Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86 The Family Gathering

Finished

Guilt weighed on Peyton, but he remained level-headed. He laid out everything clearly, each word making perfect sense.

Quinn froze. She’d never imagined such a story lay between them. In that moment, she understood him completely.

If she’d been in his shoes, she might have married Wendy too.

But marriage wasn’t something to enter out of guilt. He couldn’t be with Wendy, and that only deepened his

remorse.

No wonder he’d always rushed off so urgently whenever he got her calls.

“I’m sorry,” Quinn said softly. “I had no idea you two had been through so much together.”

She regretted bringing it up. This was clearly a painful topic he’d rather keep buried.

But Peyton shook his head. “I wasn’t planning to tell you. I didn’t want to burden you with this. But after today, you’ve seen it all.

“None of this was ever a secret to hide from you. I just didn’t want you to overthink things.”

He’d wanted to shoulder all this mess alone. He truly didn’t want Quinn dragged into it.

He’d also worried about how she’d face Wendy once she knew the truth.

“You told me once that if I ever had any problems, I should come to you right away,” Quinn said, meeting his eyes. “Now I want to say the same to you. You don’t have to handle everything alone. We can share the load together.”

After all, before she’d known the whole story, her mind had been filled with all kinds of wild, unfounded suspicions. She’d truly thought there was something more going on between him and Wendy.

Peyton stared at her, his gaze lingering. For a moment, he said nothing.

Then he spoke again, his voice steady, “I’ll take care of Wendy’s situation. She won’t be allowed to disrupt your life. If she ever approaches you, no matter what she says, don’t let it get to you. Just tell me, and I’ll handle it.”

“Okay,” Quinn replied.

She trusted him. She believed there was nothing between them-whatever Wendy felt was one-sided, nothing more.

If Peyton had ever had even a shred of romantic feelings for her, he would have married her long ago, driven by that overwhelming guilt.

But here they were, and he’d never chosen that path. That said it all-they simply weren’t meant to be.

Before they knew it, they arrived at the Reed Manor.

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Chapter 86 The Family Gathering

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Quinn had picked out a gift for Iris carefully the night before, thinking it would be one-of-a-kind. But she’d forgotten about Wendy’s present-equally thoughtful, equally heartfelt.

Mrs. Iris Reed will surely dote on Wendy, won’t she? After all, she saved Peyton’s life.

“Mrs. Iris Reed!” Quinn called out as soon as she walked in. Iris was sitting on the sofa, waiting for them. She greeted her with a bright, warm smile.

“Quinn! You two are finally here!” Iris exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. “I’ve been sitting here since early this morning, waiting for my favorite kids. I’ve missed you so much these past few weeks.”

“You look a little fuller in the cheeks than last time I saw you. Good-means that boy Peyton’s been taking good care of you. That’s all I could ever ask for,” she added, patting Quinn’s hand fondly.

She pulled Quinn down onto the sofa beside her, her affection plain to see.

“Don’t worry. He takes amazing care of me-always looking out for me,” Quinn said, smiling back.

“I’ve just been swamped with work lately, so I haven’t had the chance to come visit. Believe me, I’ve wanted to see you every single day,” she added gently.

“Of course, of course! I know young folks have to chase their careers,” Iris said, waving a hand dismissively. “I won’t hold it against you. Next time, if you’re too busy, I’ll just come to you instead!”

Iris adored Quinn-more and more with each passing day. There was something about her that just felt right, like she was the only woman who could ever be Peyton’s wife.

Peyton watched them chatting, a small, relieved smile tugging at his lips. He rarely saw Iris this genuinely happy.

She’d always wanted nothing more than for him to find someone perfect, someone to build a life with.

Quinn was that someone. She was perfect.

As they talked, more family members began to trickle in one by one.

There was Peyton’s uncle, Harold Reed, and Harold’s wife, Donna, and then there was Peyton’s so-called cousin, Tyler Reed.

This was the first time Quinn had met Tyler in person. He was good-looking, with delicate features, but there was a lazy, arrogant slouch to his posture that rubbed her the wrong way. It was obvious at a glance that he thought highly of himself-way too highly.

“Peyton, Tyler drawled, sauntering over with a smirk. “This must be your fiancée. Finally got to meet the woman who tamed the great Peyton Reed.”

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