asked, a hint of mockery in his voice. His tone and attitude made my temple vein throb. I glanced at Aren, and I saw his eyes darken. A second later, his lips formed a cold smirk, more dangerous than a death threat.

I pulled a shaky breath into my lungs and stretched out my hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Winton, and happy birthday.” My words made the old man lift his eyebrows in surprise. Did he think that I would be too intimidated to speak? Unfortunately for him, I was too annoyed by him to be afraid. “Aren and I are getting married by the end of the month. We would love you to be present at our ceremony.” I shot him the most beaming smile my lips could form.

I

Both Aren and Augustus looked at me in disbelief. Did I say something wrong? Was I not supposed to invite his grandfather to our wedding? Oh, God… I had just screwed up Aren’s plan, didnt I?! If I did, then it was his fault for not telling me things that I shouldn’t do, but… what now?!

Between love and hate

I glanced nervously at Aren while panic rose within me, but then I saw a flash of a smile on Aren’s face. He wasn’t displeased. On the contrary, his expression showed confidence and satisfaction.

“We would like you to be at our wedding, Grandfather. Of course, I’ll send you an official invitation,” Aren stated, slightly nodding toward the still stunned Augustus.

“You’re in quite a rush with the wedding.” The old man tried to cover his grimace with a nervous laugh. “I bet you merely know each other. Why marry so soon?”

Aren glared at Augustus before turning his eyes my way. “When you meet the right person, you know it the second you meet.” He smiled at me warmly, sending pleasant shivers down my spine. “The moment I saw Cora, I knew that I would spend the rest of my life with her.”

My heart fluttered even though I told myself that it was just his act. Did I want it to be true? Or was it because I had never felt appreciated in my real relationship as much as I did in my fake one?

Augustus broke through my moment of daze, clearing his throat. “I have many guests tonight, but… Why don’t you and Cora come to the mansion for a Sunday dinner? If we’re about to become family soon, then we should know each other better…” he coaxed, forcing a smile.

“Honey?” His deep, seductive voice placed an instant blush on my cheeks.

I took a deep breath and looked at Aren’s grandfather. “We’d love to come.”

Augustus Winton clapped his hands. “Excellent! I will tell the kitchen to prepare Aren’s favorite then.”

looked at his

He laughed nervously. “You used to

father. I hated it,” Aren

the iciness of Aren’s words. It was rather awkward to stand in the middle of their fight, yet I chose to smile

this fight with his grandson, it was Augustus who was at a disadvantage. He was unable to hide how much he

see your gift from us?” Aren asked, instantly brightening his tone. Augustus gritted his

I thought that a man of the world such as yourself would recognize the best quality ginseng tonic and Da Hong Pao

Between love and hate

in a

a mad volcano and a single push could cause its violent eruption. I couldn’t let

irritating Café Dorado clients. “Drinking ginseng tonic every day will certainly keep you healthy for many years to come, so you can play with your great-grandchildren when

my contracted fiancée liked my bold announcement

to take care of yourself if you want to enjoy your great grandchildren, and we are planning a few,” he stated, his fingertips teasingly stroking

well… I will drink that… ginseng. Thank you for the gift,” he said with a dry smile. “Now, would you excuse me… I have other guests to entertain,” he tossed as he was turning around to walk away from us. Aren chortled and kissed the top of my head, increasing the blush on my cheeks. “You did extremely well, my future wife.” I pulled his hands away from my waist, freeing myself before facing him. “Stop teasing me like

words caused my brain to malfunction… again! His arrogance should have earned him a slap, but my body got turned on instead. I felt helpless. I could only see him straightening with a satisfactory smirk, as I

sighed. He was right. I had already met his grandfather, and Aren got access

behind us. Aren clicked his tongue, annoyance surfacing in his

not trying to avoid us, aren’t you?”

gown with an Ostrich feather rim adorning her off-the-shoulder neckline. She had her hand looped around a tall, middle-aged man with greyish-blond hair and light-blue eyes, wearing a dark grey suit, a white shirt, and a navy

eppy love and

gave a quick

realized that I was standing in front of Vanessa and James

happened to “mom”?” She laughed nervously while glancing at me, “My mother is dead, and I’m no longer a

dare you talk like that to the woman who raised you!” James Winton

his father. “Raised me?! A fine joke, father! I would die Bf starvation if it wasn’t for nanny Mei Lien!” “Aren…” I said softly, trying to

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