?Chapter 1835:


    “You’re well aware of my abstention from alcohol,” she stated firmly. “If drinking appeals to you, proceed independently. I decline to participate.”


    With that deration, she extracted her phone and began reviewing her messages with deliberate focus.


    The conflict between her and Peyton hadmenced that afternoon, and more than three hours had psed withoutmunication. What message was he attempting to convey? Did he intend to terminate their rtionship?


    Feeling profoundly wounded, Aileen bit her lower lip while scrolling through her conversation history with Peyton.


    DeWitt, undeterred by her dismissal, began extending his arm toward her shoulders.


    Aileen, acutely perceptive of his movement, reacted with immediate anger. “Abandon any presumptuous notions. I feel absolutely no attraction toward you, and I’m currently in a…”


    “Rtionship. You would be wise to maintain your distance!”


    This outburst represented the apex of her fury, both in intensity and volume.<fnd65a> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find(?)ovel</fnd65a>


    Erica, having never witnessed this aspect of Aileen’s personality, found herself rendered speechless by apprehension.


    DeWitt, ustomed to feminine admiration and constant attention, had developed a particr interest in Aileen. Despite his repeated expressions of interest, she had consistently rejected his advances, and now she dared to address him with such unprecedented hostility.


    His temper escted instantaneously.


    Recognizing the potential for conflict, Erica hastily attempted to defuse the situation. “Please ept our apologies—Aileen is experiencing emotional distress today. Don’t take offense. We’ll host you for dinner in the near future.”


    Find your next read at g?lnσν???s


    DeWitt offered no verbal response, his countenance darkening ominously as he departed with palpable coldness.


    Erica exhaled deeply. “Try to moderate your emotions. Look at the transformation that’s urred since entering this rtionship—you’ve be nearly unrecognizable. This behavior was entirely absent previously.”


    “I don’t want to be like this either, but Peyton hasn’t messaged me. He directed unprovoked anger toward me before implementingplete silence. The emotional injury and frustration are overwhelming!”


    Noticing Aileen’s tear-filled eyes, Erica’s demeanor softened as she offered constion. “Darling, relinquish your anger. If Peyton holds significance in your life, seek him out directly. Being here with me serves no constructive purpose.”


    Aileen responded dejectedly, “How could you say that? You’ve actively prevented my consumption of alcohol. I merely sought temporary escape from my troubles.”


    Erica replied with resignation, “Alcohol remains prohibited for you. Its consumption invariably leads to problematic situations.”


    Clutching her phone with determination, Aileen maintained her vignt watch, refusing to ept that Peyton might withholdmunication indefinitely. Should he message her, she resolved to respond without dy, never deliberately postponing her reply.


    While Aileen waited with persistent hope, DeWitt reappeared unexpectedly, carrying two beverages and deliberately cing one directly before her.


    When Aileen caught sight of DeWitt again, her brow furrowed in displeasure. “What are you doing back here?” she demanded, her voiceced with irritation. “I told you to leave.”


    .


    .


    .