Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85 Confessions

62

Finished

“Alright, Peyton. Please make sure your grandma gets my gift. I know she’ll love it,” Wendy said softly. “It’s been ages since I last visited her. I’ll definitely go see her when I have time.

“She has always been so kind to me. I’ll never forget that… It’s just that…”

She trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid. But both of them knew exactly what she was trying to imply.

“Yeah,” Peyton replied flatly.

Quinn let out a long, shaky breath, her mood soured completely. Wendy’s unexpected visit had left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She wondered.

Am I overreacting? Why does this even matter to me?

But anyone in my shoes would feel the same way, right? It’s only human.

There has to be more to Peyton’s relationship with this woman. Quinn debated whether she should ask for the truth-once and for all.

If there really was something going on between them, she’d rather call off the engagement. She refused to be the third wheel. She refused to get hurt again.

Why does love always have to involve a third person? It’s exhausting.

“So you’re Peyton’s fiancée? Hi, I’m Wendy Parker. You can just call me Wendy,” Wendy said, making a point to greet Quinn before leaving. Her smile seemed warm enough, but there was an unmistakable edge of provocation to it.

Quinn could sense it instantly.

“Hi, Miss Parker,” Quinn replied politely, her tone cool and distant.

“Peyton, you’re about to get engaged and you never even bothered to introduce us,” Wendy teased, glancing between them. “If I hadn’t come here today, your fiancée and I might have never met.”

“I guess this trip wasn’t a waste after all,” she added with a chuckle.

“Wendy, it’s getting late. I’ll have someone take you home,” Peyton said firmly. He was ready to leave with Quinn. Iris was waiting for them.

He could tell Wendy was trying to drag this out, to stir up trouble as usual. But his words left no room for

argument.

Wendy’s face fell. She was furious, but she had no choice but to leave.

“Goodbye, Peyton. Don’t forget what you promised me,” she called over her shoulder as she wheeled herself

out.

Promised her?

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12:59 Thu, Jan 22 MM.

Chapter 85 Confessions

62

Finished

Quinn let out a bitter laugh.

How many secrets are there between them? How many things has he kept from me?

She was more confused than ever.

Once Wendy was gone, they finally headed out.

On the drive to Iris’ house, Quinn decided she had to ask.

Weare getting engaged soon. I deserve the truth.

“Peyton, I need to ask you something,” she said quietly. “Who is that woman? What’s her relationship to you?”

“I don’t mean to sound suspicious. I just want to know, so I won’t be caught off guard if she shows up again,” she added quickly, trying to keep her tone neutral.

She didn’t want to meddle in his affairs. She trusted he would handle it all. But she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in her chest-the feeling that something that belonged to her was being taken away.

She couldn’t explain it.

“I only see her as a little sister. Don’t overthink it. It’s not what you’re imagining,” Peyton replied.

A little sister?

Quinn’s blood ran cold. Felix had said the exact same thing about Lila once.

That phrase made her sick to her stomach. It was such a cheap, cliché excuse.

“I see,” Quinn said, her voice flat. She didn’t press further.

If he doesn’t want to talk about it, there’s no point.

It’s his past, after all. None of my business.

As long as it doesn’t affect our relationship, it doesn’t matter. Ignorance is bliss.

But Peyton kept going, as if he could sense her doubt.

“Wendy and I grew up together. We went to school abroad together. She got hurt saving my life-so badly that the doctors there said she would never walk again and would be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

“I’ve felt guilty about it all these years. It was my fault. I’ve lived with this shadow hanging over me. If I had a choice, I wish it were me in that wheelchair instead.

“I even thought about marrying her and taking her into my life. I told myself it would be good for both of us, and it might finally ease the guilt weighing on my chest.

“But then I realized I don’t have any real feelings for her. Marrying her out of guilt would’ve ruined both

our lives.”

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