Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 70

Paul definitely hadn’t expected to bump into Rebecca here. He froze for a second, then walked over, trying to look casual. “All done with your revising?” he asked, ruffling Judy’s hair.

“Yep! Oh, by the way, this is my new friend, Rebecca. Could you give her a ride home too? She doesn’t live far from school,” Judy said, tugging at Paul’s sleeve.

Rebecca stepped back, waving her hands. “No, it’s fine. Riding my bike is easy.”

She’d already broken up with Bruce. There was no point staying friendly with his friends. Paul had always treated her well enough, but she didn’t want any more connection.

Paul seemed to pick up on her mood. He nodded at Judy, telling her to get in the car, then turned to Rebecca.

Rebecca quickly spoke up, wanting to clear the air. “I didn’t know Judy was your sister.”

She’d been with Bruce for seven years, but had never been close to his friends. She honestly hadn’t even known Paul had a sister.

Paul shook his head. “She’s my cousin.”

That kind of made more sense.

“I’ll get going then,” Rebecca said, turning away.

Just then, Paul called out, “Come on, I’ll drive you.”

“No, really, it’s not necessary. It’s not on your way.”

“It is. Judy and I are headed to a birthday dinner. We’ll pass right by your place.”

Rebecca looked at him, her face calm. “Bruce and I broke up.”

She figured Paul was only offering because of Bruce.

Paul grinned. “I know.”

Rebecca was caught off guard. He knew, yet he still wanted to help?

“It’s been years. Even if you and Bruce split, we still have some kind of connection,” Paul said.

Honestly, it was more than just a little.

He caught her eye in the rearview mirror, face suddenly serious. “Shut it.”

“Hmph. You’re totally flustered,” Judy grumbled.

Paul restarted the engine, trying to change the subject. “Your birthday is coming up. I already ordered the bag you wanted.”

Judy’s pout vanished. “Best brother ever!” she chirped, then winked. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell Rebecca you are into her!”

Paul went quiet for a moment. “Not just her. Don’t tell anyone else, okay?”

“Anyone else?”

“Yeah, like your parents, my parents, and… Bruce, and Morris.”

Judy grinned. “Alright, alright, I get it!”

An hour later, the car pulled up in front of a five-star hotel. Paul handed the keys to the valet without a second thought. The Campbell family had booked out the whole place for the night.