Chapter 217 I Want to Be With You Forever
Downstairs, Harper was having dinner with Keith when a violinist materialized and began serenading the room. Harper assumed it was a typical fancy restaurant stunt and listened in quietly.
After the performance, she nodded appreciatively and thanked the musician. Unexpectedly, the violinist whipped out a lavish bouquet of red roses, extending them to Harper. Caught off guard, she hesitated, unsure whether to accept.
"Congratulations, miss, you're our lucky diner for the restaurant's second anniversary. The loveliest roses for the loveliest lady," the violinist declared with a flourish.
Seeing it was a part of the restaurant promotion, Harper took the roses without a second thought.
In a surprising turn, Keith rose from his seat, circled the table, and presented a jewelry box, unveiling a gleaming diamond bracelet.
Gently, he inquired, "Harper, will you be my girlfriend?"
Flabbergasted, Harper was at a loss for words, the suddenness of the moment throwing her off. Why the sudden declaration from Keith?
The surrounding crowd erupted in applause and cheers, urging her to say yes. Feeling the weight of the awkward situation, Harper whispered, "Keith, what's going on?"
Why hadn't he given her a heads-up about this grand gesture?
Keith arched an eyebrow, interjecting a touch of sincerity into his playful demeanor. "Don't you see? I want you to be mine."
Waving her hand hastily, Harper shook her head. "I'm not sure about this!"
Keith's expression dimmed, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "Harper, the woman at nine o'clock chased me all the way from overseas. I want her to know I've got a girlfriend. Could you help me out?"
"I..." Harper hesitated. She disliked deception, the memory of their prior makeshift relationship lingering heavily.
As the cheers persisted, Harper's gaze flicked to the woman at nine o'clock, who observed them intently.
Caught in a bind, she found herself torn.
Amid occasional boos from the crowd, Harper caught sight of Ben, who had previously taunted Keith, giving a disdainful thumbs-down.
Seeing Harper's hesitation, Keith's smile turned self-deprecating. "If this is too much, forget it," he murmured, tucking away the jewelry box with a slight stiffness in his movements.
Harper's heart softened, acknowledging Keith's many past kindnesses and not wanting him embarrassed in front of Ben. She squeezed Keith's arm, whispering a quick "Okay."
His eyes brightened as he delicately fastened the bracelet onto her wrist. "Harper, I want to be with you forever."
Noticing the bracelet's lock-shaped design, Harper detected a brief chill in Keith's gaze as he spoke, swiftly replaced by his usual warmth.
Yet a lingering doubt lingered in her mind, unresolved.
Unexpectedly, a familiar figure appeared at the entrance: Francis. His icy stare pierced through her, filling her with a sense of shame.
The air seemed to thin instantly.
Suddenly, Keith reached out and hugged her.
Harper's heart inexplicably panicked, and she instinctively tried to push him away but couldn't.
Keith held her tightly, responding to the crowd's cheers. Whispering softly, he assured her, "Just a show for a moment, Harper."
Harper's body was extremely stiff, and the unfamiliar fresh scent on her breath was not unpleasant, but she found it highly repulsive.
Francis's cold gaze intensified her unease, leaving her on edge.
Thankfully, Keith released her soon after, reaching for her hand as they moved forward, only to find her grasping the bouquet instead.
Though he noticed her avoidance, Keith kept up a cheery facade. "Let's go."
With Francis looming by the door, Harper had no choice but to walk forward with a stiff upper lip.
Then Keith seemed just to notice Francis, paused, and after Harper walked ahead, he put his arm around her waist and greeted him, "Mr. Getty, what a coincidence."
His words, combined with his actions, were blatantly provocative.
In response, Francis's demeanor darkened, emanating a palpable coldness. With a mocking chuckle, he remarked, "Enjoying the company of a man's ex-wife, are we?"
The contemptuous tone made Harper's hands clench in frustration.
Meeting her gaze, Francis nonchalantly inquired, "Are you going to spend the night together now?"
Her face blanched at his deliberate attempt to humiliate her. Fuming, she shot back, "Do you have no decency?"
Francis's lips curled in a cold smile. "Perhaps you've forgotten our encounters in the car and the ward just a few days back?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
