Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee by KIKI

Chapter 876: You’re Not Worthy of Ruud

Neither of them felt comfortable in formal settings. So, Ruud brought her to this quiet spot to catch her breath before heading back. "You've just come back, and I can't even get a hug? Are you already tired of me?" Ruud, a grown man, spoke with a hint of grievance.

Natalie quickly comforted him. This was her man, after all, someone she adored from the bottom of her heart. "What can I say? I love you. I'll endure it."

She reached out and gently patted Ruud's head, as if soothing a large dog.

Ruud immediately perked up at her words. His tone softened. "If it's too hot, we can go swimming. There's a new pool I had built behind my room. Want to give it a try?" Natalie blinked. She felt there was something mischievous in his suggestion, her lips parting slightly to respond-

"Ruud!" A poised, elegant voice interrupted. River Swanson approached gracefully, Luna Black, dressed in purple, trailing behind her. Before Natalie could speak, River had already cut her off.

A faint awkwardness flickered across River's fair face. She lowered her head slightly, turning to the side, her earlobes tinged pink. "Ruud, I just stepped out of the banquet hall for some air. I happened to see you around the corner and couldn't contain my excitement. Given our... history, it's terribly rude of me not to have greeted you earlier. Running into you like this... I'm so sorry."

Her hands, hanging at her sides, clenched the hem of her white dress.

There's no such thing as a pure "chance encounter." In reality, she and Luna Black had scoured nearly the entire Pace family estate before finally locating Ruud here. Sweat clung to her back.

Luna Black, seeing River's bashfulness, also turned her head. "Meeting like this in broad daylight really is... quite awkward."

Two apologies in a row. Natalie tilted her chin, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I thought some young girl had wandered in by mistake. But now that I take a closer look, you're about my age. There's nothing to feel sorry about. Since you know my husband, why don't you take a seat? There are two chairs over there, one for each of you."

She gestured with a casual flick of her finger, exuding the confidence and grace of a true hostess.

Ruud frowned slightly. The beautiful scenery, the rare moment of solitude with his wife-it was all ruined. His displeasure was evident in his tone. "What's there to apologize for? You're both grown women. What haven't you seen? Is it just because we're showing a bit of affection? Why the fuss?"

froze for a moment, her nails digging into her palms. She hadn't expected Ruud to call her old. She'd invested heavily in luxury skincare and regular visits to cosmetic clinics. Anyone who saw her wouldn't guess

Ruud: Years of feelings?

In your dreams?

on the battlefield all these years. How

much. From the moment she entered, she had scrutinized Natalie closely. To her dismay, she realized Natalie was not only more stunning than either of them but

the two women sat on

steadying herself. She gave a soft smile and spoke delicately, "Ruud, it's been such a long time. You've only grown more handsome.

a hint of shyness, her gaze brimming with admiration

his arm around Natalie's waist. He was ready to nap. He'd

"Miss Swanson has never forgotten the bond you share. She's been waiting for you

bother to respond,

age. It does make

entertained. Nestled in Ruud's arms, her

longer. She turned her gaze toward Natalie, her tone arrogant. "You must be Natalie. Sure, you're somewhat attractive, but the woman beside me

adopting the demeanor of a proper lady. Yet, her arched brows betrayed her sense of superiority. "Natalie, my apologies. I was so caught up talking to Ruud that I forgot to greet you. I'm River Swanson. My family may not be as powerful

words were polite, her smile carried

be quite ignorant, then. I've never heard

of the Ashbury Swanson family? I suppose all you know is the Pace family? Marriages in prestigious families are about compatibility. You were lucky enough to have a daughter,

cold glint in his eyes. He was

pressed his hand lightly, signaling in their private language: I'll handle this. It's been a

sweet and radiant, but her voice carried a sharp edge. "Why don't you just spell it out for me? I'm a straightforward person-I don't understand