on purpose?”
His voice was so loud it nearly blew out her eardrum. She pulled the phone away, rubbed her ear, then said coolly, “And you seriously have the nerve to say you went out of your way? How much do you even know about the guy you set me up with?”
Edwin snapped, “That’s none of your business! What matters is, he’s one of the best men around here. Tons of single women would kill for a chance with him but he picked you! And you don’t even appreciate it.”
Caroline couldn’t help but laugh. “If he’s that amazing, then why didn’t you match him with Helen?”
Before Edwin left on his trip, she had overheard him and Miguel stressing over Helen’s marriage prospects. They’d gone on and on about finding someone wealthy, good–looking, and accomplished.
That teacher she met earlier? He was exactly the type Edwin and Miguel had been hoping for.
There was a pause on the other end before Edwin spoke again. “Helen’s already engaged. Don’t drag her into this. Just tell me–who was the guy you brought today? Was it that old man?”
Her date had tattled that she got cozy with another man right in front of him. Edwin immediately assumed it was that “old man“.
Once he locked in that conclusion, his rage reignited. “Im warning you for the last time–if you’re still messing with someone from the Somertons, you better cut ties with that old man, now. Otherwise, get out of this house. And don’t you dare go around claiming you’re one of the Somertons. Don’t embarrass us!”
Caroline had been about to defend herself, but after hearing such harsh, final words, she couldn’t even be bothered anymore.
She’d explained herself plenty of times before.
But the Somertons? They only ever heard what they wanted. No one had ever truly believed her.
“So what, you’re saying you want to cut me off?”
Edwin’s tone was firm. “Exactly. If you’re dead set on fooling around with that guy, then you’re no sister of mine. You’ve got two days to figure it out–either go to your arranged dates like you’re supposed to, or keep throwing your dignity away. Your call.”
And with that, he hung up–cold, final, unforgiving.
Caroline stared at the disconnected call and curled her lips in a small smirk.
Cut ties? Fine.
Bring it on.
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Chapter 105 Bring It On
things up?”
The call had been loud enough that he heard every word. He knew Edwin had it all wrong.
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And Blake wanted to make it clear–not only that he wasn’t some old man, but also to explain what kind of person that so–called “ideal” date was at the café.
He wanted Edwin to decide for himself if that was the kind of man he wanted Caroline to marry.
Caroline shook her head. “No, but thanks for offering.”
She knew even if Edwin heard the truth, it wouldn’t change anything.
In the Somerton household, Edwin’s word was the law.le was too proud–he’d never admit he was wrong, let alone apologize.
Blake’s eyes dimmed slightly. “So what now? You’re gonna just do what he says and keep going on those setups?”
Caroline replied, “No. I’m done listening to him. If he wants to cut me off, so be it.”
She had already been thinking about moving out anyway. Maybe this was fate giving her the push she needed.
Her parents were gone, and she didn’t feel any strong attachment to the family. Truthfully, she didn’t plan on ever going back.
Blake watched her expression–empty, distant–and thought maybe she was just lashing out in anger.
Her brothers weren’t great, sure, but they were still family. Of course, she’d be upset.
He looked her in the eyes, a faint, teasing smile on his lips. “There is another way, you know.”
“What do you mean?” Caroline gave him a puzzled look.
“If you’re okay with it, you could bring me to meet Edwin and tell him I’m your boyfriend. I’ll make sure he’s convinced–and once he is, he’ll stop trying to set you up with those losers,” Blake said, then added, “Of course, it’d just be pretend. Just to get you out of this mess.”
But deep down, he wished it were real. Still, Caroline only saw him as a friend for now, and she had no idea who he truly was. He didn’t want to scare her off.
There was still time–no need to rush.
Caroline smiled, her eyes lighting up. “Thanks for having my back, but you don’t have to go that far. I’ve made up my mind.”
Blake nodded. “All right. But if you ever change your mind, just say the word.”
After they parted ways, Caroline returned to Galaxy Bay Residences.
Once she finished her delivery shift that afternoon, she went straight back to Waterford Gardens to pack her things.
As she stepped into the living room, she saw Wren limping out of her room. a pained expression on her
09:48 Wed, May 7 C B B⚫
After the New Year’s Eve Tragedy: Her Icy Return