Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 200

Lottie hooked her arm through Sonja’s and whispered, “Why do we always run into Rebecca and Stephen together? Do you think Stephen is into her?”

“No way,” Sonja replied, raising an eyebrow. “First, the Duncan family would never go for a girl from an ordinary family. And besides, Stephen already has someone he cares about.”

“Seriously? Who?” Lottie leaned in closer, eyes wide.

Sonja lowered her voice and shared what she’d heard. When Lottie finished listening, she grinned, her tone gleeful. “Well, that’s a relief. Rebecca will never get her chance with him.”

If Rebecca ever became Stephen’s wife, Lottie would probably lose her mind.

While no one was paying attention, Paul quietly followed Rebecca down a narrow path. When they reached a spot, Rebecca stretched up on her toes, reaching for the fruit. There were plenty of apples on the lower branches, but the ripest ones were up high. No matter how much she stretched, she couldn’t reach them.

She glanced around, thinking about maybe climbing the tree. Then she looked down at her dress and gave up. There was no way she could climb in what she was wearing.

Just as she decided to settle for the dates within reach, Paul’s deep voice came from behind her.

“Want the ones higher up? Left branch or right? Just tell me, I’ll grab them for you.”

Rebecca turned to look at him and was caught off guard, staring straight at his sharp, handsome jaw. She froze for a second. How did he get here without her noticing?

Paul waited, but when she didn’t answer, he smiled and nudged her gently. “Well?”

Rebecca frowned. “No, it’s fine. I can manage.”

Paul had helped her out more than once, and she still had his scarf at home, but thanks to Bruce, she didn’t want to get too close. She hoped he’d get the message and keep his distance. It would be better for both of them.

But Paul had other ideas. Even though she looked cold and distant, he just started picking apples, dropping them into a crate at his feet. He was tall, strong, and fast. In no time, the crate was full.

Rebecca let out a quiet sigh. “Okay, that’s enough.”

She crouched down and grabbed the crate. “I’m heading back.”

“No, it’s just… the apples are still on the ground.”

Paul blinked, then laughed. “I’ll come back for them after I get you to the car.”

At the orchard exit, they bumped into the others. Cindy was the first to notice and gasped, “Rebecca, are you okay?”

Rebecca forced a small smile. “It’s nothing. I just twisted my ankle.”

The path was full of loose stones. It was easy to slip if you weren’t careful. Still, why was Paul carrying her?

Cindy looked curious, while Sonja and Bruce stood there stunned. Morris was silently freaking out, wondering what on earth was going on.

Off to the side, Lottie watched the whole thing, her face drained of color, completely in shock.