Bride behind the mask novel (Marguerite)
Chapter 365

Chapter 365

Marguerite swiftly passed a petite, elegant box to Teresa. The little girl couldn't wait to open it and was surprised to replace an exquisite gold cigarette holder inside.

Blinking her eyes in confusion, Teresa asked, "Mommy, Daddy doesn't smoke, why do you always buy cigarette holders?"

Marguerite was momentarily lost for words, unsure of how to explain.

Years ago, when Frederick left Stonebridge City, he was always on Marguerite's mind.

And somehow, Marguerite thought everything about this man was perfect, except that he smoked so much. So, whenever she went shopping and saw a cigarette holder, she would instinctively want to buy it for him.

But when she arrived home with the cigarette holder, she realized that she was no longer living in Sapphire Valley Estates, and Frederick was no longer by her side. Marguerite once shared with Miley, "He's clearly gone, but it's so strange, I always feel like he's still with me." But Miley bluntly responded, "I think you've gone mad!" Mad? Marguerite indeed felt like she was going mad!

Frederick despised her to the bone, yet she was still holding on to LuxeScents International.

She even bought some many random things related to him, like those cigarette holders.

Marguerite was lost in her thoughts until her daughter waved her arms in front of her, bringing her focus back, "Mommy? What are you thinking about?"

Marguerite shook her head, putting the cigarette holder into Teresa's backpack, "It's nothing. Just remember to tell your coach that this cigarette holder is a special gift from me!"

Since Teresa said the coach was warm, he must be a thoughtful man. He would surely appreciate this tender gesture.

Teresa looked at her mother's strange behavior but didn't think much about it.

After finishing the last gulp of her juice, she cheerfully grabbed her backpack and went to school with Nadine.

In the afternoon, at Sapphire Valley Estates.

As soon as the three little ones returned to Hayes' manor, Teresa and Hayes dashed to knock on the door, "Open the door, open the door, please open the door-"

Teresa's voice was as clear and melodious as a bell, but the sudden appearance of Yuna gave her a start..

One glance at the solitary Manley left behind, Yuna scolded Teresa, "Do you remember what I told you yesterday?"

Teresa looked at the grim witch in front of her and mumbled, "You told me to befriend Manley..."

Yuna's threatening gaze bore into her, "So, what are you waiting for?"

"Oh."

Teresa looked pitiful as she let go of Hayes' hand and slowly moved to hold Manley's.

Hayes felt a pang of sadness. Teresa had always been his little hero because she dared to challenge the adults. Even yesterday, she risked getting scolded to protect him. What happened today? Why did Teresa obey her mother's command so easily?

It's so strange.

Maybe it was because of what happened yesterday that Teresa started to fear his mother too.

But that was okay, Teresa wouldn't abandon him, and they could play together!

Hayes thought optimistically and ran to meet Teresa and Manley, his small hand ready to hold Teresa's. But his arm hung in the air for a long while, and Teresa didn't reach

out to him.

Even as they passed each other, Teresa deliberately avoided him. She didn't even look at him!

What's going on?

Under his mother's coercion, did his only friend also abandon him?

Hayes stood alone, watching Teresa and Manley walk hand in hand into the manor. His mood suddenly sank.

The biting cold wind blurred his eyes. A tear slipped down his cheek, and his nose was sour.

He was heartbroken but kept comforting himself, "Don't cry! Hayes, you have to be strong! Teresa just didn't see you..