Ivymented with a hint of suspicion, “Her gaze was intense.


    Do you think she’s plotting something?”


    I sighed deeply.


    “It’s possible.


    ”


    Since Andrew announced that I was his fiancee, I anticipated these challenges.


    Given Shirley’s unpredictable nature, her opposition was expected, and Veronica, supporting her daughter, would likelyplicate matters further.


    I feared that Ivy and I might encounter difficulties in theing days.


    With the departure of Veronica and her daughter, the banquet came to an abrupt end.


    As we exited, Andrew approached me with a look of remorse.


    “Debra, I’m really sorry for today’s events.


    I hope you can understand my actions were necessary.


    And thank you for your understanding today.


    ”


    I grappled with a mix of anger and disappointment, suspecting Andrew had orchestrated the day’s events.


    His kindness seemed a mere facade, possibly intended to manipte the situation to dere me as his fiancee, thus absolving himself of any realmitment.


    This realization deepened my resentment.


    Yet, I recognized that I too wasplicit, having mademitments without fully grasping the context.


    Determined to learn from this episode, I managed to suppress my frustration and responded diplomatically, “It’s alright.


    ”


    Debra’s POV:


    Ivy murmured, “Honey, Andrew is quite the strategist.


    He avoided rification when you offered to help, then coerced you into making a decision publicly, forcing you with the fact that he once saved your life.


    ”


    I nodded, sharing her sentiment.


    Andrew’s calcted demeanor made it obvious this was no ident.


    A question nagged at me.


    “Ivy, why would he choose me? The n is full of witches, and Andrew is well-acquainted with many.


    Why select a mixed-blood witch of no renown? Is he really just calling in a favor?”


    Ivy scoffed, “Perhaps he’s exploiting your lost memories and the fact that you’re stranded with a child now.


    ”


    I countered her cynicism.


    “No, that doesn’t align with the Andrew I know.


    ”


    Endless spection was futile; I needed answers.


    “Mr.


    Pierce, could you exin why you chose me for this charade?”


    Andrew’s smile was tinged with regret.


    “Debra, I’m sorry for the imposition.


    Despite knowing many in the n, challenging Veronica, who wields control over everyone, would be reckless.


    Your outsider status made you the only viable option.


    ”


    His exnation left me speechless.N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Such a revtion was unexpected.


    Recalling Veronica’s departing re, I sighed heavily.


    Tonight, I’d inadvertently antagonized both Veronica and Shirley.


    Though fearless, I dreaded theplications this faux engagement could bring.


    Feeling trapped, I inquired, “Mr.


    Pierce, what now? Must I continue this pretense?”