The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 410

She stood up to join the toast, though her heart clearly wasn't in it. Despite her mood, the dinner was a lively, happy affair.

As night fell, Nicole returned home to find that her trophy wall had gained two new residents. She pulled out her outfit for the engagement party, a radiant smile spreading across her face.

With you by my side for the rest of my life, Jasper, how could I be anything but happy?

*****

It was Friday again at Azure Peak City University.

"Nicole, I've booked a private room at the Imperial Court Hotel for tonight," Jaron announced. "It's a celebration for you and Jasper winning the competition." Realizing it had been a while since the whole group had gotten together, Jaron had decided this was the perfect excuse.

Nicole glanced at him, then at Tiffany standing by his side. She knew he'd never show up without her. She was just about to decline when Amelia spoke up.

"What time?"

"Seven o'clock," Jaron replied quickly. "No excuses, everyone has to be there." Before anyone could change their mind, he grabbed Tiffany's hand and started pulling her away.

"Jaron, wait! I haven't finished eating yet," Tiffany complained.

"It's fine," Jaron said dismissively. "We'll just grab some snacks from the shop." Tiffany could only stare at him, speechless at his sudden rush.

Nicole set her fork down, a flicker of worry in her eyes. "Amelia, you know Tiffany is going to be there."

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." Amelia gave her arm a reassuring pat and a small smile. "It won't be awkward."

"Alright then," Nicole said. "Let's just try to have a good time tonight."

Amelia nodded. "I've got some things to handle at the Student Union, so I'll head off first. Jasper, do you mind giving Nicole a lift home?"

"Not at all," Jasper replied.

As soon as Amelia was out of earshot, Nicole let out a heavy sigh. Jasper leaned over and playfully pinched her cheek. "What's with the long face?"

"I'm just worried about Amelia." Nicole thought back to the competition and the way Nathaniel had looked at his son with such utter disappointment. "Tell me—if Mr. Wellington insists on the family alliance, how do you think Jaron will handle it?"

Jasper considered it seriously for a moment. "He'd probably go through with it."

"What? No... that's even worse," Nicole frowned. "Does he expect to have a wife at home and a girlfriend on the side? That's so unfair to Amelia."

Jasper caught her eye and laughed softly. "Stop worrying so much. Eat your lunch—you've barely touched it."

"Tell you what," Nicole teased, "since nobody's looking, why don't you sneak me a bite? Maybe that'll kickstart my appetite."

Jasper couldn't help but grin. He actually picked up a piece of food and fed it to her. "Appetite back yet?"

"Mhm. Much better."

As Nicole started eating properly, Jasper watched her, his expression melting into pure affection. He glanced down at the specific items she was picking out of her meal and sighed inwardly.

She really was the pickiest eater he knew—but he'd just have to find other ways to make sure she got the nutrition she needed.

He'd noticed she had been acting strange lately. Had she been rejected? He wondered what kind of idiot would turn Amelia down. If he ever met the guy, he'd give him a piece of his mind.

Instead of answering, Amelia grabbed a bottle of red wine off the table, uncorked it, and took a long swig.

Jaron snatched the bottle away, his frustration flaring. "What, are you trying to kill yourself? Look, he's just a guy. If he's too blind to appreciate you, he's not worth your time. Let it go."

Seeing her so distraught caused a dull ache in Jaron's chest. "Did you really like him that much?"

"None of your business," Amelia snapped, trying to wrestle the bottle back.

"Did you confess and get rejected?"

"Will you just shut up?"

"Unbelievable," Jaron huffed, tugging irritably at his collar. "I'm trying to look out for you, and you're treating me like the enemy." He grabbed his own bottle and took a heavy drink. "Fine. You want to be miserable? Let's be miserable together. We'll drink tonight, but after this, I don't want to see you wasting another tear on some jerk."

Nicole bit her lip to keep from laughing or screaming.

She wondered if Jaron had any clue that the "jerk" he was talking about was himself.

Nearby, Tiffany watched them, her eyes stinging.

Jaron might not realize it yet, but after everything they'd been through, it was clear to her that his bond with Amelia was different. He had nearly broken up with her recently; if she hadn't found a desperate way to stop him, they would have been over already.

She glanced down at the faint scars on her wrist and felt a sudden, sharp wave of irony.