When Love Is a Lie

or course, we would be agreeable to it, Mrs. Howard. We’re progressive parents who only want the best for our daughter. If she wishes to marry the man she loves, sho are we to stop her Westley said sycophantically.

Spencer Coup’s future would be secured if they became in–laws with the deputy mayor, Westley would be the city’s most reputable businessman and father with boch his daughters married into the Howard family!

As the thought crossed his mind, he added enthusiastically, “Besides, we trust that you and Mr. Howard are good, honest people who will look after stella’s best

Madelyn took a few sips of her exper

her expensive coffee and handed the cup to her housekeeper. A wry smile curled her lips as she said, “Well, of course. After all, our amilies have known each other for some time, and your eldest daughter is engaged to Damian, Naturally, my husband and I see Stella as our own. Westley and Rebeca could have keeled over with excitement when they heard this. Stella and Noel’s engagement was practically set in stone at this rate.

“shall we take a look at the groom?” Madelyn asked suddenly, raising her hand as it in signal

Westley thought Noel might have shown up, and even Reberra was prering out the entryway in anticipation of his arrival.

the woman a photograph. “This is a distant nephew of mine who owns a restaurant. He’s talented as

Stella would make a

set the photo down on the table,continuing, “I came to propose an engagement on his behalf. Everyone in the family has been worded that he would not meet a suitable young lady. After some consideration, Ickon Stella would be a wonderful match for him. We’d feel better if

Wesley’s and Rebecca’s faces froze After a while, the latter stammered, “I–is stella not going to marry your

was derisive. “Oh, goodness, Noel? You must be mistaken. Why would we set him

the photos on the Internet

public with plenty of young women are after out Noel, but we’d be silly to take any of them secily,” Madelyn

(laugh escaped her.

silenced her with a warning look. Authings were, he understood

she did not think Stella

Howards, and Madelyn was a more formidable force than she let on Westley was a smart man, and he knew it was invoking Madelyn’s wrath