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.

Effie coughed, stifling

chuckle, Lyman turned his full attention back to

enough, they pulled up outside

car, arms weighed down with bags of gifts-big

need for all this formality; you're family,"

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

it's not about etiquette. She just cares about everyone, so she put real thought into picking things

gifts, but I really hope everyone likes them." She

she'd chosen gifts for Mrs. Lloyd-Adeline- hoping to win her over. But neither Adeline nor the others had so much as cracked a smile; even Mitchell had told

reacted

get?" Fidelia asked, reaching

before she could dig in, Marcia shot her a warning look.

stepped aside with

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

gifts. Each one was practical rather than extravagant, but somehow, she'd managed to pick out exactly what each