Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 552

Lacey hesitated, and Mark said, “You made the bet and set the stakes. I’ve lost to you all these years, and I’ve accepted all the bets. Given the long–standing friendship between our families, I don’t want to pressure you.

“If you truly don’t want to do this, just return the things I gave you, and we can get a divorce.”

“That’s absolutely out of the question,” Lacey interrupted, her voice firm. “The things I’ve won from you are rightfully mine; you can’t just take them back.”

“Then that means you’ve surrendered yourself to me.” Mark extended his hand toward Lacey, “What’s your decision? Are you coming in with me?”

After deliberating for a minute, Lacey finally placed her hand into Mark’s open palm. “If you can’t manage a smile, we should leave so our elders won’t worry,” Mark added, observing her closely.

Lacey forced a smile, an exaggerated grin offered to Mark. Mark smirked slightly and guided her through the door into the hall.

As they stepped inside, a chorus of cheers erupted. Colorful flower petals fell from the second floor like butterflies, transforming the white floor into a vivid tapestry.

“Mark,” Lacey yelped in surprise, quickly hiding behind him.

Mark was unfazed and pulled her closer. “You usually don’t scare easily; this shouldn’t rattle you.”

asked Layton, “Darling, has

Layton nearly laughed. “More like

has lost herself entirely,” Layton teased, ensuring his

out sometimes to test her IQ,” Alex said with a smirk, scratching his

shot back, annoyed at

playfully, “Why are you getting upset about

clear the way for you three,” Nalani urged her husband, pushing the stroller

asking,

Alex responded, though his eyes remained fixated on Ellie in

before discreetly trailing after Luck toward Ellie. Spotting

“What are you up

someone,” Nancy insisted,

from the side room, followed by two older

Nancy asked, crossing her

10

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