Betrayed and Dumped She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 280

Rebecca had never liked those fancy designer perfumes. Bruce kept buying her more, but she always handed them off to Lottie without a second thought. At home, she stuck to this one obscure scented oil. She’d been using it for years, and the fragrance had become part of her. It was the exact scent Paul was wearing right now. All this time, Rebecca had never changed it.

Bruce knew she wasn’t one to move on easily. When she loved something, she held on tight, never letting go. She’d been that way when she loved him, too. Now, though, he was picking up that same familiar scent from Paul’s jacket. The idea hit him suddenly. Was Paul, his closest friend, secretly involved with Rebecca? The possibility nearly sent Bruce over the edge.

Paul felt a rush of irritation at Bruce’s outburst. Now was not the time for any dramatic reveals. They’d have to wait, at least until Bruce and Sonja were officially engaged. Only then would the door finally be shut on any chance of Bruce getting back together with Rebecca. Even if the odds of that happening were lower than Coralbridge getting snow tomorrow, Paul still couldn’t relax.

He clenched his fists and carefully pried Bruce’s hands off his shirt, speaking in a steady tone. “I just got in from the research base. We had the monthly project meeting today.” Bruce paused. Of course. Rebecca was part of that project. It was almost impossible for them not to cross paths.

Bruce’s grip loosened and he slumped back on the sofa, defeated. Paul poured himself some water, then shot Bruce a look. “So, why are you here getting wasted instead of helping Sonja plan the engagement party?”

Bruce’s eyes went blank for a moment. He rubbed his face, looking lost. “We’re having a spat.”

“Over what?” Paul frowned. How were they fighting when they were about to get engaged?

Bruce hesitated, then let out a dry laugh. “It’s about the engraving on the ring.”

Paul stared at him. “Seriously? That’s nothing. Just talk to her. It’ll blow over.”

Sitting there, Paul felt a wave of guilt. He was acting just like the two-faced guys people complained about online, lying to everyone just to protect his own interests. This wasn’t even the only secret he’d kept.

A friend who’d been living abroad had just come back and told Paul he’d once seen Sonja and Shawn acting way too close overseas. He’d thought they were a couple, so he was shocked to hear Sonja was engaged to Bruce now. Paul could’ve told Bruce everything. But what would that do? Bruce would dump Sonja and probably run straight back to Rebecca.

Dark clouds were gathering in the distance, heavy and close, promising rain. Paul let out a long breath and started the engine, driving away as the first drops began to fall.

He kept telling himself that love was supposed to be selfish, and he hadn’t done anything wrong.