Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

"Hey, it's Angela! Long time no see. Come on in!" Zayn's attention shifted immediately from the streamer to Angela as soon as he saw her.

The others watched intently, sensing the drama. Compared to some random streamer, Angela was far more interesting.

After all, among the socialites and heiresses in Eldmere, she was the only one who had managed to marry Dexter. It was still an incredible feat, even though her marriage was far from a fairytale.

"No, thank you,” Angela replied with a polite smile. "I'm here to take Dexter home. He said he was drunk."

Her demeanor was graceful, and her tone was gentle. She had an air of elegance about her. Dressed simply and untouched by heavy makeup, she radiated a calm beauty that made her stand out among the other women present in their flashy outfits.

-Zayn glanced at Dexter, feeling perplexed. He looked perfectly sober. There wasn't any

sign of drunkenness at all.

“Since you're here, come in and have something to eat before you leave, Ms. Graham,” Elena offered warmly, standing up and attempting to lead her inside.

However, Angela subtly evaded her touch. She looked over at Dexter, who wore an expression so glum that it seemed like someone had stolen millions from him. This irked her even more.

“Come on, Angela. It's my birthday today, and the night's still young. Dexter's only had two glasses of wine at most. How about you let him enjoy himself?

“I promise I won't stop you from taking him home once he's really had enough,” Zayn pleaded, ignoring any protests and guiding her to the seat beside Dexter.

Suddenly, the room's ten or so guests turned their attention to them. It was as if they were watching monkeys at a zoo.

Elena, seated on Dexter's left, was calmly slicing a peach. She then pierced a piece with a toothpick and handed it to him.

It was a seemingly harmless gesture, but with Angela present, it took on a different tone.

Someone commented with a smirk, “Everyone knows Angela never joins us. I wonder for whose sake she came tonight."

voice laced with sarcasm while she maintained an innocent

Chapter 18

and use threats against the insignificant Graham family to get his way. Otherwise, do you think I'd

said everything with a

taunting remarks countless times. In the past, she had endured them for Dexter's sake, out of

to leave him, there was no need for her to keep up pretenses and

words fell, everyone's expression faltered and

brush off even the harshest comments.

the spot. His expression soured

him like she was clueless about the impact of her words. "Didn't you say you were drunk? The car is outside.

peach on

no need for such talk. Dexter only wanted to introduce his wife to his friends. He's

Angela's eyes

shifted to Elena, her smile still firmly in place.

Bamford family name is something to be maintained? If I'm here as Dexter's wife, then what's your role here exactly? Are you just a friend? I've

paused, and then pretended to realize something. “Oh, this must be that kind of close friendship that people talk about, right? You know—the kind where

Elena biting her lip in embarrassment. Even her eyes reddened involuntarily at

“Enough!” Dexter reprimanded coldly.

at Angela, fury simmering behind his

Chapter 18

Angela didn't back down. She met his gaze boldly and said, "The car is outside. If you

their jabs. She would not put her dignity on a silver platter for Dexter's friends to make fun of her for

Dexter's face hardened as he got up and walked toward the door. Behind him, Elena's eyes flashed with bitterness.

returned home, Angela immediately

her with a low growl. “Hold

and turned to face

with irritation now. All she wanted

him.

now, indeed." Dexter pushed himself up from the couch. His slightly drunken state made his stare even more piercing. Still, he was maddeningly

you should be asking yourself!” His tall figure