After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 281

Waldo really couldn’t have picked a worse time to apologize. “Nestor, I was out of my mind before. Shirley and I love each other. We’ve decided to get engaged this Saturday. I hope you’ll give us your blessing.”

Nestor’s face instantly fell. The memory of Waldo’s recent behavior left a sour taste in his mouth.

There was a time when he’d thought about joining forces with the James family. But now, seeing how ruthless Waldo could be, he felt relieved that Catherine hadn’t married him. And now Waldo wanted to marry Shirley out of nowhere. What was he really plotting this time?

“Waldo, you were engaged to Catherine. Sure, it was called off, but now you turn around and want to marry Shirley? If word gets out, what do you think people will say about our family? About Shirley?”

Waldo’s smile froze for a moment.

Shirley jumped in, her voice sweet and pleading. “Dad, Waldo never really loved Catherine. And Catherine’s married to Lawrence now, so Waldo’s been single for a while. What’s wrong with me marrying him?”

Nestor shot her a look. “My daughter isn’t so desperate for a husband.”

Waldo quickly stepped forward, respectful as ever. “Nestor, I was young and didn’t know any better. I let Catherine down, I admit it. But my feelings for Shirley are real. We—”

Shirley suddenly bit her lip, her eyes getting watery. “Dad, do you really want your grandchild to grow up without a father?”

Nestor stared at her, shocked. He saw her hand resting on her stomach and the truth hit him all at once. Anger and disappointment surged inside him as he turned his gaze to Waldo.

Waldo realized Shirley had played her trump card, so he had no choice but to go along. He stepped up. “Nestor, don’t blame Shirley, blame me. I made a mistake, but I’ll take responsibility.”

“You two…” Nestor let out a long, frustrated sigh. Shirley was grown now. There wasn’t much he could do.

“Dad, I’m pregnant with Waldo’s child. I know it’s not right, but… we really do love each other. Please, just let us be together. Let our child have a real family.” Shirley hung her head, her voice choked with emotion.

Waldo slipped an arm around her shoulder, his tone sincere. “Nestor, please believe me. I’ll take care of Shirley and our baby. I won’t let anyone look down on her.”

“Of course. Our engagement should be a big event. Our wedding too. Everyone should know.” There was a smile on Waldo’s lips, but his eyes looked like he was out for revenge.

Shirley leaned her head on his shoulder, her smile full of satisfaction.

That afternoon, the news of the James Group and the Blair Group’s union rocketed to the top of the trending charts.

The James Group’s PR team moved fast. They released an official statement along with a photo of Waldo and Shirley. The engagement date was right there in the announcement, posted on the company’s official account.

People online couldn’t stop talking. Reporters dug up the old story of Catherine and Waldo’s broken engagement, and soon everyone was gossiping about this dramatic high-society love triangle.

Catherine was at work when Naomi, her assistant, sent her the news. “Look, Waldo’s getting engaged again. This time to Shirley.”

Catherine opened the official statement. She stared at it in shock for a few seconds, then her calm returned.