Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67 An Unexpected Encounter

62

Finished

“Alright, enough with the mushy stuff,” Leo said, picking up his fork. “Since you’re treating me to dinner, I’m gonna eat my fill!”

Quinn couldn’t help but smile at his antics.

“Any plans for the future?” Leo asked, his eyes holding a hint of anticipation. “You gonna stay single forever, or…?”

He seemed to be waiting for something, but didn’t want to make it too obvious.

Quinn froze for a second, not expecting the question. She hesitated.

Should I tell him?

But my engagement is imminent; I can’t keep it a secret forever.

“Leo, I haven’t had a chance to tell you,” she said firmly. “I’m getting engaged soon. Not to Felix-someone else.”

Weare friends, after all. No need to hide something like this.

Leo’s face filled with shock. He’d never imagined she’d get engaged so quickly.

A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes, though he tried to hide it.

“Why? Are you in that much of a hurry to marry someone?” Leo asked, confused. He struggled to wrap head around it.

He’d thought…

his

“My family arranged it,” Quinn explained, her mood dipping. “I’m not getting any younger, and I’ve been through a bad relationship. Honestly, I don’t care much about love anymore. As long as he’s good to me, that’s enough.”

She felt a strange emptiness in her chest as she spoke.

Yet, when she thought about marrying Peyton, she didn’t feel resistant. There was an unspoken dependence on him.

It was like they’d met before, but she couldn’t recall when or how.

“But this is too fast!” Leo urged, flustered. “Do you even know him? What kind of person he is? Why the rush?”

He couldn’t understand. One minute they were having a great dinner, and the next, his mood plummeted- for no obvious reason.

How could things move this quickly?

If she’s willing to marry anyone, why not me?

1/3

12:57 Thu, Jan 22 MM.

Chapter 67 An Unexpected Encounter

Finished

“I trust my family,” Quinn said. “My parents would never hurt me. The person they chose must be the right

fit.

To her, love didn’t matter anymore. If her family wanted to arrange her marriage, she was fine with it.

Her only goal now was to be happy. Everything else was secondary.

Leo still couldn’t wrap his head around it.

“Quinn, that’s not fair,” he said. “If you’re just gonna marry some random person, why not me? I might even be willing to settle for you-we’ve known each other for years.”

“Sure, you might not be good enough for me,” he joked, grinning. “But I’d consider it—for your sake.”

Leo laughed as he spoke, but no one knew he meant every word. His heart ached deeply.

He’d stayed away all these years, but he’d never truly forgotten her.

Quinn burst out laughing, taking it as a joke. “What are you talking about, Leo? Why wouldn’t I be good enough for you? You’re ridiculous!

“Even if I was settling, I’d never settle for you!”

She shot back playfully.

“Fine, fine,” Leo pretended to pout. “Miss Hart would rather marry a stranger than me. I’m heartbroken. From now on, we’re just business partners-no more friendship!”

He put on an exaggerated sad face, looking reluctant.

Quinn laughed again. He’d matured so much, but around her, he was still like a kid.

It was impossible to stay mad at him.

They chatted and laughed as they ate. Suddenly, Quinn spotted a familiar face walking toward their table.

It’s Peyton!

Why is he here? What a coincidence!

Quinn felt her heart race, nervous for no reason.

“Pey… Peyton? What are you doing here?” she stammered, standing up instinctively.

They’d just been talking about him, and now he was right in front of her.

“I’m here for a business dinner,” Peyton replied, his gaze flicking to Leo. He’d seen the two of them laughing and chatting-looking completely at ease.

A twinge of unease settled in his chest.

Quinn is always so stiff around me, but with this man, she is relaxed and smiling freely.

12:57 Thu, Jan 22 MM.

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