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.

on the road," Effie

turned his

pulled up

arms weighed down with bags of gifts-big and

you're family," Bancroft

to herself: That's what people always say, but she'd always believed in the old saying no one

not about etiquette. She just cares about everyone,

likes them." She glanced gratefully at Lyman, warmth blooming in her

Lloyd-Adeline- hoping to win her over. But neither Adeline nor the others had so much as cracked a smile; even

test. If the Etheridges reacted the same

Fidelia asked, reaching for

Marcia shot

clearly annoyed, stepped aside with

when it came to good manners, the Etheridges were in

the gifts. Each one was practical rather than extravagant, but somehow, she'd managed