Chapter 8: Chapter 8

As she turned, she saw the Knight twins standing a few feet away, both with haggard, almost tortured expressions, as Mrs. Newton was gesturing excitedly about something. In fact, they looked like they were literally cornered by her, as they were standing together and huddled in one corner of the room, with Lauren standing so close to the two of them that she was blocking any exit they might have.

- Oh, no... - Missy lamented, knowing that surely her mother-in-law was taking advantage of that moment to talk about luxury, fortune and all those other subjects that she loved so much, especially when it came to talking to two consecrated names in the modeling industry . "I think I'll go there..."

- Save them. - Lucy amended.

- Hmmm... I'll just ask where are the dumplings I made. – She tried to explain herself, even though she knew Lucy was right. Lauren could be quite exasperating at times, that was a fact, and if the Knights were here, obviously forcing themselves to endure a monologue from her, it was because they were part of Missy's family, and that's all; so if she could offer them some peace with Mrs. Newton, even if momentary, she would. And really, that wasn't that big of an excuse: in fact the cakes she'd spent hours baking just for the occasion, because she wanted to help her mother-in-law, for some reason weren't there – And so, as she and I talked, they can come here and talk to you...

- You're too nice for your own good, Missy. Angela laughed.

- But thanks for going to ask about the muffins. I honestly don't want to get food poisoning from being forced to eat Mrs. Newton. - Simon made a face towards a glass container filled with small dark-looking balls that Missy couldn't identify what they were exactly, but certainly could never pass for caviar.

- I'll sort those two things out. Be right back. – she promised, walking over to where her mother-in-law was still talking euphorically and Devon and Diana, judging by their now clearly annoyed expressions, were about to lose their temper.

- And I'm really thinking about taking this cruise around Christmas time. Of course, it's not in the category I'd like, but...

- Huh, Lauren? – Missy called her softly, making her turn towards her with a very irritated expression, which she quickly disguised.

- Honey... - Mrs. Newton smiled, allowing her to see that his teeth were clenched – I'm in the middle of an important conversation…

- I just wanted to know where I can find the cupcakes I made. – Missy explained slowly, while casting suggestive glances at Devon and Diana over Lauren's shoulder, signaling that they could leave now – I'd like to serve some to my friends.

With grateful expressions, the two sighed heavily and mouthed “thank you” silently, before quickly escaping, even taking care to stick to the wall to get away from Lauren without touching her or drawing her attention. If it wasn't embarrassing enough, it would also be a very funny situation, Missy had to admit.

- Oh dear... - maybe Mrs. Newton was really trying to camouflage her annoyance, however, her snarl was nothing more than harsh – You really aren't very close to your mother, are you? It's obvious you don't understand what kinds of appetizers should be served at fine parties like this. She gestured around, demonstrating decor that Missy couldn't help but compare to the backdrops in the Kindergarten plays she'd been in – I appreciate that you put so much effort into those… Fries of yours… – the disdain present in Lauren's expression, for some reason, immediately reminded her of Suzan – But you have to understand that I couldn't to go through the trouble of serving something like that at my party. It would be a shame. – she half laughed and half lamented, as if the mere idea was unimaginable – Believe me, they are in the right place: in the trash.

- Trash...? - stunned and hurt, Missy started to pant, but a familiar voice interrupted her.

- Oh, hello, Mel, honey. I was wondering where you were... - Suzan stopped beside the two, smiling brightly, at the same time that Missy noticed that her lipstick was a little smudged, slightly coloring her chin with dark pink - Oh, Mrs. Newton, how nice to meet you too! Allow me to congratulate you: your party is absolutely divine! – was there a slight mocking tone in her voice, or was Missy just imagining it?

- I know. – Lauren smiled, obviously satisfied with the compliment – And, tell me, Suzan, how is your career?

- Better impossible. – she smiled, throwing her hair over her shoulder and almost hitting Missy's face in the process – In a few months I'm going to participate in the Paris Fashion Week show. Honestly, I was thinking of taking a vacation after such a busy year, but Mr. Knight insisted so much that he only wanted me for the job… – she smiled maliciously, while shrugging – That I couldn't refuse.

