The Heir's Secret Bride

Maeve stood there, stunned. She thought, What on earth is this now?

Jaxen's face showed apparent guilt as he quickly grabbed Gwynn, seeing her about to step out. "Gwynnie, ignore that mad woman. I don't even know her!"

"If you don't know her, why are you stopping me from going out" Gwynn snapped, angrily shaking off his hand. "Td like to hear how she ended up pregnant with your child! She stormed out and opened the door, only to freeze in shock when she saw a woman with a noticeably pregnant belly standing there, her intended accusations suddenly stuck in her throat.

The pregnant woman glanced at Gwynn and let out a mocking laugh. "So, you're the clueless wealthy girl Jaxen is marrying? I heard your family is so wealthy that marrying you would save him twenty years of hard work. No wonder he's so hurried to kick me aside and marry you!" "And who are you to him?" Gwynn asked, her face as pale as a sheet,

Tm carrying his child-what do you think I am to him? The pregnant woman sneered as she spotted Jaxen trying to avoid her in the background. "Miss Olson, how long have you been dating him?"

Gwynn's eyes were vacant as she answered instinctively. "Six years"

"Tve been with him for almost three years, the pregnant woman replied.

"That's impossible!" Gwynn stepped back, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Why is it impossible?" the pregnant woman mocked. Last year, on your birthday, when he told you he had to work late at the office, he was with me. And earlier this year, we were on vacation together when he said he was going abroad for business. Oh, and those pearl earrings he gave you? He bought them for me, but I didn't like them, so he gave them to you instead."

She glanced at Gwynn's ears and added, "You're still wearing them."

"You're still wearing them. The words hit Gwynn like a heavy blow to the head. Shame, humiliation, and anger surged within her, nearly making her faint

Maeve quickly caught her and said, "Miss Olson, stay calm."

Gwynn struggled to steady herself. The thought of how heartbroken her parents would be upon learning about this made it hard to accept Jaxen's betrayal. She looked at the pregnant woman, whose face was full of mockery, and said slowly and clearly, "Thank you for telling me all this."

The pregnant woman was taken aback for a moment but nodded slightly. While she had intended to vent her frustrations. she also wanted Gwynn to know the truth. That was the greatest revenge against Jaxen.

Gwynn turned to look at Jaxen, who looked pale and averted her gaze. Gwynn let out a sorrowful laugh "My dad was right. Love doesn't care about social status, but it won't end well if our values and beliefs don't align.

"Jaxen Horne, we're breaking off the engagement. Don't come looking for me again? With that, Gwynn decisively turned and walked out.

"Wait, Gwynnie!" Jaxen was startled by her words about the engagement and hurried to follow her, but the pregnant woman grabbed his arm tightly, "Don't go! You still owe me an explanation!"

Let go of me! You crazy woman Jaxen said.

To prevent the two from getting into a violent altercation, Maeve thoughtfully had someone separate them and escort them out of the studio. What happened next as they sought to confront each other was no longer her concern. After all, that

pregnant woman's belly was fake.

* 97%Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"Ms. Reese, it's no wonder that the elders say the best way to test man's sincerity is either outside the delivery room or at a bridal shop," Paige leaned in, eager to gossip. "Men like him are the worst-climbing the social ladder while still sneaking around behind your back. He deserves to be called off!"

Maeve nodded, then asked, "So a mismatch in social status will never lead to a good outcome?"

"Of course! When people from different social backgrounds come together, many issues exist, like money, status, and differing values. It only gets saddler as time goes on!" Paige replied. There are exceptions, but they are rare. Maeve parsed her lips, realizing that she and Byron were likely a prime example of the former. Even if two parallel lines crossed paths by chance, they would ultimately go their separate ways, growing further apart.

With Gwynn's wedding plans falling through, Maeve was uncertain whether to continue working on the wedding dress she had ordered. Just before finishing work, she received a message from Gwynn. [Ms. Reese, thank you so much for today. After discussing it with my parents, I've called off the engagement with the Horne family. However, I will keep the wedding dress; I'm buying it myself this time.

Maeve: A wedding dress doesn't have to hold meaning only on the wedding day; as long as you like it, that's the most significant. It should lead you toward a better future, not keep you stuck in the past.] After sending the m