I woke up to the smell of something incredible.]


    Opening my door, I found the dining room set with an borate brunch spread–beautifully ted dishes that clearly came from Magnolia’s.]


    My mother–inw’s ce.]


    Her private brunch café.[]


    The estate’s housekeeper bowed respectfully before leaving, “Mrs. ckthorne, the young master had this prepared and brought over for you.“[]


    I looked at the table–all dishes I’d shown extra appreciation for in front of my mother–inw.


    By then, the guest bedroom door opened.]]


    Ryder looked confused for a moment, then gradually focused when he saw me.[]


    “Babe, got you special breakfast–all your favorites, right?“]


    “Last night… you know I was wasted, said and did stupid shit that didn’te from my heart.“[]


    “Don’t… don’t be mad.“]


    He put on his most apologetic smile.


    I stirred my coffee, creating soft clinking sounds with the spoon against cup.[]


    His smile stiffened.]


    The housekeeper timely served him a bowl, “Young master, your mother is still hoping you’ll bothe home.“]


    Ryder exhaled softly.


    “This time I really crossed the line. I’ll learn from this whole Wren situation and never let her get out of hand again, okay?“[]


    He ced a sugar cube into my cup.


    “I’m sorry.”


    “Babe, at least acknowledge that I’m trying here…“[]


    I set down my spoon.]


    Cut straight to the point: “Are we still going to the estate or not?“]


    “Yeah, yeah, yeah!“]


    Dure Friendchin) Then Whu’s the Bahu His? Enjoy Your Cells Soulmates!


    94.4%


    I lowered my head and ate my breakfast, lost in thought.[]


    Last night’s mess at the police station meant my mother–inw definitely had to pull strings to get Ryder out.[]


    Whether my report was true or false didn’t matter.[]


    She’d never tolerate anything that could create negative publicity for the ckthorne name.]


    As for our marriage… I figured her attitude was probably: happiness is ideal<b>, </b>but if things get messy, just cover it up and keep it from blowing up.


    After all, that’s how most people in their circle handle things.]


    Sure enough, when we arrived the family estate, my mother–inw acted like yesterday never happened, greeting me with a warm smile.


    “Jessa’s here! Your father and I have been waiting forever.“]]


    With that, she immediately smacked her son upside the head.]


    “You little shit! Yesterday you said you’d bring Jessa home for dinner, then had the nerve to say we wouldn’t get along.“[]


    “What the hell was that about?!“[]


    “If you made Jessa unhappy, I’ll beat your


    ass!”


    With that outburst, she cut off any chance I might have had to call out Ryder myself.[]


    Then she pulled me affectionately to the couch, opening an ornate wooden box.]


    “Jessa, look what I found at an auction the other day. I thought it would be perfect on you.‘


    A Bulgari bracelet, encrusted with diamonds and colorful gemstones.]].


    Obviously worth a fortune.]


    I was contemting silently when suddenly there wasmotion at the front door.


    Wren Carter bounced in carrying a Maltese, grinning ear to ear.[]


    <b>“</b>Ryder! You came home today!”


    “I wondered whose car I saw in the driveway.“]


    “So not cool that you didn’t tell the crew you wereing back. When did you get so stingy? Even after getting hurt, I didn’te crying to you~~“]


    She fake–pouted<b>, </b>setting down the dog before immediately making a grab for his crotch.]


    The moment the little dog hit the ground, it went nuts, running around like crazy. Then something spooked it and it charged straight for the coffee table –


    <b>94.6</b><b>% </b>


    <b>“</b>CRASH-<b>” </b>


    A half–full coffee cup fell down and smashed onto the his head.]


    Hearing the poor thing whimpered, Wren’s expression instantly changed.]]


    She rushed over and scooped up the dog, tears streaming down her face, “Jessa, you can’t even tolerate a dog?!“]


    “This is Ryder’s home, not yours.“[]


    “Even if you hate me, you don’t have to…“]]


    Before she could finish her performance, my mother–inw’s face hardened, “I threw that cup at your dog.“]


    Wren froze, her half–fallen tears suspended on her cheeks, “Mrs… Mrs. Hawthorne…?“[]


    My mother–inw raised her voice.


    “Who let this dog into my house?! Didn’t anyone tell you I’m allergic to dog hair?!“[]


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