Found Love When Your Gone

Chapter 8

Gertrude Pov...

Shocked was an understatement to describe what happened! I was completely blindsided by who we were meeting. It never crossed my mind that Jonathan would be the candidate for this arranged marriage. I'm curious how Jonathan passed my father's standard.

I was speechless, unable to speak for myself, looking at him flabbergasted. I wanted to stand up, but I couldn't move as my butt was stuck in my chair.

While our parents were enthusiastically discussing wedding dates and venues, Jonathan was barely holding back his seething anger. His disgusted, furious glare bore into me. If looks could kill, I’d already be dead. Thankfully, they aren’t!

Praying for the heavens to let this meeting end immediately.

Does he seriously think I had anything to do with this? I had no clue! When he excused us to talk privately, I knew he was livid. Jessica’s presence didn’t surprise me, though. She’s always attached to him like a shadow. Looking at her now, I realized I had trusted a fox and a snake in my life.

I decided to call off the wedding, but Jonathan stopped me, catching me completely off guard. Isn’t this what he wanted? Why stop me now? I was fuming and tempted to lash out at him, but before I could, he yanked me hard, causing me to twist my ankle. I hissed in pain, only for the situation to take a humiliating turn, and my lips landed on his.

Later that evening, I showed him clearly that I had no interest in marrying him. If he wants that manipulative fox, so be it. I’ll move on from him and my friend’s betrayal.

When he said goodbye to me in front of my dad, I pretended not to hear him. Instead, I smiled politely, bid farewell to Uncle James, and walked straight to my car without looking at him.

The next morning, I woke up groggy and annoyed, replaying last night’s disaster in my mind. Dad mentioned that a wedding coordinator would visit us, but I chose to go to work instead. He can handle that. I’ll show Jonathan just how little I care about this arranged marriage.

How dare he assume I had any part in it! I was a damn fool when I fell in love with him!

And trusted him.

I was already busy and immersed in my job when my secretary knocked and informed me of a guest waiting outside. I composed myself and went to meet them, only to find a face I wasn’t thrilled to see. Of course, she would know where to find me. Jessica had always been resourceful and was once my friend, especially since she knew I was Star’s heir.

“Jessica.” I said coldly, as I didn't want to pretend I was fine seeing her.

“Gertrude! I had no idea you were back!” She replied with feigned cheerfulness. What a wonderful liar!

“Dad asked me to come back.” I answered curtly. She could likely sense my displeasure.

“You didn’t bring a gift for your friend? It's been too long since we last shopped and talked.” She teased, trying to sound sweet, but I wasn’t falling for it. Enough that she used me to get what she wanted.

“I’ve been busy. No time to scour Italy for something worthy of you.” I replied with a sharp smile, making my meaning clear.

She dropped the pretense. “Is coming back part of your plan to steal my fiancé?” She accused loudly, drawing attention from others in the shop. Was she seriously trying to humiliate me on my own property or to get sympathy and attention?

Is she nuts?

“I didn’t even know he was engaged. And for the record, meeting either of you was never on my agenda.” I said firmly, throwing her words back at her. She grabbed my arm harshly, glaring at me enough to feel the rage emitting from her.

But jealousy reeks her the most.

“Stay away from him. I won’t let you have him.” She hissed, attempting to sound threatening but I am a Cushe. Did she really think she could intimidate me? I pulled her hands off and laughed.

“Are you threatening me?” I whispered with a calm, icy demeanor, watching her falter under my gaze.

“He’s mine, Gertrude. Get your own!" She said firmly, taking in my dominance.

"Why come back and take what’s not yours?"

"He was never yours!" I said tilting my head.

"Is this how a Cushe operates? Does your father use his money to get everything you want?” She ranted, shocking me with her audacity.

“Excuse me!” Dad’s voice interrupted, startling her. He had been standing nearby, unnoticed and that's my father.

“Who are you to insult my name on my own property?” Dad asked, his tone sharp and authoritative. He glared at her, causing everyone around her to fall silent.

“M-Mr. Cushe!” She stammered, visibly shaken.

“I asked, who are you?” He repeated, his voice dangerously calm and annoyed.

“I’m sorry—” She began, but dad cut her off.

“I didn’t ask for an apology. I asked who you are.” He said and his irritation was evident.

Desperate, she fumbled for words. Dad’s presence was intimidating enough, and his anger was palpable.

“Dad, she’s the daughter of the Ferrer Foundation and University.” I interjected, hoping to ease the tension. Dad adjusted his tie, his composure returning slightly.

“Tell your father to see me. Or I’ll contact him myself.” He declared firmly before walking away. Jessica stood frozen, unsure of how to recover from the scene she had caused.

Our friendship ended when she betrayed me.

“Sweetheart...” Dad called, pulling me out of my thoughts. I followed him silently, leaving Jessica to deal with the mess she had created.

Walking behind Dad, I stayed quiet, knowing better than to speak when he was still angry. If he’d used my full name earlier, I would’ve braced for a lecture.

"Come with me today!" I look at him confused.

"Finish everything you are doing right now and reschedule your scheduled meetings today. We need to go somewhere else." He said, his tone still clipped. I didn't protest or ask, I just simply nodded and followed his lead.

"I'm sorry dad!" I cried, biting my lips, bracing myself.