Chapter 19
Allison picked up her phone and dialed Joshua’s number.
He answered almost instantly, his voice warm and inviting. “Allie, do you like the dresses?”
“Yeah,” Allison replied. “Which one do you think looks best on me?”
Joshua chuckled softly, his tone filled with affection. “Didn’t I mention that if you like them, just go for all of them? I’ve already asked my assistant to reserve each one.”
“Wow, that was quick. I just sent you my message.”
“I was worried they’d sell out. They’re limited editions, you know.”
“Thank you, Joshua.”
“Allie, you’re my fiancée now, and we’re family. I’m supposed to take care of you.”
Even though he spoke the truth, Allison still felt like she was just a girl next door being tutored by Joshua, the patient tutor.
“Oh, by the way, Allie, I know catching a cab in Havenbrook can be a hassle, so I bought you a car. The paperwork’s sorted. Just give me your address, and I’ll have someone drop it off.”
Hearing this, Allison felt a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.
She had fled to avoid an arranged marriage with Joshua, and her dad had cut off her cards, something Joshua surely knew about.
In Havenbrook, she led a simple life with no car or house to her name.
Her two best friends had jokingly offered to “sponsor” her, but Allison had turned them down.
During the first couple of months, she borrowed only a little money from them to get by. Once she found steady work, she stopped taking help and repaid what she owed bit by bit.
She had run to Havenbrook to escape marrying him, yet here Joshua was, holding no grudges and even offering to buy her a car.
Feeling a swirl of emotions, Allison gripped her phone a little tighter.
“That’s really not necessary. I manage just fine with cabs.”
Joshua’s voice held a trace of hurt. “Allie, are you being so distant because you’re still unsure about the marriage?”
Allison instinctively shook her head and then realized he couldn’t see her.
She spoke softly, “No, Joshua. I agreed to the marriage because I wanted to. It’s just that I’ll be heading back to Oak Lake soon, so there’s no need for a car right now.”
“That’s alright. Once you’re back in Oak Lake, I can have it delivered here.”
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00:46
Chapter 19
“Well…” Allison hesitated, unsure how to decline again.
“Besides, aren’t you heading to a neighboring city for court soon? Having a car would make things easier.”
Allison was caught off guard.
“How did you know about my court session over there?”
“I saw your post on social media a couple of months back.”
Allison paused, remembering she had jokingly posted about a work trip and how she was planning to enjoy some local spicy gumbo and visit a famous spot after the court session.
Joshua’s voice was gentle as he smiled through the phone. “A car would be handy. After court, you could explore a bit.”
At that moment, Joshua stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows in his office, gazing at the city lights with tenderness in his eyes.
Three years ago, upon learning about Allison’s frugal life in Havenbrook, he wanted to buy her a car or a house or just send her some help.
But without the right standing, any gift would have been turned down.
Thankfully, everything had changed. She had agreed to marry him, and he finally had the privilege of showering her with gifts.
As Allison listened to Joshua, she felt touched, as if a tiny pebble had been dropped into the lake of her heart, creating gentle ripples.
