Unwilling Bride: The 1V5 Love Drama novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31 The Unluckiest Girl

Liam was surprised, his mind racing, but he didn’t say anything. Over the years, as Laurent had grown up, the father–son relationship had become distant and polite.

Jonathan looked out the window. The rain was about to stop. “Let’s call it a day. I’ll take Ava back. You and Laurent don’t see each other often, so we won’t intrude.”

Liam tried to protest, but Jonathan was firm and took Ava up to the hovercar.

Liam and Laurent stood in silence for a long moment before Liam finally said, “You bullied her, didn’t you? I can smell magnolia on her clothes.”

Laurent gave him a half–smile, his eyes sharp with mockery. “So in your eyes, I’m some lowlife? Or is it just because I’m her son that you think I’m a sewer bug too?”

Liam’s expression darkened. “Whatever you do is your choice. But one thing–I don’t care what you decide, just don’t tarnish the Caswell reputation.”

Laurent snorted, stood up, and started heading upstairs. “My life, my rules. You should get back before Lyara waits too long.”

Liam watched him walk away without looking back and let out a heavy sigh.

Once a rift forms, it becomes an almost impossible gap to cross.

Back at the Morrens, Ava felt utterly drained. Her body and mind were worn out, and she didn’t even have much of an appetite.

Everyone was home. Elias‘ eldest son, Geffrey Morren, and his second son, Keifon Morren, had both returned, which was not a common occurrence. They discussed work–related matters among themselves, and not a single one of them asked how Ava had handled things.

After a rushed meal, Ava made an excuse about being tired. She wanted to rest and headed upstairs to bed early.

Asher’s eyes rolled around, then he sidled up to Geffery. “Ava seems a little down,” he said.

Geffery gave him a silent, exasperated look. “If you’re really curious, go ask her yourself.”

Asher felt a bit deflated. Suddenly, he missed Jane.

If she’s home today, she’s definitely curious too.

“You got nothing to do? Come to me. I’ve got some work to hand off,” Keifon said.

2/3

9:09 Mon, Apr 20

Chapter 31 Shameless

ร บ

8

+5 Free Com

“You call this shameless?” Laurent shot back. “Then, what do you call your actions earlier? We were forcibly matched. Then, the moment it suited you, you ran back to the Morrens and cut me loose like nothing ever happened. What am I to you?”

When he got to that point, a faint edge of hatred crept into his eyes. He did not want her to se it, so he turned away. “I am not an object. I am not something people pick up when they want it and toss aside when they are done.”

Ava was angry.

She was angry that Laurent had pushed her so hard.

Yet, the moment he mentioned the forced match, guilt followed close behind. She really did owe him that much. “I’m sorry,” she apologized sincerely.

One wrong step led to another.

Every mistake traced back to her decision to go to the Match Bureau in the first place. Since she had made that choice, she had no one else to blame for the consequences.

“Since you’re apologizing,” Laurent responded. “I’ll let it go.” After a pause, he added, “Your coming–of–age party is coming up soon. I’ll try to stay until after that before I head back to the army.”

Ava no longer had the energy to respond. Her head throbbed, the pressure building until she was dizzy.

Out of nowhere, rain poured from the sky. It was sudden and heavy, drenching them in seconds.

The fat raindrops stung when they hit her skin.

Ava sucked in a sharp breath, wincing. What awful weather. It starts raining whenever it feels like it and never gives anyone a chance to prepare.

Laurent grabbed Ava’s hand, and in the next second, pulled her straight into his arms. Her forehead pressed against his chest, and she could hear his heartbeat pounding hard and fast.

In the blink of an eye, they were back inside.

He set her down and turned to grab a towel.

Ava frowned. “Couldn’t you at least warn me first? It’s not like I can’t run on my own.”

2/4

9:09 Mon, Apr 20…

Chapter 31 Shameless

:

+5 Free

Laurent shot her a look. “With those short legs of yours? You wanted to make sure you were drenched to the bone?

She glanced down.

Her clothes were soaked and glued to her body. Whatever she had been about to say died in her throat.

He looked her over–from her hair still dripping water down to the fabric clinging to her sk

She was soaked through and through.

“Go take a shower,” he said. “Don’t catch a cold. Give me your clothes. I’ll dry them for you.”

Am I supposed to take a shower in a stranger’s house? Ava shook her head. “No. I’ll dry off right away.”

“Ava, what are you so worried about?” Laurent looked at her. “I’m not that desperate. Get inside. Or do you want me to carry you in myself?”

He grabbed a clean shirt and tossed it to her. “First room on the right down the hall.”

a took a few steps. Then, she turned back to look at him. “What about you?”

‘Go first. Don’t worry about me.”

In the study, Liam and Jonathan were in the middle of a chess game. The faint clinking sounds from outside drifted in as rain began to fall.

Jonathan held a black piece and pressed it down onto the board. “See? You lost again.”

“You really outplayed me,” Liam said with a laugh. “Impressive as always.”

Ava pushed the door open.

Floor–to–ceiling windows stretched across the room.

The floor was laid with rosewood, its rich grain spreading outward in endless rings.

The spacious sitting area felt almost bare, with no decorations at all. Against the minimalist gray wall hung a single bow, stark and solitary.

3/4

9:09 Mon, Apr 20

Chapter 31 Shameless

D:

82

+5 Free Coin

A hallway opened to the left, leading inward. At a glance, she could tell it was a bathroom.

She flicked her eyes toward it, and a quiet guess formed in her mind as she frowned. The room feels cold and sparse, yet it still carries traces of its owner. I can’t understand how he could be so casual about letting me into his own room.

(