Annoyed, Missy tried to control her confused grimace at what she was saying. Angela, who was on the list of models that Mr. Knight had personally booked for Paris Fashion Week, had told her who the picks were and when they would travel. And certainly Suzan wasn't among them. Missy knew this very well, because the entire agency had talked about how tirelessly she had insisted on being on that list...

Insisted until Mr. Knight had lost his temper and threatened to fire her if she didn't stop. After all, Suzan had only a few months of work at the agency and there weren't many important jobs linked to her name or image yet. Missy could be being unfair, of course, since she didn't know exactly what Suzan's work routine was, but... It didn't seem like it had been a year, or rather four months, that busy, especially for her to talk about vacations.

Shaking her head to dispel those irrelevant subjects, Missy sighed as she watched the two begin to talk about the luxury of a trip to Paris, as if she weren't there. And even though a part of her still couldn't quite believe that Mrs. Newton had just thrown her muffins in the trash without even talking to her first, or even giving them to someone who was hungry or could at least enjoy them better, Missy decided to put that aside too. It was an argument she certainly didn't want to have in the middle of that crowded room, and from her own experience, she knew that Mrs. Newton tended not to be very understanding, or silent, when someone dared to disagree with something she had done.

She and Liam were a lot alike in that too, aside from looks.

And it was that memory that made her realize that maybe this was a good time to finally talk to her boyfriend.

- Huh... Sorry, but... - As kindly as possible, trying to disguise her discomfort, Missy interrupted their conversation - Have any of you seen Liam?

For some reason, Suzan's hitherto superior look soured, while Mrs. Newton seemed to remember something that made her feel euphoric. Unsure why she looked so suddenly happy, Missy saw her break into the biggest smile she'd ever seen and fold her hands over her chest, looking emotional too.

- Oh, good point, dear. I'll go get him...

- No need to bother, Lauren. - Missy gave an awkward smile - Actually, I would like to talk to him a little and...

"I'm sure it's nothing the two of you can't work out later." - Mrs. Newton interrupted her shamelessly - But I really need to talk to him and... - She gave a dramatic pause, staring at Missy with intensity -Prepare the big moment of this party! Oh, I can't wait! – she literally jumped away from them, while she kept talking to herself – We're already late! Where is this boy...?

-But… Lauren… – even before she could stop her, her mother-in-law had already disappeared among the guests, without even seeming to hear her. God, she really needed to talk to Liam. And she would hate to have to do that only when the party was over. Or worse: having to postpone resolving that situation for another day. With a sigh, she dropped her shoulders, defeated... Until her gaze collided with Suzan's expression, which looked more displeased and judgmental than ever, but, still, Missy couldn't help but ask, a hint of hope in her voice.

- Suzan, you and Liam arrived together, didn't you? – Missy asked politely, even knowing that it was obvious, since they both had come in their car – Did he say which part of the house he was going to, exactly? – with luck, maybe she could find him before Lauren did and then they could finally settle that fight once and for all…

- Not. Why? – Suzan raised an eyebrow, obviously curious, but also almost a little mean too, as if the uncomfortable expression on Missy's face at that question was amusing her – Did something go wrong? Liam looked so good as we drove here… nicer than ever. She flashed a seductive, dreamy smile that made Missy's stomach turn.

- Hmmm... I think I'll go find him and Mrs. Newton. Missy looked away, determined not to let her bother her. It was obvious that Suzan liked to feel superior to everyone around her. And everything would only get worse if Missy let on how that attempt of hers to make her jealous made her insecure, especially knowing that Liam apparently wasn't as tormented as she had been feeling for the last few days... But, there was also the possibility that Suzan was just exaggerating... Yes, in fact, the correct thing was that she only drew some conclusions when her own boyfriend told her how he felt – Maybe they needed help with... The big moment of the party.

