Page 46 of The Rogue and His Flower

“Daisy, darling, your dress is… quite something,” she exclaims with practised charm, her eyes flickering over my dress with a raised brow.

As a woman of her own wealth and standing, she has always looked down on both of us. This dress could’ve been encrusted with cut diamonds and she still wouldn’t be impressed. Not that I care, her opinion means nothing to me.

“Thank you,” I respond politely, refusing to be intimidated.

“Congratulations on your engagement. We were all sosurprisedwhen Carl informed us of the news. You know, therewas a time I believed Dalton was going to marry my own daughter, Clarissa, but alas, it wasn’t to be.”

My stomach coils at the mention of her daughter’s name, given she was part of the group of people who treated me so poorly all those years ago at college. The sheer fact Dalton had spent any time with her makes my gut churn.

“I wonder, howhaveyou managed to ensnare such a man?” she adds, lifting a perfectly arched brow as her gaze drops to my stomach.

I draw in a sharp breath, but before either myself or Drix is able to respond to her veiled accusation, a familiar scent wafts under my nose and a muscular arm wraps around my waist as Dalton appears at my side.

“Actually, it was me who ensnared Daisy,” he says smoothly, dropping a kiss to the top of my head. “There isn’t a woman here tonight that is more perfect for me. Daisy looks absolutely stunning, wouldn’t you agree?”

Mrs Fernsby’s gaze cuts to Dalton, her eyes narrowing. “Indeed. Well, I shall have to go and mingle. Good evening to you both,” she says, completely ignoring Drix’s presence and twisting on her heel.

As Mrs Fernsby sweeps away, Dalton’s grip on my waist tightens imperceptibly, no doubt a silent warning to play the part of devoted fiance.

“You really do look beautiful,” he says, and I don’t quite have the courage to look into his eyes to see if he truly means it or if this is all part of his act.

“Of course she does,” Drix replies, a note of anger in his tone. “Daisy is a diamond amongst coal, with the exception of Lia of course,” he adds, his attention drawn to her as she walks towards us, stunning in a long-sleeved, black, form-fitting gown with Toby at her side. Sterling and Ben flank her.

“Lia, Toby!” I exclaim, stepping out of Dalton’s hold and throwing my arms around Lia in a hug before crouching down and wrapping my arms around Toby.

“Your dress is so pretty!” Toby exclaims in awe as I draw upright, his small hands touching the delicate fabric of my skirt.

“Thank you, Toby. You look very handsome too,” I add, beaming.

“We’ve missed you,” Lia says, her smile sincere.

“I’ve missed you too,” I reply, my chest aching a little at just how much.

“How about we get together soon?” she asks as Toby looks between us, grinning widely.

“Can I come? I promise I’ll be good,” he says, hopping on his feet.

“Of course! Maybe a play date at the park, followed by some food at Daphne’s cafe in town?” I suggest, ruffling Toby’s hair playfully.

“Yes please,” he agrees, as Lia takes his hand in hers, and glances at Drix.

“We’ll organise it soon,” she says, giving me a knowing look that conveys her silent support. “I imagine we have lots to catch up on.”

“We do,” I agree.

“Daisy, you look good enough to eat,” Ben says, stepping forward, his piercing green eyes casually perusing my dress before he grins at Dalton.

“Thanks, Ben,” I reply, my cheeks heating as he leans in and presses a kiss against my cheek.

“Careful, Ben,” Sterling interjects with a smirk as Dalton mumbles something under his breath, and his fingers dig into my hip. “You know how Dalton gets.”

“Not with my sister, he won’t,” Drix grumbles.

Sterling smothers a smile, then drops his lips to my cheek. “You scrub up well,” he adds with a wink.

“Thanks, Sterling. How are things with your family? Your stepmother and stepsister seem lovely,” I say.

It was only recently, on New Year’s Eve, that his father Robert married Melody Richards, a once famous Hollywood actress. I met her daughter, and Sterling’s new stepsister, Harlow, for the first time at the wedding. She was incredibly gracious, and utterly beautiful. Not to mention a fantastic singer.

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