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?

corner of her eye, Marguerite noticed he'd already leaned back, eyes half closed, showing no intention whatsoever

farther back. Marguerite had no desire to stay squeezed in beside him, so she decided to get up

him to get out. The space was cramped, and she hesitated, trying to figure

abrupt stop.

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

nerve in her body seemed to spark, her heart skipping several

"Sit properly."

Mortified, Marguerite slid

"Buckle your seatbelt."

spoke again, this time

turned to face the window, squeezing her eyes shut in hopes of

memory of what just happened was seared into her bones, impossible to shake

the bus arrived at

tent hotel. Its ivory dome glowed, with a transparent

hotel was perched halfway up the mountain. They'd have

were already leading their excited kids up

two kids giggling as they hunted for fallen

fast Marguerite walked, she couldn't get very far

silently just behind her, and every time she looked over her

Marguerite. She tried to refuse, but he

gave Silas a nudge, clearly wanting a picture

his heels. Instead of joining, he sat down on a bench beneath a tree,

Dad, get

was icy. "I'm not taking a photo

words were so blunt that even Margot was

What was going on?