- Oh yeah. – She heard Suzan say as she walked away, clearly with one of those evil smiles in her voice – I'm sure it will be an unforgettable moment for you, dear.

Pretending not to hear her, Missy gave a silent sigh of regret as she walked away from the living room, up the flight of stairs that would take her to the bedrooms, praying that she could find Liam alone or, at the very least, that he could help her. her to convince Mrs. Newton giving them a moment of privacy before that "big moment"...

Whatever that moment would be.

She had been trying to help Lauren organize everything, but judging by the way her muffins had been completely discarded, it was obvious that Mrs. Newton had taken none of her suggestions into consideration. As a result, Missy had no idea what a “big moment” could mean for her mother-in-law.

And knowing Lauren Newton, that unpredictability could be a very bad omen.

She didn't have to walk far through the halls, which were covered with photos from Liam's childhood, his late father and, most notably, several huge portraits of Mrs. Newton when she was younger, until she heard some intense whispering coming from the room that, as far as she could remember, belonged to Lauren.

- But, mother...! – Her boyfriend's voice, which she hadn't heard for more than 03 days, sounded anxious, practically desperate.

- Liam Donald Newton, no “more”! - Mrs. Newton growled with such intensity that even she felt intimidated - You're going to propose to that girl right now! We've planned this for weeks and you're not going to screw it up out of sheer nervousness.

Terrified, Missy felt the breath rush out of her lungs in shock.

Liam wanted to ask her to marry him? But how so? They had just had their first fight and Liam hadn't even spoken to her these past few days…not to mention all the terrible things he'd said to her. And in the midst of it all, was he planning to propose to her? But why? As much as they cared for each other, there were so many things between the two of them that it gave him the impression that they should wait a little longer... much longer, in fact. They hadn't even completed a whole year of dating! They still knew each other so little... And, especially after that fight, she had been sure that they still needed to talk a lot, if they really wanted to make this relationship work.

All the horrible things he'd said… They didn't make it seem like Liam was in love with her. In fact, they made it seem almost as if he'd been spending all that time with her just waiting for the moment when they would have sex… Which was why her refusal had infuriated him so much. As if she had taken away from him the only good thing he could ever have with her.

But if he wanted to get married, then had she got it all wrong? He had reacted that way, hurt her that way… Why was he nervous about the marriage proposal?

However, the main reason the floor seemed to disappear from under her feet was that... She wasn't prepared.

She wanted to try to work things out with Liam and move forward with their relationship. Maybe, in time, she could come to want him the way he wanted so much. Perhaps she even could tell that she was in love with him. Or even that she loved him.

But not at that moment. Not that night. She I still didn't feel any of that, after all.

And she couldn't say yes to him.

- Mom...! - Liam, sounding more desperate than ever, tried again, but Lauren stopped him, her voice now more affectionate.

- I know, honey, I know... It's a big step. But she is a Sutton! - She gave a dreamy sigh - Of course she is the right woman for you! We both know that. That's why I was so proud of you when you started going out with her...

- But...

- The wedding will certainly be in a luxury hotel! Or rather, in a palace! - Mrs. Newton gasped, euphoric - Victoria Sutton would never allow less... And we're going to be a part of it all for the rest of our lives, my baby! The Newton surname will become recognized and we will drink champagne every night, in the midst of salons made of the purest marble and the most expensive caviar...! And all that with just one ring, Liam!

- Mother I...! - The sound of shoes dragging on the floor made her think that Liam was starting to walk around, like he always did when he got nervous.

- Don't be a coward, Liam! - the voice of Mrs. Newton became a choleric roar again - You and I both know you want this more than anything! Now go into that room and propose to that girl before I make that ring go down your throat!

"But, I..." His voice now filled with fear, Liam's hurried footsteps sounded loud on the floorboards, and before she could recover from her shock and do anything, the door across from her was flung open and Missy finally found herself face to face with her boyfriend, whose face was pale, but certainly not as pale as hers.

