Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 917

Chapter 917 Calligraphy Lessons

Harvey chuckled softly. “You’ve picked up a lot this year, too.”

“What do you mean?” Claudia tilted her head.

He simply smiled and said nothing more.

In the Cross family, she had learned how to love—and how to let herself be loved.

That once quiet, reserved girl had grown into someone so much more open and warm.

Outside the door, Dolores clutched her laptop to her chest, feeling her heart sink a little. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Harvey saw Claudia differently—especially when she remembered how he’d secretly zoomed in on a photo of Claudia once and just stared.

After Claudia finished laying out the stationery for him and tidying the desk, she said, “You keep practicing. I’m gonna check on Zander downstairs. Don’t stop till you’ve got it right.”

Harvey nodded. “Alright.”

As soon as he spoke, he noticed a pair of shoes quietly withdraw from the doorway.

A faint smile touched his lips.

By the time Claudia stepped out, Dolores had already slipped away.

Downstairs, Claudia spotted Harold.

He’d been tied up at the firm all day, but the moment he heard they were all out at the countryside house, he drove straight over after wrapping up.

Claudia dashed toward him and threw her arms around his neck.

“Sweetheart,” she murmured, her cheeks flushed as she hugged him tight.

Harold staggered back a step, laughing as he ruffled her hair.

Lately, she’d gotten so much more affectionate with him.

Arm in arm, smiling like a pair of teenagers, they made their way inside.

From her bedroom balcony, Dolores watched them, a pang of envy running through her.

Harold was all rugged edges and rough charm—not the type she’d ever imagine with someone as gentle and soft-hearted as Claudia.

She just couldn’t get past it.

Harold didn’t stay for dinner. He took Claudia and Zander out for a quieter meal instead, leaving only the two elders, Dolores, and Harvey at the house.

Regina and Louis turned in early, taking a short stroll after supper before heading to bed.

Harvey, meanwhile, returned to the study to practice his calligraphy.

Dolores followed him in.

He didn’t show her what he was writing—instead, he lightly covered it with a sheet of paper when she approached.

“Can’t sleep?” he asked.

Dolores shook her head with a small smile.

Harvey rose slowly from his chair. “Perfect. Come with me.”

He led her to another room—a small, sunlit space he’d had set up as a tailoring studio just a couple of days before.

“What’s all this?” Dolores asked, looking around.

She knew Harvey could sew. Claudia’s stunning black wedding gown had been made by his hands.

The thought still made her a little envious.

“I’d like to make you a dress,” he said simply.

“Upset about what?” He couldn’t help but find her adorable. “Because you turned me down after I kissed you? And then I sulked? I’m not that petty. If you said no, it’s probably because I haven’t done enough. Don’t worry—I’ll do some reflecting.”

Dolores let out a soft laugh. Harvey was always like this—too understanding, too quick to take everything upon himself.

But for some reason, hearing those words from him now sent a warm shiver through her.

She stepped closer and stood beside him.

No one had ever made something just for her before.

Harvey lifted the measuring tape and began taking her measurements.

He stood behind her, carefully measuring her shoulders, then the length of her arms.

Gathering her courage, Dolores spoke up.

“Let’s get married.”

Harvey’s hands stilled. He wondered if he’d heard her right.

She glanced back at him shyly and repeated, “Harvey, let’s get married.”

His hand trembled slightly, and he teased her gently. “I’m thirty-two. A whole ten years older than you. Not exactly a match made in heaven.”

Dolores looked at him, still holding the measuring tape around her. “It’s nine years and nine months. Not quite ten.”

The year difference: nine years, nine months, and ten years.

“A huge difference!”

Harvey laughed softly, his eyes tender.

And just like that, Dolores found herself taking back every word she’d said that day.