Chapter 344 They Were Too Similar
Maggie's stomach grumbled loudly, protesting its empty state, yet the thought of food left her queasy. The aroma of anything rich made her want to gag.
She chalked it up to nerves and turned to Fiorello. "I gotta find a spot to chill for a bit."
"Sure thing," Fiorello responded, guiding her to a cozy lounge spot.
Even plopped on a cozy chair, Maggie couldn't shake off the jitters. "I'm craving some lemonade."
A longing for something tangy nagged at her, the idea of greasy food churning her stomach.
"Gotcha, lemonade coming up," Fiorello promised, heading for the drinks station.
Dialing Arya's number, Maggie scanned the room. She hadn't caught sight of Arya and Adalia since they left the stage, a flicker of worry tugging at her.
Arya's voice on the line brought relief as she explained they were in the restroom.
Just as she hung up, Emily and a clique of socialites swept over.
Their timing was impeccable, the formality in their address unmistakable.
"As a lady, I'm smitten with Mrs. Fiores."
"Mr. Flores hit the jackpot."
Emily chimed in, "Maggie, I nudged you toward Fiorello for a reason, hoping to see more of him. You moved faster than I anticipated; Fiorello's already under your spell."
Maggie chuckled, "You act surprised, but you were in on it from the start. Hey, just call me Maggie. All this formality amps up my nerves even more."
Maggie thought of Dulce. Dulce had been around when Maggie took the stage earlier, but now she seemed to have vanished into thin air amidst the sea of faces crowding the grand banquet hall.
As they conversed, Fiorello strolled over with the lemonade in hand. "Maggie."
At his approach, the women graciously made way, creating an empty spot beside Maggie.
Accepting the cool glass, Maggie took a sip, the tartness instantly lifting her spirits.
Casually, Emily remarked, "Maggie, this lemonade is a real pucker. How are you managing to down it?"
Emily had given it a shot before and found the sharp tang unbearable.
"I kinda dig it," Maggie replied. "Maybe I scarfed down something too oily earlier, so this hits the spot."
One of the ladies piped up, "Maggie, are you expecting? My sister-in-law craves citrusy stuff like oranges and lemons during her pregnancy. It's so sour to me, but she laps it up."
Her comment caused a brief flutter in Fiorello's chest, swiftly dispelled as he reassured himself. He was well aware of Maggie's medical situation.
Casting a glance at Fiorello, Maggie grinned, clarifying, "Nah, just had a sudden hankering for something tangy."
Then, seizing a pretext, Maggie gently nudged Fiorello away. "You go ahead; I'll hang with these ladys for a bit."
"Alright," Fiorello rumbled, his voice deep. "Give me a holler if you need anything."
"Got it," Maggie replied with a grin.
As Fiorello rose and affectionately tousled Maggie's hair, the surrounding women couldn't help but shoot envious glances at their interaction.
Once Fiorello had departed, the teasing began in earnest.
"Maggie, you're one lucky lady. Everyone saw the pure love in Mr. Flores' eyes. It's got me craving a sweet romance of my own."
Surrounded by this friendly banter, Maggie felt entirely at ease, her usual reservations melting away.
Just then, out of the restroom popped Adalia, chirping out, "Mommy!" in a playful tone.
The ladies gaped in astonishment.
With their matching dresses, it was uncanny how much Adalia resembled Maggie.
Whispers rippled through the group. "Maggie, you and Mr. Flores kept this under wraps so skillfully. Your little girl is growing up fast."
"She's a doll, all rosy and delicate. Her eyes are just like Maggie's, but her nose and mouth—those belong to Mr. Flores."
"Just saw comments on the livestream urging you to start a family, not realizing you already have one."
"Look at her porcelain skin; definitely takes after Maggie there."
Emily, intrigued by the resemblance, scrutinized the pair. "Maggie, are you sure Adalia isn't your and Fiorello's biological offspring?"
Acknowledging Adalia's adoption, Emily couldn't help but marvel at the striking similarity between mother and daughter.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
