Chapter 295
Whispers spread through the crowd like wildfire. Judgmental stares burned into Arabella, some gazes turning downright predatory.
Arabella hadn't anticipated Rosalind's quick recovery, let alone such a vicious counterattack. Flushing scarlet, she shoved through the onlookers and fled.
"Arabella!" Julian called out, sprinting after her.
He seized her wrist. "Are you angry with me?"
Arabella's face burned with humiliation. She struggled against his grip. "Julian, this has to stop. People are already gossiping."
But Julian tightened his hold, yanking her into an embrace. "Who cares what they think? Tell me truthfully - do you have feelings for me?"
The delicate flower act crumbled as Arabella bit her lip and nodded. "Yes."
"Then we're together," Julian declared, excitement coloring his voice. "Tomorrow, I'll declare my love for you publicly."
Arabella's eyes glittered with triumph. Victory was hers.
The Blackwood family ranked among Willowbrook's elite. Marrying Julian would catapult her into high society.
"But what about Rosalind?" she murmured, feigning concern.
Just hearing that name made Julian's jaw clench.
How dare that hideous woman humiliate him by breaking their engagement publicly? Tomorrow he'd make Rosalind watch as he proclaimed his love for Arabella - he wanted to see her weep with regret.
Why was he still thinking about that ugly creature?
Julian cupped Arabella's flawless face, his thumb tracing her cheekbone. What man could resist such beauty? This was what he desired - not some scarred freak like Rosalind.
"Don't ruin the moment," he growled before crushing his lips to hers.
Arabella pretended to hesitate before surrendering to the kiss, teasing him until his breathing turned ragged.
Julian - the quintessential 6'1" athlete with old money charm - pinned Arabella against the wall. His hands wandered beneath her clothes, hungry for more contact.
He nipped her earlobe. "So tiny I could snap you in half."
Arabella giggled, playfully slapping his chest.
Thirty minutes later, they separated, both wearing smug, satisfied smiles. Arabella immediately dialed Isabella.
"Julian's declaring his love tomorrow?" Isabella squealed. "I wouldn't miss this! I want to see that ugly troll cry!"
Isabella still seethed over Rosalind's humiliation at the Whitmore estate. Tomorrow she'd relish watching Rosalind squirm.
Arabella basked in her triumph. "Be there early. And it won't just be Rosalind crying - Harrison will too."
Ah yes, Harrison - her true target.
"Julian's really got you glowing," Isabella teased.
Arabella shivered remembering how Julian had manhandled her. That bad boy edge made her knees weak. "Best advice you ever gave me."
Isabella cackled. "Future Mrs. Blackwood! Can't wait for tomorrow's show."
Seeing Rosalind stand her ground filled Harrison with pride. Despite her birthmark, Rosalind shone like the sun - warm and radiant with boundless energy.
While fetching hot water, Harrison overheard two girls whispering.
"Julian's declaring his love to Arabella tomorrow!"
"Poor Rosalind! Even as his fiancée, Julian never cared for her. Look how he dotes on Arabella."
"Honestly? They make a perfect couple."