Ivan happened to be holding a ss of wine to his lips. Thank God he


    hadn’t taken a sip, or he might have choked


    “Can’t believe you’re asking such a childish question, Jared,” Ivan said. “When did you start dating? Ho


    we I didn’t know about it? Is your girlfriend some 20–year–old chick?”


    Jared responded calmly, Tm actually married.”


    Ivan’s hand, which had been gently swaying his ss, froze. His tone turned serious, “Really?”


    Jared didn’t answer, and just downed the rest of his wine.


    1 don’t mind you dating,” Ivan began “Gaining experience in love is just like work, it’s not a bad thing. B


    ut marriage isn’t a walk in the park. I thought. Mamie would be your bride.”


    Jared said, “Mamie and I grew up together, I thought things would naturally fall into ce. I proposed to


    her, but she said no. Then some unexpected things happened, and this girl appeared. My life suddenly


    became interesting. From the moment we got our marriage certificate, I decided to take it seriously.”


    Ivan didn’t show any obvious reaction, his fingers lightly rubbing the rim of his ss, seemingly lost in t


    hought.


    “Your situation with Mamie, I don’t want to interfere,” Ivan began. “You’re both adults, you have your ow


    n minds. But my sister is stubborn, I’ve spoiled her since she was young. The more she can’t have som


    ething, the mare she wants it. You better sort this out with her sooner rather thanter.”


    1 know,” Jared replied.


    Ivan raised his ss with a small smirk, “Anyway, congrattions on your marriage.”


    A hint of helplessness crossed Jared’s face as he thought of someone. Nevertheless, he leaned over a


    nd clinked sses with Ivan, “Thanks”


    “So, is your new bride mad at you?” Ivan asked, changing the subject. “What kind of girl is she that she’


    s got you so smitten?”


    Jared let out a rare sigh, “She’s not just mad at me. She’s run away. I have no idea where she is.”


    Ivanughed, “Not many women would dare to make you suffer. Now I’m curious to meet your wife, sh


    e must be quite a character.”


    Jared got up with a sigh and walked towards the balcony.


    After having a bath, Agnes couldn’t sleep. Jared’s


    face was all she could think of. Was he back at Maplewood Manor? Was he still with Mamie?


    The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. She felt suffocated in the


    large room, so she decided to go out onto the balcony for some fresh air.


    The room had wall of floor–to–


    ceiling windows. Agnes pulled back the thick curtains and stepped onto the terrace.


    The terrace had a Central European style, simr to what Agnes had seen in the movie “Romeo and Ju


    liet“.


    The view outside was beautiful. Argeke looked like a huge mirror in the moonlight. Trees were trim


    med into a maze, and the flower field was filled with English roses. It looked like Alice had entered a dr


    eamy wondend.


    Agnes couldn’t help but marvel. What a beautiful ce Willowbrook Town was.


    The night breeze in June wasn’t that hot, and it felt like a gentle hand caressing her cheek.


    Agnes closed her eyes, feeling much more rxed.


    She was about to go back to sleep when she noticed a silhouette on the neighboring terrace.


    Chap


    Every room here had a balcony, and theMaterial ? N?velDrama.Org.