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?"

She'd invested heavily in luxury skincare and regular visits to cosmetic clinics. Anyone who saw her wouldn't guess her age. And now, with just a few words, Natalie had driven a wedge between her and

Ruud: Years of feelings?

In your dreams?

been on the battlefield all these years. How could we

Even if she was younger than Natalie, it wasn't by 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 also radiantly youthful, despite having lived a wandering life and bearing a daughter. The realization made their

women sat on the

a soft smile and spoke delicately, "Ruud, it's been such a long time. You've only grown more handsome. I often hear news

voice carried a hint of shyness, her gaze brimming with

wrapping his arm around Natalie's waist. He was ready to nap. He'd heard such compliments countless

the awkwardness evident. Luna Black quickly stepped in. "Miss Swanson has never forgotten the bond you share. She's been waiting for you all these

bother to respond,

make one

the other hand, seemed entertained. Nestled in Ruud's arms, her eyes sparkled with amusement

toward Natalie, her tone arrogant. "You must be Natalie. Sure, you're somewhat attractive, but the woman beside me is the daughter of the

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 as the

words were polite, her smile carried a provocative

curved slightly. "I must be quite ignorant, then.

disdainful glance, sneering. "You'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

cold glint in his eyes. He was

this. It's been a while since someone dared to

don't you just spell it out for me? I'm a straightforward person-I don't