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?

of her eye, Marguerite noticed he'd already leaned back, eyes half closed, showing

Marguerite had no desire to stay squeezed in beside him, so

by the window, she'd have to squeeze past him to get out. The space was cramped, and she hesitated, trying to figure out how to slip by without

an abrupt stop. Marguerite lost her balance and instinctively lurched

strong hand caught her wrist, steadying her. With a gentle

her body seemed to spark, her

"Sit properly."

voice rumbled in her ear. Mortified, Marguerite slid away, stiffly putting some space between

"Buckle your seatbelt."

this

burned even hotter. She hastily fastened her seatbelt, then turned to face the window, squeezing

memory of what just happened was

hour later, the bus arrived

sight of Hayes' long-awaited dream: Nina's tent hotel. Its ivory dome glowed, with a transparent top perfect for stargazing

halfway up the mountain. They'd

leading their excited kids up the slope. Hoping to ditch

stuck close to Margot, the two kids giggling as they hunted for fallen leaves

Marguerite walked, she couldn't get

and every time she looked over her

of Marguerite. She tried to refuse, but he

wanting a picture of the

to himself the whole time, now dug in his heels. Instead of joining, he sat down on

on, Dad, get up! It's picture

voice was icy. "I'm not

words were so blunt that even Margot was

What was going on?