Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 469

Never in a million years would she believe Stephen would actually suspect her.

After all these years apart, he still didn’t trust her.

Joan’s eyes burned with anger, her breath coming in sharp, uneven bursts. Still, she wasn’t worried. Stephen wasn’t the only one who could play smart. Her plan was tight, and sooner or later, he’d fall right into her trap.

After breakfast, Rebecca headed downstairs. A blast of hot air washed over her, and even with her sun umbrella, she was sweating after just a few steps.

She walked toward the parking lot and stopped short. Someone was standing in front of her car, a silhouette she recognized right away.

Despite the sticky summer heat, Stephen stood perfectly still by her car, dressed in a crisp suit, not a hair out of place.

Rebecca hurried over, shifting her umbrella so it shaded them both. “Why didn’t you wait in the car? It’s boiling out here.”

The second Stephen saw her, his eyes softened, losing that distant look. “I was afraid I’d miss you.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes. “So what if you did? It’s not like—”

Before she could finish, Stephen took the umbrella from her, pulled her close with one hand at the back of her head, and kissed her. His lips were hot and insistent, leaving her breathless and pressed against his chest.

She let out a shaky breath, half exasperated, half amused. “I wasn’t finished talking.”

Stephen held her tighter, his voice low and serious. “I don’t want to miss you. I never will. About last night—I’m really sorry. I kept thinking about it and decided I had to explain everything face-to-face.”

He told her about hitting Joan with his car by accident, taking her to the hospital, all of it. His phone had died, completely by chance. He would never have left Rebecca waiting for so long.

“I’m sorry. It was all my fault.”

Rebecca blinked at him, steady and honest. “I believe you. I knew there had to be a reason you didn’t show up. But answer me something else. Do you know that girl called Joan?”

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