Chapter 6
Gloria woke up in her bed with Elijah looming over her, his expression glacial.
“You deserved to stay in there for days after the stunt you pulled. Jenna’s the one who begged me to let you out. She’s too kind for her own good.”
“I get it now–you’re still obsessed with me. But let me make this crystal clear: I will never be interested in someone twelve years younger. You and me? Never going to happen.”
The door slammed in her face, cutting off her explanation. She slumped back against the headboard, closing her eyes with a deep sigh.
“Elijah, I really am over you.”
The mansion buzzed with wedding preparations over the next few days. The entire staff scrambled to arrange the upcoming Phillips–Wright wedding.
Jenna played the gracious bride–to–be, pulling Gloria into the planning as if the previous drama had never happened.
“Everything’s nearly perfect–just need a bridesmaid. Gloria would be perfect! Maybe she’ll even hit it off with one of the groomsmen.”
Her voice carried a teasing note, but before Gloria could decline, Elijah cut in from behind them.
“She’s not being a bridesmaid.”
They turned to find him watching them with cold eyes.
“Why not?” Jenna seemed genuinely surprised at his refusal.
Elijah said nothing, just stared at Gloria. She’d been keeping her distance lately, no more desperate attempts to get his attention. But something about the idea of her with another man made his chest tight. He couldn’t explain why.
Before he could make up an excuse, Gloria spoke. “I’m too junior in the family. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”
The real reason? She’d be long gone to London by then.
Elijah nodded, backing her excuse. Jenna finally dropped it, but then: “Well, if you can’t be bridesmaid, how about letting me wear that wedding dress you designed? The one that won that competition?”
Gloria’s eyes flicked to Elijah. That dress–she’d designed it at eighteen, won awards for it. Socialites had offered fortunes for it, but she’d refused them all.
Because she’d designed it for herself. To wear when she married Elijah.
He knew exactly what that dress meant, but he couldn’t disappoint Jenna. “Gloria, name your price. Anything you
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Addio To The Stand–In Past This Time I Chose To Reclaim My Own Life
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Chapter 6
want in exchange.”
Gloria forced a smile. “No need. Jenna’s right–I should show my support. Consider it an early wedding gift”
She made the call. Within an hour, the dress arrived from the boutique where it was stored.
Jenna practically bounced off to try it on, leaving Gloria to retreat to her room, face carefully blank. Only Elijah lingered, watching her go with an unreadable expression.
Past midnight, Gloria packed her bags in secret. Her visa was almost ready–soon she’d be gone.
She’d just hidden her suitcase when her door burst open. Elijah stormed in, grabbing her wrist.
“What did you do to the dress?” he snarled. “Jenna tried it on and broke out in hives. Were you trying to kill her?
Under the dim light, his rage–filled eyes cut like knives.
“I never touched it!” Gloria protested. “I’d never sabotage the dress or hurt her!”
Elijah hurled her onto the bed, his voice arctic. “You’re still obsessed with me–I get it. But going after Jenna? You better pray she’s okay, or else-”
The housekeeper burst in. “Sir! Miss Wright just collapsed!”
“Watch her. Don’t let her leave,” Elijah ordered, then ran out, leaving Gloria trapped with the accusations hanging
in the air.
