Chapter 13

Anne’s face paled as she watched Giselle flirt with Donovan. “Don, what just happened?” Anne demanded, her voice urgent. “That—I mean, Giselle—why was she here? And why were you two fighting?” Donovan didn’t seem to hear her. He continued smoking, his eyes dark and distant as he watched Giselle’s car drive away. For a long moment, he remained silent.

“Don?”

“Just go. I need some time alone,” he muttered, ignoring her question.

Anne sounded panicked. “Go? But we were supposed to pick out the diamond ring this evening and have dinner!”

“Just figure out all the engagement details yourself. I’ll transfer you the money for whatever you need.”

Donovan stubbed out his cigarette, discussing their engagement as casually as if delegating a simple task. He didn’t even look at Anne, the woman he was about to marry. His cold, detached attitude left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Remembering their recent altercation, Anne was sure Giselle was responsible for his mood. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that crazy woman from my family. She ruined your peace,” Anne murmured, embracing him from behind.

“Don’t even waste a thought on her. She’s just a cheap slut who’s slept around. She has over a dozen boyfriends and at least five abortions. That’s why she’s shameless enough to pull this crap with you! Don’t worry. My parents and I will handle her quietly.”

Donovan coldly removed her arms. “Go home. I’ve got work.” Without another word, unconcerned with her feelings, he turned and went upstairs, his face impassive.

Anne stood frozen, her heart sinking. The sight of Giselle touching Donovan, coupled with her constant interference, ignited her fury. She drew a sharp, quiet breath. It was time to act.

Giselle drove down the main road, her cheeks still faintly tingling, the unsettling feeling lingering. She’d actually had a wonderful time with Zachary that day; it was the first real relaxation she’d felt in ages. But then she ran into Donovan, and everything descended into a ridiculous, melodramatic mess.

She wasn’t one to dwell, but Donovan kept intruding—one minute threatening her, the next attempting to sleep with her, playing both sides like the hypocrite he was. Even if her hormones weren't imbalanced, her mood certainly was.

Giselle dragged herself home, exhausted. She had just collapsed onto the couch when her phone pinged with a WhatsApp notification. She picked it up and saw a voice message from Zachary.

“Where are you, Giselle? I’m sorry for leaving you like that this afternoon. Uncle Don said my grandma fell and was taken to the hospital. It sounded serious, so I had to go without saying a word.”

Giselle forced herself to sound awake as she recorded her reply. “Don’t worry about it. How’s your grandma doing now?”

“Ugh, it’s just a sprained back. Nothing bad. Uncle Don totally overreacted.”

“Well, take care of her. And thanks for hanging out with me today.”

“Are you free tonight? I want to see you now.”

Giselle hesitated before typing her reply. “I already have plans tonight. We’ve been hanging out all afternoon. Let’s do this another time.”

Without waiting for Zachary’s response, she switched off her phone, sank into the couch cushions, and closed her eyes. All she wanted was silence to alleviate her pounding headache. Now that she knew Zachary was Donovan’s nephew, she had no interest in getting involved. The last thing she needed was unnecessary drama.

Two more quiet days passed. Giselle, focused on renovating the veterinary clinic, worked long hours, overseeing even the smallest details. Then one morning, two unexpected visitors arrived as she was discussing medical equipment with a staff member.