Chapter 20
Raymond walked over. Veronica, who was teaching the kids some techniques, looked up at the sound. She saw Raymond’s tall, imposing figure standing a short distance away, a faint smile playing at his lips as he watched her.
Veronica was puzzled, thinking. Why is Raymond here? He really just doesn’t know when to quit.
Marco asked, “Raymond, do you know Veronica?”
Raymond pursed his lips and nodded, glancing at Veronica. With a tone that would leave no room for argument, he said, “She’s my fian
“Hey,” Veronica suddenly spoke up, interrupting Raymond. She rushed over, linked her arm through his, and covered his mouth. “Let’s go talk over there
She pulled him along, not caring about the reactions of the others. The group was left standing there, unsure of what to say.
Marco thought, ‘Does Ms. Weston not realize that her behavior, compared to Mr. Harrington’s, makes her look like she’s hiding something?
In a quiet corner of the garden, Veronica let go of Raymond’s arm. “Mr. Harrington, could you please just tell me what you’re really after?” She was about to have a heart attack if he kept going on and on about her being his “fiancée
Raymond frowned. Having never been in a relationship and with no one to teach him about love, he didn’t quite understand how girls thought. He thought, I’ve made my intentions so obvious. Doesn’t she get it?
Veronica asked, “Huh?”
Raymond said, “You said that I should devote myself to you, and Tve agreed to it
“No, wait” Veronica slapped her forehead. “I was just joking back then. Do you know what a joke is?”
Raymond nodded. “I know.”
Veronica’s expression softened with relief. But before she could speak, he added, “But I took it seriously. I think the best way to repay you is to devote myself to you.
Veronica thought, “The best way? She rubbed her forehead, wondering. ‘Doesn’t he realize he’s taking advantage of me? Does he know how much older he is than I am?
And I’m not even interested in getting into a relationship, so how could I change my mind just because I saved someone? Besides, Raymond doesn’t have feelings for me either, right?‘
Veronica took a deep breath, trying to control her growing frustration. With a calm tone, she explained to him, “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have joked with you back then. Can we just forget about it? It doesn’t count, okay?”
She clasped her hands together, looking at him with pleading eyes.
Raymond asked, “It doesn’t count?”
Veronica nodded vigorously. “That’s right. It doesn’t count. I don’t want any repayment. I want nothing in return.”
“T’ve told you. That’s my business. You don’t need to feel burdened. You can do whatever you want, and I’ll do what I need to do, Raymond said.
Veronica didn’t know what to say. She thought, ‘So now I don’t need to feel burdened? Raymond is going around telling people we’re engaged. This is causing me a
a lot of trouble already!
Veronica remarked, “Okay, let me put it another way. I don’t want to have any kind of connection with you. Do you understand?” Raymond’s expression darkened slightly. Under the dim light, his jaw tightened, and a shadow of sadness quickly passed across his face before he returned to his usual calm. “I understand.”
Veronica replied, “That’s great. She let out a sigh of relief and gave Raymond a sweet smile. “I wish you all the best, Mr. Harrington.” She chuckled and turned ground, leaving without hesitation.
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Chapter 20
Raymond lowered his gaze, watching her slender figure under the light. He clenched his fists, hiding the smile that tugged at his lips as he whispered softly, “All the best, huh?”
The next morning, the golden light of dawn bathed the city of Vellas, a city as fiery as its spirit. People who had made fortunes smiled as they left the casinos.
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