Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Alaric’s gaze darkened. Though it had been purely accidental, the memory of holding her left him strangely unsettled What surprised him more was that Ophelia hadn’t seemed to mind the contact.

Silence lingered between them throughout the journey to Rowle Villa, each occupied with their own thoughts.

The Rolls-Royce glided to a halt before the wrought iron gates.

“We’ve arrived, Mr. Caldwell, Ms. Rowle,” the driver announced, breaking the quiet.

Ophelia turned from the window with a polite nod. “Thank you for the ride home.” Her words were courteous yet carried a deliberate distance.

“The pleasure was mine,” Alaric replied, a subtle reluctance coloring his tone as she prepared to leave.

When Ophelia stepped out, Alaric found himself following instinctively.

“Mr. Caldwell?” Zoe’s voice cut through the evening air, sharp with surprise.

Her eyes darted between them, suspicion darkening her gaze. “What brings you two here together?” The question tumbled out, barely coherent.

She thought, ‘How could they be together? And coming home like this. This can’t be good.’

Ophelia’s eyebrow arched slightly. “I live here, as you’re well aware.”

Zoe’s face briefly lost its color. She dug her nails into her palms, steadying herself before reassuming her delicate

demeanor. “Ophelia, please don’t be upset,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean it that way. I was just wondering why you are with Mr. Caldwell.”

Though her words were gentle, her eyes betrayed a darker undercurrent.

‘Ophelia certainly plays her cards well, she thought bitterly. ‘Flirting with Declan at school, and now showing up with Alaric.’

Ophelia caught that flash of resentment and arched an eyebrow, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her.

‘Take your unrequited feelings elsewhere. I’m not your rival,’ she thought.

“Don’t be so sensitive,” Ophelia replied calmly. “Why would I be angry over nothing?” Then, with a faintly pointed tone, she added, “But maybe don’t pry into things that don’t concern you.”

Since Zoe insisted on this charade of sisterly affection, Ophelia decided to play along.

Her words, however, offered little comfort. If anything, Zoe grew paler, hearing the subtle jab at her one-sided attachment to Alaric.

In Zoe’s mind, if not for Ophelia’s return, her engagement to Alaric would still be intact.

The thought fueled her bitterness, straining the limits of her carefully crafted poise.

Zoe’s lips tightened imperceptibly before she turned to Alaric with practiced sweetness. “Won’t you come in, Mr. Caldwell?”

Seeing Ophelia had brought him home, she felt compelled to match the gesture. This was her chance to demonstrate her qualities to Alaric, to make him see her worth.

“Don’t trouble yourself,” Ophelia cut in abruptly. “I’m sure Mr. Caldwell has other commitments.” She desperately wanted Alaric gone. His presence only flustered her and stirred embarrassing memories.

Amusement flickered in Alaric’s eyes as he observed their exchange. “I merely saw Ophelia home,” he said, his gaze resting on her with unusual tolerance.

‘She’s quite adept at discarding people after they’ve served their purpose, he thought wryly.

Watching his attention remain fixed on Ophelia, Zoe felt a sudden dread. Could Alaric actually be developing feelings for Ophelia?

“Please, Mr. Caldwell, she persisted, maintaining her gracious demeanor despite the ache in her chest, “we should properly thank you for bringing Ophelia home.”

Alaric’s eyes returned to Ophelia. “Well?” he asked, as if seeking her opinion.

Ophelia shot him an exasperated look. “If Zoe invited you, that’s your affair. Why consult me?”

She wanted no part in his decisions.

A slow smile touched Alaric’s lips as he leaned closer, his voice dropping. “Since it seems to bother you, I’ll decline the invitation just for you.”

He straightened up, his expression cooled into its customary detachment. “Ophelia has already expressed her gratitude.

1/2

Chapter 93

That suffices.”

With that, he entered his waiting car.

Ophelia was momentarily disarmed by his unexpected smile. By the time she collected herself, protesting would only make her seem defensive.

‘I’m not jealous, she fumed silently.

She could only glare at him through the window, her eyes warning him not to misinterpret her reaction.

Alaric responded with a faint, triumphant lift of his brow before signaling the driver to depart.

Though irritated, he found this animated version of her preferable to the cold indifference she usually showed him.

Watching him drive away without even a glance in her direction, Zoe stood frozen, her face pale.

It was painfully clear that in Alaric’s eyes, only Ophelia seemed to matter.

After all these years, she understood with sinking certainty. What Ophelia received from Alaric wasn’t mere politeness. It was a rare consideration he afforded no one else.

“Why did Mr. Caldwell bring you home, Ophelia?” Zoe pressed, unable to let the matter drop. But her question met only silence.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify