Chapter 58

Roxanne had been resting in her hospital ward for over ten days. Her wrist wound was nearly healed. That day, she was discharged. Shaun, Ingrid, and Bruce arrived to pick her up.

"Oh, Bruce, now that Roxanne's been discharged, what are your wedding plans?" Ingrid asked.

Bruce managed a weak smile. "We planned to choose the wedding gown in a few days, after Roxanne's fully recovered. Then, we'll pick an auspicious date for the engagement."

Ingrid's mouth twitched. An engagement? Why not just get the marriage certificate? she thought. However, she lacked the courage to say this; pressing the issue would embarrass Roxanne.

"Okay," Ingrid said. "You two decide. As elders, we'll offer advice only when needed. Let's go."

The driver opened the car door. Ingrid entered first, followed by Roxanne and Shaun. Bruce was last.

As the car drove toward the Haynes residence, Bruce's heart grew heavier. He realized he didn't have feelings for Roxanne. He never felt any strong attraction to her. Still, he pressed on.

Reaching home, Ingrid immediately made several calls. "Hello, Mrs. Roger! My dear Roxanne is engaged! To Mr. Everett, of course. He even bought a twenty-carat pink diamond and proposed!" After hanging up, she called Mrs. Paul: "Roxanne's engagement is next month; you must come!"

Ingrid gleefully boasted to her upper-class friends.

Days later, news of Bruce and Roxanne's engagement spread rapidly. Greyport socialites scoffed. "Another engagement? They had one six years ago! What good did that do?"

"Ingrid's so smug! How could the Everett family accept her daughter?"

"Mr. Everett's blind to choose Ingrid's daughter!"

"I heard Roxanne cut her wrist and pressured Bruce into this marriage. The Everetts accepted her to avoid a fatality," one socialite whispered. "It's the same old Ingrid—forcing herself into a family!"

"Like mother, like daughter. That girl must be trouble."

Gavin learned of the engagement and panicked. He bombarded Roxanne with calls and texts. Irritated, Roxanne finally answered.

"Hello, Roxy. You finally answered"

"Gavin, don't ever call me again!"

Gavin's voice was desperate. "Roxy, I just want to see you one last time. I promise, it'll be the last."

Roxanne hesitated. "No, Gavin. We can't see each other. Bruce can't find out."

"But I miss you, Roxy!" Gavin repeated.

Roxanne relented. "Fine. Our usual meeting place."

"Great! I'll be there!"

At the sushi bar, Gavin was waiting.

"I missed you so much, Roxy!" He embraced her.

Roxanne struggled. "Gavin, we have to stop. I'm getting married. We can't meet again."

"I know…" Gavin kissed her cheeks.

"Let go of me!" Roxanne pushed him away, though secretly yearning for him.

"Roxy, I missed you so much! I won't disturb your life."

Roxanne's breath hitched. "Don't… stop…"

"Did you miss me, Roxy?" Gavin knew she enjoyed the thrill.

Roxanne, having spent ten days in the hospital, couldn't resist. She wanted to refuse, but Gavin was too persuasive.

"Roxy, let's forget about your engagement."

"Yes… sure…"

They spent the afternoon together. Afterward, Roxanne regained her composure. She knew she needed to stop seeing Gavin. Playing with fire would eventually burn her—and the Haynes family—if Bruce discovered their affair.

(The repeated “Search the FindNovel.net website…” has been removed as it is not part of the story itself.)