The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 157

Did I need anyone's approval to get married? I didn't care about my parents' opinion, let alone anyone else's.

"Are there any rumors circulating in the company?"

As I noticed the hesitation on Murphy's face, I waved him off and added, "Make sure to resolve this as soon as possible, especially with those in the company. Don't give them the chance to gossip around."

The employees at the office loved to pounce on any tidbit of news and blow it out of proportion. Lorraine had finally agreed to marry me, and I wouldn't allow any unnecessary noise to make her second-guess herself.

"I understand, Mr. Joplin," Murphy replied.

He moved swiftly. Within hours, every major social media platform had announcements about my relationship with Lorraine.

I didn't get to inform her beforehand, so she came storming into my office. "Cole, why did you make our relationship public just like that?"

"Were you still planning to keep it a secret?"

I sighed as I observed her conflicted expression. "Do you think it's possible to keep it under wraps? Who would believe you even if you tried?"

The internet was abuzz with news about my proposal, and keeping it private would've only fueled more speculation.

"At least not this soon." She had yet to deal with her family.

"What are you worried about?" I asked. If we were getting married, going public was inevitable.

The way she was hesitating to speak irritated me. "Lorraine, I feel like I don't know you at all." Was this marriage born out of mutual affection, or was it just my fantasy?

As I stared at her, I voiced my thoughts, "I've never met your parents, and you've never told me what's actually on your mind. You go along with whatever I say. Are you sure you want to marry me?"

Or was there another reason? If there was, it might be a good thing since everything would be more straightforward.

I noticed a flare of anger in Lorraine's eyes. "How could you accuse me of such manipulation?" She seemed visibly frustrated.

"What is it, then?" I pressed as I leaned on the desk to meet her gaze. "Tell me how you really feel."