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?

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

back. Marguerite had no desire to

window, she'd have to squeeze past him to get out. The

bus jerked to an abrupt stop. Marguerite

caught her wrist, steadying her. With a

her body seemed to spark,

"Sit properly."

Mortified, Marguerite slid away, stiffly putting some space

"Buckle your seatbelt."

again, this time gruff and

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

just happened was seared into

hour later, the bus arrived at

dream: Nina's tent hotel. Its ivory dome glowed, with a transparent top perfect for stargazing at

catch? The hotel was perched halfway up the mountain. They'd have to hike up the

their excited kids up the slope. Hoping to ditch Silas,

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

how fast Marguerite walked,

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

to take a photo of Marguerite. She tried to refuse, but he was already

a nudge, clearly wanting a picture of the

the whole time, now dug in his heels. Instead of joining, he sat

on, Dad, get

"I'm not taking

that even Margot was taken

What was going on?