48

Juliet and Maxwell were chatting animatedly, while Thomas and Patrick walked behind. It was impressive to see how the theatre director, who was known to be an extremely reserved and somewhat taciturn man, was very easy-going in front of Juliet, because he found it not only easy to talk to her, but also pleasant, he liked the sincerity of the young woman, as well as her humility, because although, due to the environment in which he lived, he had met a hundred young society girls, some were like the blonde who walked beside him, He liked her sincerity, as well as her humility, because although, due to the environment in which she lived, he had met a hundred young society girls, some were like the blonde who walked beside him, while the rest, only lived to squander their fortunes, or to talk about frivolities, to such a degree that they were unbearable, to his mind came the memory of Susan, the ambassador's daughter, although this young woman was pretty, her features were so beautiful, she was pretty, her features were so delicate and fine, that he even dared to say that she looked like a porcelain doll, when he met this lady, he felt a certain attraction, but when he could talk to her, he was very disappointed to know how she really was, although Susan Crawford, was a very spoiled young woman, even her attitude was, For Susan, nothing and no one was important to her, she had to be the centre of everyone's attention, everything had to revolve around her, and the worst thing about it was that she didn't possess a shred of intelligence.

Is something wrong, Mr. Hathaway? asked the blonde, noticing the man's silence.

I was just remembering the last time I was able to have a pleasant conversation,’ he confessed.

I can imagine, it hasn't been long.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, miss, but unfortunately, I could count the pleasant conversations I've had with young people like you.

Really, I ask incredulously.

That's right, because most young girls are more concerned with looking good than helping others, I confess with some regret.

I can imagine.

Please,’ he said, allowing them access to the stage, “Gentlemen,” he exclaimed, drawing the attention of his actors, who were rehearsing. Please assemble, he requested, forming a megaphone with his hands.

Some were incredulous, while others, seeing the blonde and her cousins carrying several bags, could imagine what it was all about, but preferred to keep quiet and wait for their director to tell them.

There is no need for me to reintroduce you to these young men, is there? I ask with some amusement. I would just ask you to thank Armand's fiancée for the noble gesture, since she has taken the trouble to bring us something to eat,’ he informed, stepping aside so that Patrick and Thomas could leave the bags on a table.

It's not necessary,’ said the blonde who was blushing, because although she had never liked to be the centre of attention, and this was no exception, it made her uncomfortable how some people scrutinised her with their eyes.

It is necessary, Miss Thompson,’ indicated the director.

Karen, who was at the other end of the stage, could sense her friend's discomfort, for she knew better than anyone how it felt to be glared at and whispered about, so, without waiting any longer, she came to her rescue.

Oh, Jul, you're very kind,’ the brunette hastened to say, taking her by both hands. You shouldn't have bothered.

It's no bother at all,’ she said in a barely audible voice.

But, boys, don't be rude, thank Armand's fiancée,’ she mused, looking at them reprovingly. She and her cousins have been very generous in bringing us something to eat,’ she reported, turning to her companions.

No sooner had the brunette finished reprimanding them for their lack of politeness than endless thanks began to be heard, making Juliet blush even more.

Now we understand why, Armand, he loves her madly,’ said the brunette mischievously, winking at the blonde. But, Armand, why don't you say hello to your fiancée?

Don't start bothering, Karen,’ complained the brown-haired man, who was quick to approach Juliet and give her a tender kiss on the lips. I appreciate everything you do,’ she whispered.

I only care about you,’ replied the blonde, giving him a warm smile.

You are very lucky, Armand,’ inquired Maxwell, who was looking at the couple with a tender gaze. Take good care of this beautiful young lady, for women like her are almost impossible to find.

That I will, I assure you. She is my life, she is everything to me,’ he answered with sincerity, directing a look full of love to his beloved. Just as Armand was saying those words Oh, Jul, you're very kind,’ the brunette hastened to say, taking her by both hands. You shouldn't have bothered.

It's no bother at all,’ she said in a barely audible voice.

But, boys, don't be rude, thank Armand's fiancée,’ she mused, looking at them reprovingly. She and her cousins have been very generous in bringing us something to eat,’ she reported, turning to her companions.

No sooner had the brunette finished reprimanding them for their lack of politeness than endless thanks began to be heard, making Juliet blush even more.

