Echoes of Unrequited Love (Hogan Zade) novel Chapter 199

Chapter 199 

The two elders looked like the kind–hearted types, pretty reasonable at face value. 

But the mother–daughter duo on the right were a whole other ball game–one was all grace and elegance, yet the other was so dolled up that even her nails were decked out. They were obviously the stars of today’s matchmaking scene. 

When they saw us, their expressions did a one–eighty. The middle–aged lady pulled a long face and went, “Mr. Yearwood, what’s the deal here? After you made us wait for half an hour, your bring someone else along. What’s that about?” 

Aaron Yearwood was clearly mortified and, trying to keep his cool, he asked Darren, “You had a time set, man. What’s with the lateness? Go on, explain yourself to Belinda.” 

Darren, all politeness, responded, “Sorry, Belinda. My girlfriend had a last–minute thing, which held us up. Apologies for the wait.” 

Belinda, hearing Darren’s explanation, turned her irritated gaze on me and said, “Girlfriend? Her? Mr. Yearwood, are you and your nephew playing me for a fool?” 

With that, she stood up, grabbed her daughter, and stormed off. 

Aaron tried to follow, but the mother–daughter team was too quick, leaving him in their dust. 

A moment later, he turned back to us; he gave me a once–over, then fixed his eyes on Darren and said, “Kid, you usually have your act together. What got into you today; why did you pull a stunt like this?” 

Nancy Yearwood chimed in too. “Darren, you’ve really crossed the line this time. If the old man gets wind of this, it won’t be something you can just brush off.” 

Then, out of nowhere, I felt a warmth on the back of my hand. I looked down and found Darren’s broad palm covering mine. 

His voice, soft yet resonant, was close to my ear. I heard Darren say, “If grandpa’s really got a beef, then I’ll just have to take Xaviera and go apologize. Anyway, my heart is taken. Aaron, Nancy, you don’t need to worry about my love life anymore.” 

The words were meant to show defiance, but when they came from Darren, they were delivered with a gentle firmness. 

The atmosphere froze for a second, and I could see the astonishment and displeasure on the elders‘ faces. So I made an excuse to head to the restroom. 

I really shouldn’t get too tangled up in the Yearwood family’s business. 

After all, we’re just pretending to be a couple, not the real deal. 

In the restroom, I sat on the toilet taking deep breaths, and carefully wiped the sweat from my palms. 

Chapter 199 

I was about to get up when a familiar sweet voice drifted in. 

“Mom, don’t you think you’re rushing things? Hogan and I haven’t even, you know, and here you are talking wedding with his mom. What’s he going to think of me?”