Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134 The Fake Virtue Show

72

Finished

“Go find somewhere to rest first.’ Peyton said flatly. “The engagement ceremony hasn’t started yet.”

Quinn stood beside him, well aware of why Wendy had shown up. But there was nothing they could do. She was already here, and they couldn’t very well throw her out.

The two of them walked away together. Quinn let out a helpless sigh, glancing at the crowd of guests milling about. “If I’d known it would turn out like this. I never would’ve wanted this engagement party. It doesn’t mean anything to us anyway, and it’s only stirred up more gossip.”

“Quinn, I’m sorry I didn’t handle this properly. Peyton said, his voice laced with guilt. “I keep making you put up with this nonsense. Ever since we got together, it feels like I’ve only been adding to your burdens.”

He hated letting things turn out this way, but every time, he found himself stuck and powerless to change it.

“It’s not your fault,” Quinn said softly. “Some things are out of your control. We can’t dictate what other people do or say. All that matters is that we trust each other. No one can come between us.

“As for Wendy-let her do whatever she wants. We’ve made ourselves clear enough, but she never listens. Might as well just let her have her way for now.”

Quinn had seen through Wendy’s games a long time ago. She understood exactly what Wendy was up to. and that knowledge helped her stay calm. Deep down, she knew Wendy was scheming constantly, always trying to manipulate them. But there was no choice but to wait it out. Once Wendy regained the use of her legs, maybe all this drama would finally come to an end.

“Thank you,” Peyton said, warmth flooding his chest. He felt a surge of gratitude and affection for her. At least the woman he loved trusted him completely.

“Alright, the ceremony’s about to start. Let’s go get ready.”

Peyton had never been a fan of these kinds of events-they felt tedious and overly formal to him. But sharing this special moment with the woman he loved made it all worthwhile, even if he would’ve skipped it

otherwise.

His only goal today was to make sure everyone knew that Quinn was his partner for life.

But instead, all eyes were on Wendy. She’d been by his side for years, after all. Many of his friends knew her well-some were even close to her.

“How are your legs feeling, Wendy?” one guest asked, leaning in with a sympathetic tone. “I heard you’ve been doing nonstop rehab. Doesn’t look like it’s helping much, though.”

“Yeah, I never thought you’d actually show up here today another added. ‘Aren’t you embarrassed? Don’t you think everything you’ve done for him has been a waste? He’s marrying someone else in the end.”

“I always thought Mr. Reed was a responsible, stand-up guy, a third chimed in. ‘I never imagined he’d do something like this. You’re the one who deserves to be his wife-not her’

The crowd murmured in agreement, all of them feeling indignant on Wendy’s behalf. The topic had long been forgotten, but seeing her in the flesh brought all the old rumors rushing back to the surface.

17:05 Tue, Jan 27 JMM

Chapter 134 The Fake Virtue Show

Finished

But Wendy just put on a gracious smile, playing the part of the understanding martyr. “Please don’t say that. Peyton has always taken such good care of me. He’s given me more kindness and care than I could ever ask for. But who he marries isn’t something either of us can decide.”

“I know you’re all looking out for me,” she said earnestly, feigning a look of profound wisdom. “But please don’t speak ill of him.”

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“We’re just saying you deserve better!” someone shot back. “You risked your life to save him all those years ago! How could he turn around and marry someone else?”

“Alright, let’s all calm down,” a level-headed voice cut through the noise. It was a longtime business associate of Peyton’s. “Peyton hasn’t treated Wendy badly these past few years. He’s always been there for her whenever she needed him. That’s more than most people would do. Matters of the heart come down to fate, plain and simple.”

Finally, someone with some sense was speaking up, looking at the situation objectively.

“Exactly!” Wendy quickly agreed, seizing the opportunity to play the virtuous role. “Peyton and I are still good friends. Whenever I need him, he never hesitates to help me. That’s more than enough for me.”

“I’ve never once regretted saving him all those years ago,” she continued, her voice soft and sincere. “I never expected anything in return for it. The fact that he’s done so much for me already means the world to me. I never wanted to bring this up, and I wish you all wouldn’t either. After all, today is his special day.”

Wendy drank in the sight of everyone rushing to defend her, relishing every second of it. Her words sounded kind and selfless, but beneath that facade, jealousy burned like a wildfire in her heart.

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17:05 Tue, Jan 27 JMM.

Done with Cheater’s Coldness, Shine in Rival’s Arms