Chapter 253 You Must Get Married
“In the beginning, I honestly did not mean to hurt the two children. She merely told me to make it look like an accident with some smoke. Then, I would just have to carry Jordan out. However, I didn’t expect a true fire, let alone such a big one that burned down the kitchen. Just thinking of it makes me scared now. If I hadn’t charged into the fire to carry Jordan out, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.” Mikayla appeared especially fearful at the mention of the incident.
Courtney regarded her with a thoughtful expression. “In that case, Britney was just trying to commit a crime by using you at the time. On one hand, she can blame me for not rescuing Jordan and on the other, she could have murdered him. In the end, if Alexander were to investigate, you would be the culprit. Furthermore, you do not have any evidence to prove that it’s Britney’s doing because she would have been attending the Ivory Bear Awards at that time.”
Mikayla nodded and she wore a complicated expression. “I was careless.”
Courtney inhaled deeply as she felt a chill run down her spine.
There is no reason for Mikayla to lie, whereas Britney has a motive to frame her for the crime. Well, if it’s true that Britney planned and instigated Mikayla to start the fire, it means that my doubts from before are founded. For instance, why would a young miss with high social status stoop so low to hurt two children by working with a pastry chef? Furthermore, she didn’t care if others might suspect her odd behavior and she ran into the fire at the last minute to rescue Jordan.
Courtney didn’t need to think twice to believe Mikayla’s story.
Britney has the courage because she’s different from Mikayla. She has been involved in the entertainment industry from the tender age of 16 or 17. She has witnessed all kinds of shady businesses and she is acquainted with all sorts of people. She is, no doubt, capable of committing such a crime.
“Well, do you believe me now?” Mikayla asked. “I have been feeling unsettled lately and I have the constant feeling that Alexander knows about these things, but he hasn’t exposed me. I honestly can’t go on living feeling this way anymore, which is why I will not endure it any longer. I want to do something to make things right.”
“Which is why you want Alexander and I to reconcile and get back together, just like before you came along?” Courtney chimed in.
Mikayla hummed in response. However, Courtney let out a helpless sigh. “That’s not quite possible.” Her initially tensed and guarded emotions relaxed gradually, whereas her stiff back eased back against the chair. “I believe what you said earlier but that’s not the only issue between Alexander and me. Since you are aware of Jordan and Tina’s identities, you should know that this is a complicated issue—it’s not as simple as one might assume.”
“You just have to inform Alex. I can tell that he really likes you and if you were to tell him that you are Jordan’s biological mother and that he has a daughter too, I’m sure it’ll be a happily ever after for everybody! When that happens, someone like Britney won’t have the chance to take advantage of the situation.” Mikayla’s thoughts were simple and straightforward, and she seemed keen to address the issue as soon as possible.
“I haven’t figured it out yet but he will know about it. Before that happens, I hope you’ll keep this a secret for me.” Courtney forced a smile which looked especially awkward. When I first started dating Alexander in the beginning, I didn’t know that he was the man from before. Later, I’ve imagined the situation countless times. However, how could I possibly fall for him if I’d known in advance?
Mikayla hesitated before she answered Courtney with conviction, “I will not say anything. Previously, I’ve honestly had second thoughts whether I should have told him. However, as I continued to delay things, I no longer had the courage to inform him. Well, you are well aware that talking about it would involve speaking about Britney and me. I feel that Alex knows that I am involved in the fire but our friendship might not survive it if we were to talk about it openly.”
Her answer was well within Courtney’s expectations.
Everybody wishes to have a perfect image in the eye of the person they once loved.
“Well, I’m keeping this. Thank you for asking me out today to chat about this matter.” Courtney let out a sigh of relief while pointing at the paper bag.
“I owe you an apology. In all honesty, I’m just too used to relying on Alex. I have a clearer mind after I’ve thought about things upon returning here. Besides, my brother has been counseling me many times. Please don’t take my actions in the past to heart.” Mikayla pressed her lips together in embarrassment. Her slim and fair fingers were interlocked on the table as she explained this to Courtney in a rush.
Courtney smiled lightly. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Mikayla’s actions are nothing compared to what Britney has done. To be honest, she’s merely a spoiled princess. She might be doing great in her career and she might look pretty, but she’s rather naïve when it comes to relationship issues. Otherwise, I guess she wouldn’t have failed in her previous marriage.
The two of them shook hands and made peace; it was an unexpectedly peaceful lunch.
“In that case, when are you headed to France?”
“Why? Are you in such a hurry for me to leave? Are you afraid I might go back on my word?” Mikayla smiled cheekily as she teased.
“I’m just afraid that somebody might expose what you did in the past.” Courtney rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you mention that Britney expects you to obey her?”
“She’s just a small-time artist; all I need to do is to ask my brother to make life difficult for her. It’s not an easy feat to survive in the entertainment industry. Do you see her having the time to chat with me about working together?” Mikayla smirked and she seemed to hold Britney in contempt. “I’m leaving by the end of this month. You should see me off when the time comes; I’m sure Alex will be shocked.”
Courtney shook her head. “Will he be shocked? I’ve never seen more than three expressions displayed across his face.”
“Just give it a try.”
Courtney was rendered speechless by her insistence.
The board game had been set up in the living room of the Duncans’ ancestral home. Scott and Alexander sat facing each other with their respective black and white pieces.
“After this round, you should drop by the Lewis Residence to invite Mikayla’s parents over. I’ll discuss the engagement issue with them.”
Alexander straightened this back. “I do not plan to get engaged with Mikayla. You are overthinking things.”
“Haven’t you been together with Mikayla for a very long time? What do you have in mind if you aren’t planning to get engaged with her? I’m telling you—the Lewis Family are well aware about you and Courtney. You need to get engaged with her to put them at ease.”
“In that case, forget about it because I do not plan to get engaged with Mikayla.” Alexander moved his white piece to block Scott’s attack. “I merely said that during lunch so that I wouldn’t embarrass you in front of the crowd; I didn’t want you to feel humiliated. Besides, she’s just like a younger sister to me.”
“Younger sister? But that’s not what you said to me in the past.” Scott frowned deeply while looking up at Alexander.
“What did I tell you?” Alexander asked seriously.
“Well, you—” After racking his brain, Scott realized with a start that Alexander had never confirmed his and Mikayla’s relationship status despite often hanging out together.
Scott slammed the table hard and the pieces on the chessboard bounced up. “You’re being absurd! Do you think that you are able to fool me just because I’m old? You have to get married by the end of this year!”
