Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68 Small World, Unexpected Ties

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Finished

He could tell Quinn’s smiles tonight were genuine-nothing like the reserved ones she gave him.

“Let me introduce you,” she said. “This is my friend, Leo.”

“And this…” She paused, hesitating for a moment, as if the words were hard to say.

“This is my fiancé, Peyton Reed,” she finally said, summoning up her courage.

“Hello, Mr. Reed. Long time no see.” Leo stood up suddenly, his eyes wide with surprise.

He’d never imagined Peyton would be the one Quinn was marrying.

“Long time no see, Mr. Harrison,” Peyton replied coolly.

“You two… know each other?” Quinn stared at them in disbelief. What a coincidence!

But it makes sense. They are both in the same circle, with similar status and influence.

They must not only know each other, but be quite familiar-either friends or rivals.

“We don’t just know each other,” Leo said, still standing. “We collaborated on a project years ago. It lasted three years, and we worked really well together!”

Quinn was even more shocked.

The coincidence is unbelievable!

They must be friends. That will make things easier for me later.

Back when they were working together, she’d been in a relationship with Felix, so she’d had no idea about their past.

“Peyton, we’ve actually known each other for years and we’ve always gotten along really well,” Leo said, forcing a bright smile even as his heart sank. “I never imagined you two would be getting engaged. Congratulations!”

He couldn’t deny the pang in his chest, like something he cherished had been taken away.

Peyton nodded faintly. “Guess it’s a small circle. Everyone knows everyone.”

“Stay and have some food with us,” Leo invited.

“No, thanks. I have an important business dinner tonight,” Peyton declined without hesitation. “I’ll treat you

another time.”

Quinn couldn’t help but feel something was off.

Normally, he’ll be gentle with me when we cross paths, but today he seems distant.

Maybe it’s just my imagination.

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12:57 Thu, Jan 22 MM.

Chapter 68 Small World, Unexpected Ties

After Peyton left, only Quinn and Leo remained.

An odd feeling settled over Quinn-uncomfortable, but she couldn’t put her finger on why.

It has only been two days since we last met. Why has his attitude changed so much?

She was confused.

Finished

“Quinn, I never thought the man you’re marrying would be him,” Leo said, his voice heavy with emotion.

He’d hoped that after she broke up with Felix, he’d get a chance to get closer-maybe even win her heart.

But he’d been too late.

“I never thought it either,” Quinn admitted. “Sometimes I ask myself if I’m really okay with getting engaged to someone so casually. But it’s my family’s arrangement. I trust my parents-they wouldn’t hurt me. They must have found the right person for me.”

“I used to think happiness meant being with someone you love,” she continued, her eyes filled with sadness as memories flooded back. “But now I realize it’s better to be with someone who’s right for you. Loving someone who doesn’t deserve it-what’s the point?”

She’d given Felix her whole heart, believing sincerity would be rewarded.

But it never was.

“Quinn, you’re being too pessimistic,” Leo said. “You’re still young-you have so many choices. You don’t have to gamble your lifelong happiness for your family.”

“You’re not engaged yet. It’s not too late to back out,” he urged. “Maybe you were acting on impulse because you were hurt. You should think it over carefully.

“As your friend for all these years, I hate seeing you like this.”

Leo could tell her happiness was just surface-level. Deep down, she wasn’t truly content.

He’d loved her for years, and all he wanted was her happiness.

Once, he’d been certain he’d be the one to give it to her. Now, it seemed that wasn’t meant to be.

Even so, he couldn’t bear to see her feelings taken for granted.

For years, he’d thought about her every day, waiting for a chance to be by her side.

When she was with Felix, they’d fought constantly because of him. Unwilling to cause more trouble, he’d stepped out of their lives voluntarily.

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