Now we understand why, Armand, he loves her madly,’ said the brunette mischievously, winking at the blonde. But, Armand, why don't you say hello to your fiancée?

Don't start bothering, Karen,’ complained the brown-haired man, who was quick to approach Juliet and give her a tender kiss on the lips. I appreciate everything you do,’ she whispered.

I only care about you,’ replied the blonde, giving him a warm smile.

You are very lucky, Armand,’ inquired Maxwell, who was looking at the couple with a tender gaze. Take good care of this beautiful young lady, for women like her are almost impossible to find.

That I will, I assure you. She is my life, she is everything to me,’ he answered with sincerity, directing a look full of love to his beloved. Just when Armand said those words full of love, Cecil appeared, even though it had hurt him to hear that, he had to appear calm.

Juliet, how good to see you, said Cecil with sincerity, who was approaching her to greet her, to which Thomas was about to prevent her from getting closer to his cousin, because although he had tremendous courage to that little woman, even when her face appeared innocent and sweet, her true face was of malice, because she had no scruples, just when he was about to take her away from Juliet, Patrick, prevented him from doing so.

Don't do stupid things, said Patrick in a whisper, who was squeezing his brother's shoulder.

Patrick, let go of me, he ordered.

Can't you see that this woman is capable of anything, or have you forgotten?

I have not forgotten, he assures me. But that's not our concern.

What doesn't concern us? I ask incredulously and indignantly.

That's right, I'm just asking you to be prudent, and to keep us on our toes.

All right, he reluctantly agreed, trying to relax.

Meanwhile, both blondes greeted each other cordially.

Hello, Cecil,’ replied the blonde with a big smile. It's good to see you too, she said sincerely.

Let me congratulate you on your engagement, he ventured. You both make a wonderful couple,’ he said, addressing them both. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you well and may you always be happy, you deserve it,’ he said in a sweet and sincere voice.

I thank you very much, Cecil.

I hope one day we can be friends. I really would like that.

Of course you would, she assured him.

Armand, take good care of Juliet, but, above all, protect that great love you have for each other, because you know that there are many people who will try to separate you, he warned, referring mostly to Amber, because that redhead did not give him a good feeling and he hated to see how she would be on top of him.

I'm well aware of that, Cecil. However, you must not worry, because as I have said repeatedly, I will not allow you to separate me from Juliet again,’ he said, but belatedly realised the big mistake he had made, because he could see her eyes crystallise, just when he was about to apologise, she prevented him from doing so.

If you'll excuse me, I have to finish revising one of my scripts,’ he hurried to say. By the way, thank you for the food, Jul,’ she said sweetly and then withdrew.

Armand felt guilty, because the last thing he wanted was to make Cecil feel bad, but unconsciously he had done it and mentally reprimanded himself, when he looked at Juliet he could see how she was staring at the same door through which Cecil had disappeared seconds before.

Are you all right, Jul? he asked worriedly.

Huh? Yes, it's nothing, she assured him. It's just that I'm glad to see Cecil better, I hope she's happy too, she said sincerely.

You are always so noble, she said lovingly. That's why I love you so much, you easily forgive those who have hurt you.

I gain nothing by hating or harbouring any negative feelings.

It's true, nodded the brown.

I, on the other hand, cannot fully trust her, Karen assures me. Not after what she did to you. She's not done trusting yet, and you better be careful, you know there's no shortage of people who will want to ruin your lives,’ said the brunette with irony, who gave Amber a sly look, which the redhead held up to the brunette.

Please, Karen, don't be so spiteful,’ the blonde said. That's all in the past now.

You really are too good, Juliet. Not everyone overlooks what they did to you, because of that woman, you both suffered so much.

I know, however, all that suffering has been rewarded, because at last, I will marry the man I love so much.

During the hour they were eating, Armand, unconsciously, placed his hands on the still flat belly of his beloved, because even though he was not sure that a new life was being formed there, he wanted it with such fervour, that action, of course, did not go unnoticed by some of his companions, who as always did not wait and began to whisper, But what was more than certain was that one of them would soon get in touch with a gossip magazine and give the scoop that the handsome and popular actor of the moment, together with his fiancée, the heiress of the Johnson emporium, were in sweet expectation of their first born, no doubt that would be news worth a fortune. Meanwhile, Amber for the first time did not dedicate herself to harassing Armand, as she had to think very carefully about what her master move would be, to get her rival out of the way.