- Oh, Missy! - Mrs. Newton was the first to speak, sounding angry, while Liam was still standing there, looking panicked – You spoiled our surprise! – Her mother-in-law sighed with frustration – I can't believe it! But it does not matter. Let's just go downstairs and you two can get officially engaged, okay? - Mrs. Newton, who until then had been at the back of the room, began to approach where Liam was, still completely frozen in the doorway - And for God's sake, Melissa, try to make a believable expression of surprise or the moment will be ruined .

- I can not. – she only realized what she had said when both Newtons froze, staring at her with total disbelief – I'm sorry, but I… II'm not ready to get married, I… I don't want to hurt anyone , but… – she stammered, not knowing what to do, feeling her chest tighten with pure anguish – I just can't say yes to you, Liam, I'm so sorry.

Agitated and terribly disoriented, Missy simply gave in to the instinct that was taking over her and left, running out of the hall and down the stairs, into the kitchen instead of the living room, and opening the back door there, fearing that Liam or Mrs. Newton eventually caught up with her.

How could this be happening? Less than 10 minutes ago, she'd been worrying about what would happen to her relationship if everything horrible her boyfriend had said about her was really true... And now, suddenly, she had turned down a marriage proposal? It didn't make sense. It was terribly surreal.

And, worst of all, she had run away like a coward.

Even if that whole situation was incomprehensible, apparently Liam really wanted to ask her to marry him. Probably now he was heartbroken. Heavens, she really didn't want to hurt him at all, even after everything that had happened. She wished things could go back to the way they were before, but... It was too soon. And it was a very different situation from the love of Megan and Devon, who had also married just over a year into their relationship. Her sister and brother-in-law had a fairytale love: intense, passionate and unmistakable.

Ever since the first time she'd seen her sister's lost, feverish gaze after she'd returned from an interview at the Knight brothers' agency, Missy had known immediately that something inside Megan had changed-and she didn't even believe that love at first view was a real thing back then. It was just impossible not to notice.

It was like watching the pages of her romance novels come to life.

But Missy had always known it was different with her and Liam. She could be romantic and dreamy, but she was always aware of where fantasy ended and reality began. Megan and Devon had something rare, unique, almost magical. So Missy had pinned her hopes on finding a kind, caring man who would love and respect her and with whom she could start a family. When she'd first met Liam, he'd been pleasant and self-assured. So, even though she was a little worried about the fact that it was her first real relationship, Missy had said yes when he asked her to marry him. Over those months, they had built a relationship that was good for both of them. or at least that's what Missy believed: he vented about everything that bothered him, she listened to him, they kept each other company... It was normal, wasn't it? Maybe he wasn't magical and passionate, but still, she harbored certain hopes that maybe one day he would be.

But if there was one thing she was absolutely sure of, it was that, at least at that moment, their relationship wasn't yet magical...

And much less passionate.

Devon had spent months trying to convince Megan to marry him and she'd only agreed because they were madly in love. There was no doubt that their love would last forever. And there was Missy's biggest problem: she liked Liam, of course...

But she didn't love him.

It was sad to see that, but it was the truth.

She and Megan had even talked about it a few times on their many game nights, and her sister had assured her that love was a process: she herself had been attracted to Devon at first sight, but love had only truly blossomed in her heart. heart when I got to know him in depth and realized what a wonderful man he was. According to Megan, this process could take a little longer for most people. At least, that's what Missy hoped would be the case for her and Liam. And, if after some more time passed, she realized that her feelings still hadn't evolved, then she would seriously think about whether they should stay together or not.

How, in the midst of all those doubts and the way she had been hurt by everything Liam had said to her the previous Saturday, had she not realized that he was in love enough to want to marry her?

And, more importantly, what would she do now?

Missy had only taken a few steps out of the door, still completely disoriented, when she bumped into something firm and warm right in front of her. Startled, a second after automatically closing her eyes from the impact, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist, balancing her in place. Not understanding what was happening, she looked up quickly, getting even more in shock when she realized who had helped her.

Logan Knight.