Chapter 458

Although Alexander had rejected Brittany many times, she found solace in the fact that he had no other women. This allowed her to tolerate his temperament. She believed, perhaps unknowingly, that he loved her; a feeling that was both evident and elusive.

She patiently waited for Alexander to realize his feelings, but the prospect of his engagement filled her with dread.

"That's true. That's why I was shocked! You never mentioned he was engaged!" Arianna agreed, nodding.

"Come on, continue!" Brittany urged, her heart pounding with anxiety.

"Well, it was Mr. Lodge's birthday, so my uncle went with his son. Afterward, he mentioned something, and I overheard," Arianna explained, her eyes flashing.

Brittany waited, then blinked. "That's it?"

"Yep! That's all!" Arianna replied, spreading her hands.

"Wait, what? There's more! You didn't say who Alex is engaged to! What did your uncle say?" Brittany's anxiety gave way to disappointment. "That's nothing! No juicy details! How frustrating!"

"My uncle didn't say who. He only said the wedding was imminent, that Mr. Russell was already engaged, and Alex needed to prepare. He didn't say anything else."

Arianna had overheard Derrick telling his wife this in the next room. Women usually handled socializing and gift-giving, and Derrick had deliberately mentioned it so Arianna would know. He knew how much Brittany liked Alexander and her years of unrequited love.

Upon hearing of Alexander's engagement, Brittany immediately questioned Arianna. The news sent her into a frenzy. "He didn't say who the girl was?" Brittany asked hesitantly.

Arianna shook her head. "If he had, I would have thought it was you and asked you immediately!"

The confirmation, however indirect, fueled Brittany's anxiety. The information came from Derrick, making it likely true. She didn't know her rival, and the thought of competing for Alexander, without even knowing her opponent, was unbearable.

"Don't worry. Why don't you ask Alex?" Arianna offered comfort, standing and patting Brittany's shoulder.

Brittany refused decisively. "No!" A false accusation could be dismissed as a joke, but if it were true, she would be the laughingstock.