Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 132

Chapter 132 Time for the Engagement

Finished

“If you’re good for now, I’ll head back,” Peyton said, his tone steady. “You still need to come in for rehab tomorrow like usual. Work’s been crazy busy lately. I can’t be here with you every single day. But if you need anything, call me. I’ll fix it, even if I can’t make it over.”

He laid it all out plain and clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding. He needed her to know he couldn’t. drop everything for her anymore-not with everything else going on. He hoped she’d finally get it.

“I understand, Peyton,” Wendy mumbled, putting on that familiar pitiful look. She’d heard every word he said, but she still wanted to keep him there a little longer. “I’m just… I’m kind of hungry. Could you stay for one quick meal before you go?”

She couldn’t focus on anything else right now. Panic was creeping in, cold and sharp.

If he went through with this engagement, would I ever stand a chance with him again?

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“I’ve got really important things to take care of,” Peyton replied, his voice firm, no room for negotiation. The last thing he wanted was to drag this out. His grandma and the two moms weren’t staying long-they had to head back soon to wrap up the final engagement details.

He’d promised them a full day out together today. But he’d bailed at the last minute because of Wendy, ruining everyone’s good mood. The least he could do was get back to them fast, so they could actually enjoy the rest of their day.

With that, Peyton left the rehab center and drove straight home. Lucky for him, they were just heading out the door-he’d managed to catch up.

Quinn had planned a little outing to some nearby spots. Iris used to come here all the time back in the day, but she rarely ventured out now that she was older. It had been years since she’d last visited.

“Being out like this feels so nice-nothing like staying cooped up at home,” Iris sighed, her eyes crinkling with a smile as she gazed at the lake. “This place is still as beautiful as I remember.”

The scenery was stunning, the lake glistening in the sunlight. Iris had always been such a driven, hardworking woman back in her prime, always putting her career first. She’d rarely taken the time to just slow down and enjoy life like this. Now that she was older, with family around to keep her company, this was exactly the kind of peace she’d been craving.

“If you like it here so much, why don’t you stay a little longer?” Quinn suggested warmly. “I’ve got a couple of projects wrapping up soon, and nothing major starting after that. I’ll have plenty of free time to take you out and show you around.”

They were all chatting away, laughing and enjoying the moment, when Peyton walked over. He paused for a second, watching them standing there together, bathed in sunlight, and a wave of relief washed over him. This was the life he wanted-the calm, happy, simple life.

“Grandma, I’ve got everything sorted out,” Peyton called out, making his way toward them. A wide smile spread across his face. “I’m all yours for the rest of the day.”

Iris’ face lit up like a Christmas tree. She clapped her hands together, her joy impossible to miss. “Wonderful! Just wonderful!”

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17:05 Tue, Jan 27 M.

Chapter 132 Time for the Engagement

Time flew by in the blink of an eye. Before anyone knew it, the day of their engagement had arrived.

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Finished

Peyton and Quinn arrived at the venue together, and Quinn’s jaw dropped. She’d never imagined Eleanor and Doris would go all out like this. The place looked like a straight-up fairytale palace-grand and breathtaking, but with all the modern touches young people loved. There was a lush lawn, a stretch of sandy beach, and photos of her and Peyton everywhere one looked.

Mom. Mrs. Reed, you two must’ve spent months planning this.” Quinn breathed, turning to them with eyes shining bright. “It’s perfect. I absolutely love it. Thank you both so much for all your hard work.”

Gratitude was the only thing she could feel right now. The two mothers had poured their hearts and souls into this day, and it showed. Every little detail was exactly what she and Peyton would’ve wanted.

This was the Reed family they were talking about, after all. The guest list was star-studded, and the venue was swarming with reporters and journalists. They’d been camped out at the entrance since early morning. desperate for a glimpse of Peyton’s fiancée.

The pair had kept their relationship under wraps for so long that everyone was dying to know who the lucky

woman was.

But the second Quinn stepped out of the car beside Peyton, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of whispers and murmurs.

Wait a second-I thought he was all tangled up with Wendy? They were all over the tabloids not that long ago! Why isn’t she the one he’s getting engaged to?”

Im so confused! What’s the real story between them? Why’d they wait this long to go public?”

Quinn’s family and the Reeds are old family friends, right? Is this just some business arrangement then? But come on—Wendy got stuck in a wheelchair because of him! Isn’t it kind of cold for him to just move on like this?

Peyton and Quinn exchanged a quick glance. They’d known this kind of gossip was coming. They’d braced themselves for it long ago.

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