Free Web NovelChapter 123: Independent (3)
"Never? Ever?" Alana asked, still not believing it.
"Why is it so surprising?" Scarlet questioned. "I did not need it."
"Scarlet, I am far from being a fan of Jack, but shouldn’t you have accepted it despite being able to buy what you want yourself? I mean, isn’t it normal for men to want to spoil you?" Alana asked, turning to Dawson for support.
Dawson looked at Alana and then at Scarlet. It wasn’t normal for him to get involved in Scarlet’s conversations. He was just to stand here and protect her. "It is normal."
"I have accepted gifts from him. I don’t want to speak of him now. That part of my life is over and I do not want to go down memory lane," said Scarlet.
It was even more annoying to speak of Jack with Beth present.
"Well, now I am not thinking about Jack. I am thinking about Ian. If he offers to spoil you, let him," Alana advised Scarlet. "Though you have the money for what you need, you should allow yourself to be spoiled by someone else. Rejecting it might hurt his feelings."
"Why must we speak of men now?" Scarlet questioned, only interested in dresses right now. "What has Ian offered you that you are speaking for him now?"
"Nothing. I just like him. Well, what I see so far. You do seem to have a thing for rejecting what is offered to you. He visited the estate with boxes in his hands before. Did you accept the gifts right away or tell him that he didn’t need to?" Alana asked.
"Ian knows that there’s no reason to exchange gifts between us. Are you pinching me? Would you like me to do the same to you?" Scarlet asked, not serious.
"Aha," Alana nervously laughed, regretting her action. "I’m sorry. It’s how I used to be scolded. Why wouldn’t there be a need for gifts to be exchanged between the two of you? Is he not courting you?"
Scarlet sighed as her answer wasn’t to lead to this. Mentioning any of the rules in their contract was going to put her in a difficult position. "Alana, let us speak of something else."
"Honestly, it is clear that you like him to those around you. Just try to relax and be spoiled by him. Even if it doesn’t lead to something serious in the future, just enjoy being spoiled by someone now. The next time he offers you a gift, smile and say thank you," Alana suggested.
"Says the one who keeps telling me she will repay me for what I make clear is a gift," Scarlet said, thinking Alana needed to listen to her advice.
Alana smiled. ’Well, that is embarrassing. I suppose accepting gifts is something that we both need to work on. Ian had gifted you something. Have you thought of getting him a gift? I’m sure a man would enjoy being spoiled once. Right?" Alana asked, turning to Dawson again.
"Alana, you’re making Dawson a bit uncomfortable by seeking his opinion. He is more the quiet type," said Scarlet.
"Oh. I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry," Alana apologised. He was the only man present for her to get his opinion so it was natural that she turned to him. Alana didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.
"It is fine, princess," Dawson answered. freewēbnoveℓ.com
"It still stands that you must buy Ian a gift. We must get one today and you should visit him-"
"No," Scarlet turned down the suggestion. She hadn’t made any plans to visit Ian for tea today.
"You will! He has been visiting you while you only tell me of going to see him to have tea. You must give him a surprise visit. Think of his face when he sees you. Oh," Alana said, wanting to see it herself.
"You’re getting a little too ahead of yourself, Alana. Turn your attention to the dresses and leave my life alone," Scarlet said, turning her attention back to the dresses.
"You mean your love life?" Alana teased.
’What are they talking about?’ Beth wondered.
Beth couldn’t help envying Scarlet had such a good relationship with the princess. It was unfair for Scarlet to have everything. Once upon a time ago, Scarlet had the dream man. Now she was still left with a large estate, plenty of wealth, and friends to match her status.
Beth was close to being the same way. The new mansion wouldn’t be as large as Scarlet’s estate but it would be a good start. To her and what she had before, Beth saw the mansion as large. Once she was able to have many children for Jack, then she might be able to convince him to get a larger home.
"Miss Valentine," Elle said, greatly annoyed by Beth being distracted. Beth had yet to decide if she was buying the dresses she picked out. ’I don’t have all day for this.’
Elle didn’t want Scarlet to leave without buying the dresses that were pulled out for her. Elle’s day would turn right around if she made a big sale.
"I will have the three of them and the one I had before. I want them sent to my home. The payment will be sent before then," Beth said loud enough for Scarlet to hear.
Scarlet should listen to how Jack was now spoiling her. How Beth was enjoying her new life.
It upset Beth that Scarlet was more interested in the conversation with the princess than what she was doing. What was the point of buying these dresses Jack would be upset to see her with if Scarlet was not paying attention?
’How much did he give her?’ Beth wondered, suddenly interested in whether or not Scarlet had a limit when it came to spending Jack’s money.
Beth thought that Jack should be treating her better than he did with Scarlet since she played the role of the woman he wanted. He wanted a wife who depended on him. It was his duty to take care of her how she wanted to be cared for. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
"Is she staring at Scarlet?"
Beth looked around for who was speaking about her. Their voice wasn’t low and she knew what was said was intended to be heard by her.
Beth couldn’t pick out who was the one to say that she was staring at Scarlet since an audience had gathered. She didn’t know if it was because of the princess, the sight of her and Scarlet near, or both.
Beth balled up her fists. She couldn’t continue trying to buy everything Scarlet wanted. Now was not the time to be upsetting Jack that much when there was more for her wedding she wanted.
’Soon,’ Beth thought.
Jack was going to make her the owner of her own business so soon she could buy what she wanted without having a limit. This match would continue soon.
Beth forced a smile as it was time to out on her act. "Scarlet," she called, getting closer. "It was lovely to see you again."
"This woman," Alana said softly. Where was the shame these days? How could she think to greet Scarlet like they were old friends who happened to run into each other?
"Isn’t it tiring to pretend?" Scarlet asked, genuinely curious.
It was easy to see that Beth wasn’t being genuine in trying to be this nice woman who wanted there to be peace. Scarlet would like to think it was only Jack who failed to notice, but Beth had managed to fool many others.
Scarlet didn’t know whether to applaud Beth for making use of her terrible acting or question what was wrong with the eyes of those around Beth.
Beth continued to smile. "I don’t know what you mean. I know that you have moved on with another man so I hope there is no conflict between us. At this point, we should all move on from how this started. There would be no need for aggression like there was at the garden party."
Scarlet didn’t enjoy how Beth was twisting the story of what happened at the Viscount’s party. Ian was the one to speak to Beth and Jack then, but those who didn’t know would assume that Scarlet was rude to the couple.
Scarlet wondered if Beth could keep up this act if she knew how much Jack was bothering her. To question Ian as though he had some right. What made Beth so certain that what she did with Jack wouldn’t happen to her?
Scarlet could only hope that Beth wouldn’t try turning to her as though it would be something to bond over. "You are going to be a mother, Beth. You should have no time for these foolish games. I will not argue with a woman carrying a child. Please be on your way unless you wish to buy more dresses. Should I pick a few more for you to copy me as usual?"
"I do not copy you!" Beth exclaimed, tired of the false accusation. ’Why would I want to be anything like you? Divorced and all alone. Being the opposite of you is what got me your husband."
