Chapter 220
Vivien was a hot mess as security held her back, her face flushed with fury and defeat.
“You’ve ruined me. Damn you,‘ she spat at Gwendolyn, her fury palpable. “You’ve brought nothing but bad!… my family! I wish you’d disappear from the earth! My family went bankrupt, and my dad has been arrested! My life’s a living hell because of you! What gives you the night to look so damn perfect?”
Her venom was aimed squarely at Gwendolyn, who stood there, the picture of composure as Vivien raged on.
“You’re like a curse, Gwen! Since you showed up, my happy life has been torn to shreds.”
Gwendolyn looked at her with an icy calm. “Vivien, I don’t owe you a thing. You’ve caused an accident and hurt people. Get ready to face the music.”
“I’m not scared!” Vivien sneered back, her laugh a hollow sound. “So, what if I lost, Gwen? You haven’t won either! No one ever told you the truth about that car crash, did they? Selina was right there in the passenger seat!
When the crash happened, Howard did the unthinkable. He swerved the wheel to protect Selina! He ended up in a coma, a vegetable, while Selina walked away without a scratch!
In Howard’s heart, you’ll never hold a candle to Selina! She’s his childhood sweetheart, the belle of Bayridge City, talented and beautiful beyond words! He gave his life to protect her!”
Vivien watched with a twisted satisfaction as Gwendolyn’s expression turned sour, her laughter growing wilder. “So, what if you’re his wife? His heart will always belong to Selina!”
Gwendolyn stood there, stunned, feeling an inexplicable chill despite the warm summer air.
Her usually resilient mindset was crumbling, piece by piece.
“Gwen, are you okay?” Sandra wrapped an arm around her, pulling her back to reality.
Gwendolyn nodded, pressing her lips together, a bitter taste of insecurity lingering in her thoughts.
The police arrived shortly, escorting Vivien and Gwendolyn to the station for questioning. Sandra returned to the hospital to secure time off for Gwendolyn.
Vivien was detained for the accident.
After giving her statement, Gwendolyn left the police station to find Nathan waiting.
“Hey, Gwen, you okay? Don’t worry about a thing. I’m on top of this.”
He opened the car door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat, her mind a mix of emotions.
“Listen, Gwen, when Howard left, he made me promise to take care of you.” Nathan glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “I think it’s time we get you several bodyguards.”
“Nathan,” her voice was hoarse, “I need to ask you something.”
He tensed, anticipating her question. News of the hospital confrontation had reached him.
“Go ahead, Gwen.”
“Selina and Mr. Chadwick… were they close before?”
It was a sensitive question, but if anyone knew, it would be Nathan, Howard’s bro.
Nathan hesitated before saying, “Howard never discussed such personal matters with me. But it was clear as day that Selina was on track to be Howard’s wife. If it weren’t for that accident…”
“They would be engaged by now?” Gwendolyn’s voice was even, concealing the turmoil within.
“Look, romantic feelings and parental expectations are two different things. Howard never admitted to any feelings for Selina openly. But look at everything he has done for you!” Nathan was quick to defend.
“But, you know, Selina has her ways, the little tricks and charms that most men fall for,” Nathan added as an afterthought. “Gwen, you’re too straight–laced sometimes. I’ll sort out something fun for you and Howard to spice things up a bit.”
The car pulled up to the Chadwick family’s cozy villa.
After bidding Nathan goodbye, Gwendolyn stood at the doorstep, struggling to calm her racing heart.
Would Howard risk his life for Selina if it wasn’t love? The foundation, the accident, weren’t they all proof of a deep, abiding love?
Was she too proper, too old–fashioned? Did men prefer someone like Selina?
Her grip tightened on her phone, which suddenly vibrated in her hand.
It was a call from Howard.
