Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 188

It was probably the first time she'd ever gazed at a man with such obvious infatuation, completely zoning out for so long. But honestly, who could blame her? Lyman was just unfairly gorgeous-so striking it was impossible not to sneak a few extra glances.

Effie cracked the window for some fresh air. The cool breeze brushed her face, and finally, she started to feel like herself again.

"So, um... why did Mom want us back at the old house again? Did something happen?" Effie asked nervously.

Lyman slowed the car, freeing one hand to squeeze hers gently. "No matter what's going on, I'll always be by your side," he said softly.

Effie shot him a look, torn between laughing and crying. "Now you're making me even more anxious."

Lyman let out a soft laugh. "Guess I'm not very good at comfort, huh?"

Effie winked at him. "You're fine, really."

"Oh?" Lyman glanced over, trying to decide if she was teasing or genuinely reassuring him.

the road," Effie coughed,

turned his

up outside the Etheridge

car, arms weighed down

need for all this formality; you're family," Bancroft said warmly, his

to herself: That's what people always say, but she'd always believed in the old saying no one hits a smiling face. She just wanted to make a good impression, even

in, "I told her the same thing, but she insists it's not about etiquette. She just cares about everyone, so

gifts, but I really hope everyone likes them." She glanced gratefully at Lyman, warmth blooming in

others had so much as cracked a smile; even Mitchell had told her

was another test. If the Etheridges reacted the

you get?" Fidelia asked,

before she could dig in, Marcia shot her

stepped

help but notice: when it came to good manners, the Etheridges were in a whole different league

than extravagant, but somehow, she'd managed to pick