Filed to story: Shattered Vows (Venessa Windsor) Book PDF Free
He hadn’t expected that Venessa had grown to despise him to such an extent.
It seemed that the hurt he had inflicted on her four years ago was so deep that he couldn’t even see a glimmer of hope for making amends.
“Ms. Pierce, is it truly polite for you to compare me to a dog?” Cole entered, his face devoid of any expression.
“Oh, Cole, you’re here?” Vera looked at Cole, her eyes filled with delight.
“Good day, Old Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Pierce. I hope you are all well,” Cole cordially greeted everyone before setting down the health supplements he had brought along.
“I’m well indeed!” Vera suddenly perked up.
He was a young man from a prestigious family, so what girl wouldn’t be captivated by him? Which elder wouldn’t be fond of him?
“Mom, since everyone is here today, why don’t we set a date for Madison and Cole’s engagement? After all, Vena doesn’t have feelings for Cole.”
Harriet seized the moment to press her point.
Excitement had Madison’s hands tightly clenched together, her eyes sparkling like stars as she looked at Cole.
She couldn’t hide her love for him even if she tried.
Yet, Cole didn’t spare her a glance. His striking black eyes landed on Venessa’s face as he asked bluntly, “Since when did you stop liking me, Ms. Pierce?”
Venessa was a bit bewildered.
She didn’t quite understand why Cole was asking such a question, and it was such a stupid one too.
Four years ago, he had played a part in her imprisonment. Wouldn’t she be demeaning herself if she continued to like him?
The others also wore expressions of puzzlement.
Originally, they were all worried that Venessa still had lingering feelings for Cole.
But how did the situation suddenly change? It seemed like Cole was the one who had feelings for Venessa instead.
Madison, in particular, felt her body go limp and barely managed to steady herself.
If Cole insisted on not wanting her and only wanted Venessa, then no one else’s words mattered.
Gabe couldn’t help but issue a warning. “Cole, my grandmother just woke up, so you’d better think twice before you speak!”
The others may not have known, but he was well aware that Cole had feelings for Venessa!
“It’s nothing. I’m just puzzled, that’s all. Am I really worse than a dog? That Ms. Pierce would rather marry a dog than me is a blow to my pride.”
The teasing tone in Cole’s words instantly eased the tense atmosphere.
“Ahem, yes, Vena was just joking.” Harriet chuckled before she continued with her suggestion, “So, how about setting your engagement date with Madison on-“
Before Harriet could finish her sentence, Cole interrupted her, saying, “Have you forgotten, Mrs. Pierce? My grandfather passed away only six months ago. According to local customs, as a younger generation, I am required to mourn for three years before I can celebrate any joyful events.”
“Ah…” Vera sighed heavily and lamented, “Derek passed too soon. Given the circumstances, let’s talk about the engagement in the future.”
The rationale was compelling, leaving Harriet at a loss for words.
Madison’s eyes were as still as a stagnant pool.
At the rate their engagement was being dragged on, when would there be an end to all this?
Gabe looked at Cole with an ambiguous gaze, wondering if Cole was postponing the engagement because of his grandfather or because of Venessa.
“Vena, let’s forget about this marriage proposal with the Lockwood family. While I’m still lucid, I’ll find you another suitable match! I promise they won’t be any worse than the Lockwood family!” Vera assured Venessa.
“All right, thank you, Grandma, I love you!” Venessa planted a smacking kiss on Vera’s cheek.
Just like before, she playfully cuddled up to Vera.
Upon witnessing this scene, both Gabe and Cole exchanged glances.
Venessa’s current demeanor was somewhat like her former self-innocent yet with a hint of willfulness.
They missed those times dearly.
In particular, Cole’s dark eyes were intensely focused on Venessa, unwavering.
His mind was filled with past images of Venessa revolving around him, every frame magnifying before his eyes.
Why had he found her annoying in the past?
She was clearly very adorable…
Noticing Cole’s adoring gaze toward Venessa, Madison clenched her fists tightly.
Cole belonged to her.
From the moment she returned to the Pierce family four years ago and laid eyes on Cole for the first time, she was hopelessly smitten.
She wouldn’t allow anyone to steal the man who was rightfully hers away!
When Cole left the sickroom, Madison chased after him.
Madison affectionately wrapped her arms around Cole’s, calling out sweetly, “Caz, it’s been a while since we’ve been on a date. There’s a new movie out; maybe we could-“
Cole interrupted, “I’m not free lately.”
“Don’t you have time in the evening? Watching a movie won’t take up much time.”
“I just took on a new project, so I’ll be working late almost every night. Be good. I’ll spend time with you when I can.”
Without a hint of emotion, Cole quietly withdrew his arm.
Madison couldn’t help but tear up.
“Caz, is it that you don’t like me anymore and have instead fallen for Venessa?”
Instead of giving a direct response, Cole reassured her, “I will marry you. You were always the one I was engaged to; it’s just that we missed eighteen years of our lives together. Anyway, I have some things to attend to, so I’ll be off now. Silly, don’t let your imagination run wild.”
Watching the retreating figure of Cole, jealousy and anger roiled intensely in Madison’s eyes.
