When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 8

“Married?” Albert’s eyes narrowed, sharp and unblinking. “You were in my arms just a few days ago, and now you’re telling me you’re getting married? Dorothea, do you really think I’ll buy that?”

Albert knew exactly how deep Dorothea’s feelings ran. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t have stayed in a secret relationship with him for three years, no title, no promises. Her sudden claim about getting married could only be for one reason—to get a reaction out of him.

Dorothea gave a cold, thin smile. “You don’t believe me? Want to see the marriage certificate?”

Albert’s eyes darkened, but before he could reply, a bright voice floated in from outside the door.

“Albert, I made some dessert for you to try!”

Carola stepped in, pausing for a moment when she saw Dorothea. Then she flashed a sweet smile. “Dorothea, you’re here too. Are you and Albert talking about something important?”

Dorothea let out a low, mocking laugh. “No, nothing important. You two carry on. We’re finished here.” She shot Albert a look. “I’m heading out.”

Albert pressed his lips together, looking conflicted. He wanted to say something more, but with Carola in the room, he couldn’t. He never wanted anyone to know what really went on between him and Dorothea.

Carola called after her. “Dorothea, Mom says you haven’t been home in ages. Why don’t you come back for dinner tonight? Mom and Alonzo both miss you.”

She turned to Albert, her cheeks tinged pink. “Albert, my dad wants you to come over tonight so we can talk about our wedding. You’re free, right?”

Albert’s voice was low and smooth, with a hint of a smile. “Carola, if you ask, I’ll always make time.”

As he spoke, his gaze slid almost unconsciously to the pale curve of Dorothea’s neck.

Dorothea blinked hard, fighting the sting rising in her nose. “I’ll skip your little get-together.”

Without another word, she pulled open the door and walked out.

Carola couldn’t hide the satisfied curl of her lips, but when she glanced at Albert, she noticed he was still staring at the closed door.

Carola didn’t stick around for long before heading home.

Elise greeted her with a big smile. “Carola, you’re back. Susan, bring out the bird’s nest soup for Carola!”

Unlike the way she treated Dorothea, Elise was always extra attentive when it came to Carola. She’d married into the Brown family almost twenty years ago, and she treated Carola as if she was her own daughter.

Carola’s attitude was cool, not exactly affectionate, but if pretending at being close with Elise helped annoy Dorothea, she was happy to play along.

“Mom, Albert’s coming over tonight to talk about our wedding. Make sure Susan makes plenty of good food.”

“I’ve already asked her to prepare everything,” Elise said, beaming as she pulled Carola down to sit beside her. “Carola, that place on Cloudhaven Lane is just too rundown. Your dad and I think you should have a bigger spot for your piano studio.”

Carola blinked at her in confusion. “Why? Mom, I know the villa’s a bit old, but the view is really nice. I actually like it.”