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?

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

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

have to squeeze past him to get out. The space was cramped, and she

an abrupt stop. Marguerite

caught her wrist, steadying her. With a gentle

in her body seemed to spark,

"Sit properly."

rumbled in her ear. Mortified,

"Buckle your seatbelt."

spoke again, this time gruff and

She hastily fastened her seatbelt, then turned to

memory of what just happened was seared into her bones,

bus arrived

hotel. Its ivory dome

mountain. They'd have to hike

leading their excited kids up

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

how fast Marguerite walked, she couldn't get very

time she looked over her shoulder, there

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

a nudge, clearly wanting a picture

the whole time, now dug in his heels. Instead of joining, he sat down on a bench beneath a tree,

Dad, get up!

"I'm not taking a

words were so blunt that even Margot

What was going on?