Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 127

Chapter 127 A Family Day Interrupted

Finished

Peyton’s heart was heavy with guilt. Ever since they got engaged, their lives had been consumed by Wendy’s business. The topic just never seemed to end.

Before, Wendy had only reached out to him occasionally. But now that she was in rehab, they were in contact every single day. She called him constantly, at all hours.

He hated dumping this burden on Quinn. But he refused to sneak around behind her back either. They were building a future together. Being open and honest was the only way to keep their relationship solid.

“Peyton, I know you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place,” Quinn said softly, cupping his face in her hands. “You don’t have to tiptoe around me. Go do what you have to do. I trust you. I wouldn’t be with you if I didn’t believe in us.

“You don’t have to check in with me every single day. I’ll talk to Eleanor too. I know she’s only looking out for me. She just wants me to feel secure, to know I’ve got her on my

side.

“I think she’s just

anxious about all this as you are. After all, she’s your mom.”

Quinn would be lying if she said she never felt a twinge of discomfort. But most of the time, she understood. She knew there were some things Peyton just couldn’t control.

What good would it do to object? It would only breed resentment between them. This approach-trusting him, standing by him-was the smartest, sanest choice she could make.

“Thank you for understanding,” Peyton sighed, pulling her closer. “Once this is all over, I’m taking some time off. I’ll help you wrap up all your work projects too. Then we’ll go away-just the two of us. A pre- honeymoon vacation.”

He’d been planning this for a while. He was desperate to whisk her away somewhere quiet, somewhere they could just be together, no distractions. A chance to strengthen their bond, to remind them what they were fighting for.

“That sounds perfect,” Quinn smiled, her eyes lighting up. “Everything will work out. I just know it. Wendy’s legs will get better too.”

Sometimes Quinn thought Wendy was being foolish. Here was her chance to walk again-why wasn’t she fighting harder for it?

Regaining the use of her legs would be life-changing. It would give her a brand-new shot at happiness. Everything was set up for her-top doctors, state-of-the-art facilities. All she had to do was grit her teeth and push through the pain. The reward would be worth it.

But it was obvious Wendy was ready to throw in the towel. She was fighting the therapy every step of the

way.

Still, Quinn was just an outsider looking in. It wasn’t her place to lecture Wendy. All she could do was watch and hope for the best.

“Alright, it’s getting late,” Peyton said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Tomorrow, we’ll take everyone out for the day. They don’t get to visit often. We should spend as much time together as we can.”

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Chapter 127 A Family Day Interrupted

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Peyton cherished these moments with Iris and Eleanor. Having his family around made him feel grounded,

at peace.

He was secretly a bit of a homebody, even if his gruff exterior hid it well. He loved this quiet, happy chaos.

“Absolutely,” Quinn agreed, snuggling into his side.

The next morning dawned bright and early.

T

When Quinn woke up, she found Mabel had already laid out a full breakfast spread. The whole family was gathered around the table, waiting for her.

Having family here made the house feel warm and alive-nothing like the quiet, empty space it usually was. She loved this feeling more than she could say.

“Mrs. Iris Reed,” Quinn said, taking her seat with a grin. “Peyton and I have big plans for today. We’re not going anywhere fancy-just gonna hang around the house with you guys. Later, we’ll all go for a walk

You don’t visit nearly enough. We have to make the most of it.”

Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen-it was Leo.

“Quinn, we’ve got a problem with that project of yours,” Leo said, his voice tight with urgency. “Your assistant to fix it, but she’s out of her depth. I hate to ask, but can you come into the office?”

ed

“What kind of problem? I haven’t heard anything about this. That project has been running smoothly. It’s practically finished!” Quinn frowned, confused.

“It’s a data issue,” Leo replied. “I don’t think your assistant can handle it. That’s why I’m calling you.”

“How urgent is it?” Quinn asked. “If it can wait, I’d really appreciate it. My family are in town. I promised them I’d spend the whole day with them. I can’t just leave.”

She’d been looking forward to this family day for weeks. And honestly, she couldn’t imagine what data glitch could be so catastrophic. She’d overseen every detail of that project personally.

“Your mom’s in town?” Leo echoed, his tone softening a little.

They’d known each other for years. He was practically family himself. He’d spent countless afternoons at her house, chatting with Doris over cups of coffee.

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