Manley said with a casual grin, “Looks like I’m your shadow today!”
Estelle replied with a blank stare.
Her phone suddenly buzzed in her purse. It was a text from Emily and Amiee. They had arrived and were asking
where she was.
Heading downstairs, Estelle muttered, “I’m off to meet my friends. You can hang around somewhere else.”
“I’m here to stick with you today. Wherever you go, I go!” Manley followed her with hands tucked in his jean pockets
and a roguish twinkle in his hazel eyes, every inch the charming rascal.
Estelle ignored him, continuing her stride down the stairs.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBehind them, Lance cracked open his eyes, shooting a malevolent glare at Manley’s retreating figure.
Estelle reached the garden, where Emily had already whisked Kya away to the second floor for a costume change,
and Amiee was chatting with Magdalen.
Magdalen’s smile widened when she saw Manley. “Couldn’t resist the call of the wild, huh?”
Manley chuckled. “Why waste a single moment when I’ve finally got my chance?”
“Jonathan’s not here. Seize the day!” Magdalen encouraged with a laugh.
Manley shot back a dazzling smile. “His presence, or lack thereof, doesn’t change how I feel about our Estelle.”
Magdalen sighed dramatically. “I bow down to no one, but you, you’ve got game!”
Manley winked. “Can’t help it. When you’re head over heels, it shows!”
Estelle couldn’t take it anymore. Turning to Magdalen, she said, “Aren’t you supposed to be busy today? Forgot
you’re here for a reason or think you’re just here to chitchat?”
Magdalen grinned smugly. “Today, I’m the queen bee. I do what I want!”
Amiee glanced at her watch. “The wedding’s soon. You should get ready, Magdalen.”
Magdalen, tugging Estelle towards the castle’s upper level, called back to Manley, “I’ll return Ella in a bit!”
Manley called after her, “Make it quick, I can’t wait too long!”
“Don’t worry!”
Estelle frowned. “You brought Manley back without telling me?”
Magdalen shrugged. “Jonathan’s been gone for days, misses my wedding, and I had to even the score for you.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Estelle shook her head. “Unnecessary. He must’ve been tied up with something important. Besides, I don’t want
Manley mixed up in this again. Wasn’t Australia far enough for you?”
Magdalen’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Calling Manley wasn’t just about Jonathan. He’s a dear friend, and I
wanted him at my wedding.”
Estelle let it go. “Let’s get you into your wedding dress.”
Magdalen squeezed her hand. “No rush. Let’s check on Kya first.”
Reaching the second floor, they found Kya looking like a little princess, with Charlie standing by, beaming with pride.
“Magdalen!” Kya ran towards Magdalen, eyes wide with delight. “Is it true? Are you marrying a prince in a castle?”
Magdalen lifted her into a hug. “Yes, darling, I’m marrying my prince, and you’re here to witness it!”
“That’s amazing!” Kya clapped her hands, her little tiara shimmering, her smile infectious.
Charlie scooped Kya into his arms and said to Emily, “The Carsons have arrived. I’ll go check on them. You and
Estelle keep Ms. Sampson company.”
“It’s not an intrusion,” Emily reassured, as Charlie pecked her cheek. “Call me if you need anything.”