Bride Behind The Mask (Frederick and Marguerite)

Chapter 894

Hayes and Margot exchanged glances, hope flickering in their eyes-just as it did in Marguerite's.

But Marguerite herself wasn't even sure what she was hoping for.

Would he say Violet's name? Surely, he would.

Yet, at that very moment, the man's gaze rested openly on her, as if trying to give her the answer without a single word.

Maybe she was just imagining things. Flustered, she broke eye contact, just in time to see him hand the card back and say the final name aloud.

"Manley."

A name no one expected.

Marguerite burst into laughter. It wasn't either of the names she'd guessed, not even close, but for some inexplicable reason it put her in a good mood.

Hayes and Margot both deflated. Margot, half-annoyed and half-anxious, shot the man an exasperated look.

"Dad, why'd you pick Manley? He's not even here! You're supposed to name someone who's actually in the room!"

He stared back at his daughter, face unreadable, saying nothing.

Aberdeen glanced at the two cards, then gave a regretful sigh. "Well, that was a bust. Let's try again next time. The rules only count for adults who are present!"

With that, Aberdeen returned to his seat. Hayes and Margot grumbled quietly, sulking as they deliberately plopped down together.

Uh-oh.

Did that mean she'd be sitting next to Silas now?

Marguerite noticed he'd already leaned

empty seats farther back. Marguerite had no desire to stay squeezed in beside him, so

window, she'd have to squeeze past him to get out. The space was cramped, and she hesitated, trying to figure out how

then, the bus jerked to an abrupt stop. Marguerite lost her

a strong hand caught her wrist, steadying her. With a gentle tug, she tumbled right

nerve in her body seemed to

"Sit properly."

in her ear. Mortified, Marguerite

"Buckle your seatbelt."

spoke again, this time gruff and

She hastily fastened her seatbelt, then turned to face the window, squeezing her

of what just happened was seared into her

hour later, the bus arrived at the

Its ivory dome glowed, with a transparent

mountain. They'd

kids up the slope.

to Margot, the two kids giggling as they hunted for fallen leaves and snapped photos

Marguerite walked,

her, and every time she

Marguerite. She tried to refuse, but he was already

Silas a nudge, clearly wanting a picture of the two

who'd been keeping to himself the whole time, now dug in his heels. Instead of joining, he sat down on a bench

on, Dad, get up! It's picture

was icy. "I'm not taking a photo

words were so blunt that

What was going on?