Chapter 51:

Glenda rolled her eyes. "You treat her like your daughter, even though she isn't. Isn't that unnecessary? Just go, leave me alone, and make sure Mabel doesn't repeat her antics," Lanny replied sharply. He paused, then added, "Perhaps it's time to find her a boyfriend. She's not cut out for show business. It's probably best to marry her off quickly."

Glenda exhaled deeply. "She's taken a liking to Theo now. She insists on marrying him. What am I supposed to do? Persuade her to consider others? Theo has no interest in her. How could you possibly force him?"

Glenda shook her head. She couldn't even get close to Theo, much less compel him. Realizing Lanny was reluctant to help Mabel pursue Theo, she felt a heavy heart. She knew discussing this with Mabel could anger her and cause a temper tantrum. Exiting the room, she noticed Mabel was preparing to shower.

Mabel approached her mother immediately after Glenda left the study. "Mom, what were you and Dad talking about?"

Glenda looked at her and said, "He wants me to find you a boyfriend so you can settle down."

"Theo? Why him? Theo doesn't even like you. Plus, he left Elyse after three years together. That shows he's not dependable," Mabel countered.

Mabel remained unconvinced. "That's only because Elyse wasn't good enough. Besides, Theo never really liked her that much. I'm different. I'm far better than her. In time, he'll see my strengths."

Glenda looked at Mabel with concern. What would she do if Mabel continued to fixate on Theo? What would happen if Lanny inquired about it later?

Mabel, feeling misunderstood, showed no interest in continuing the conversation. After a relaxing shower, she lay on her bed and scrolled through her phone. Negative online comments persisted, and her agent had advised her to stay home until the public backlash subsided. She knew worrying was futile; she'd just been released from the police station, and maintaining her freedom was her priority.

While on her phone, she stumbled upon Theo's Facebook page. When Elyse and Theo were together, Mabel had obtained his details, posing as Elyse's sister. She had secretly sent him messages expressing her love, but he never responded. Mabel knew he had no romantic feelings for her. Yet, his indifference only increased her attraction; she found his aloofness charming.

However, she hadn't messaged him again, especially since Theo was planning to marry Elyse. She feared the repercussions, particularly him mentioning her messages to her parents. But now that Theo and Elyse had split, Mabel felt she had nothing to lose.

After a moment's hesitation, she messaged Theo.

After sex, Theo and Kaelyn lay naked on the bed. Theo's phone on the bedside table vibrated. He picked it up and glanced at the screen.

Curious, Kaelyn peeked over and saw a message from "Elyse's sister." A flash of annoyance crossed her face, but she masked her irritation. "Why are you friends with Elyse's sister?" she asked casually.

"I friended her a while back and never got around to blocking her," Theo explained.

He had met Mabel before and disliked her. She had frequently sent unwelcome messages, which he ignored.

Noticing Theo's expression, Kaelyn smiled playfully and cupped his chin. "You don't like Elyse's sister, but you seem to enjoy her admiration."

"You know me too well," Theo admitted. If he hadn't enjoyed the attention, he would have blocked Mabel long ago.

Kaelyn maintained her smile, understanding him perfectly. Having been with many men, she easily read their thoughts. Despite Theo's attempts at appearing noble, she knew him to be self-serving, cold, and ruthless.

"I'm your haven of tenderness," she cooed. "Whenever you're hurt or weary, I'm here to offer you comfort. Honey, aren't I the best?"

...