?<strong>Chapter 60:</strong>


    Meeting alone with a married man like Lucas—imagine the rumors if people find out about the matter!”


    Mollie responded with nothing more than an icy nce directed at Tessa. A wealthydy nearby, sensing the tension, subtly pulled at Tessa’s sleeve, urging her to drop the subject. Tessaplied outwardly but scoffed inwardly, amused by Mollie’s difort.


    Darren, after hearing Ryan’s moralistic stance, let out a scornful chuckle. He fixed Ryan with a look of disdain and countered, “Who said Belinie’sst name was Thomas? And who told you Belinie is her actual name?” Ryan’s and Verena’s expressions faltered, confusion spreading across their faces. What did Darren mean by that?


    “Belinie,e here,” Mollie called out, breaking her silence for the first time. Belinda made her way past the gathering of elite women to stand beside Mollie. Mollie affectionately adjusted Belinda’s hair and then, with a pointed look at Lucas, her voice cool, urged, “Lucas, perhaps you’d like to introduce her properly to everyone?”


    Though puzzled by Mollie’s implication, everyone turned their gazes to Lucas. Lucas met their gazes with steady calm, and in a low, firm voice, he said, “She is Belinda rk.”


    As Lucas pronounced Belinda’s name, the revtion struck Ryan and Verena like a thunderp, leaving them visibly stunned. Ryan and Verena stared at Lucas, their eyes wide with shock, unable to utter a word.


    After a long silence, Verena regained herposure, her voice trembling. “Lucas… What did you just say? Who is she?” Lucas paused, his expression resolute, before replying, “She is my wife, Belinda.”


    The revtion left not just Ryan and Verena but also the affluent women present speechless, their expressions frozen in disbelief. Mollie’s goddaughter Belinie was actually the elusive Mrs. rk! This revtion was too shocking!


    g?lnσν????s holds stories for every mood


    Tessa’s smile stiffened, the shock evident on her face. “Impossible! How can she be Belinda?” Ryan erupted, his voice filled with disbelief. He turned to Belinda, whose beauty was undeniable. To Ryan, she looked nothing like the Belinda he remembered. How could this graceful woman be the same Belinda he knew?


    Overwhelmed by the situation, Ryan blurted out without thinking, “Belinda is ugly, overweight, and marred by a distinct ck mark on her face. How can she and Belinda be the same person?”


    As Ryan spoke, Mollie’s and Darren’s faces quickly turned dark. “Watch your words, Ryan!” Darren’s tone was cold. After a pause, Darren scoffed and added, “What? Must Belinda remain as you remember her? Can’t a birthmark disappear as time passes? Really, Ryan, is this your defensive response to not capturing Belinda’s interest—resorting to insults?”


    A wave of embarrassment washed over Ryan, coloring his cheeks red. He opened his mouth to respond, yet no words emerged. He was in denial. In the past, he had looked down on Belinda, finding her unattractive at a mere nce. Yet, astonishingly, he had fallen deeply for her three yearster, vowing to win her affection! Even today, his heart fluttered uncontrobly at the sight of her. Now, to hear from Lucas that the woman who captivated him was the same one he had previously despised shook him deeply. How could he ept this now?


    Before Ryan could formte a reply, Darren said sarcastically, “Why don’t you call your aunt’s husband now, Mr. Adams, and confirm whether there’s a doctor named Belinda in the Cardiac Surgery Department at the Grand ins General Hospital?” Ryan clenched his jaw so tightly that it began to hurt. He had no words left now.


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