Classic Novel
Chapter 1407
Dorothy smiled, a genuine warmth flooding her heart. Indeed, she felt fortunate to have crossed paths with Everett. It was as if all the trials and tribulations life had thrown her way were just setting the stage for this monumental payoff. Everett walked in just in time to catch the tail end of their conversation. Julian, upon noticing him, couldn't hide his sheepish guilt and was about to stammer an explanation when Everett, ever so naturally, took Dorothy's hand in his. "Did Langston call you over?" Everett inquired, his tone casual yet filled with an underlying assertion.
"How do you always know?" Julian quipped, his competitive nature surfacing at the sight of Everett, unable to resist the urge to challenge him.
Everett, not one to stoop to the level of what he considered childish banter, simply smiled. "Who else would it be? Dorothy?"
Julian scoffed, his attempt to maintain an air of indifference crumbling. "I was going to clarify that Dorothy and I were just chatting, nothing more. But seeing how smug you are, I don't even feel like explaining anymore!" Everett, with a sly grin, wrapped an arm around Dorothy's shoulder. "No need for explanations. I trust her."
In his heart, Dorothy was his and his alone.
"I'll leave you to it. I should go keep Langston company," Dorothy said, eager to escape their juvenile exchanges.
Julian, attempting to lighten the mood, asked, "So, when's the big day for you two?"
"Soon enough."
"Let me know when. I'd like to be there," Julian said, adding with a mischievous glint, "It's almost like attending the wedding with Dorothy. Just... not as the groom."
Everett finally frowned, giving Julian a stern look.
"Looking for trouble, are we?"
Julian laughed it off, "Just joking, man! Lighten up. I can't compete with you, just having a bit of fun."
"Half your bonus is gone this month."
"What?" Julian's demeanor shifted to one of mock indignation. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think? After all, I've been a friend to your lady."
"Yes, and you also wanted to be more than that."
Julian sighed, defeated. "That was just youthful folly. Who doesn't get a little excited around beautiful women? Are you going to tell me it wasn't Dorothy's looks that caught your eye?" Everett clapped him on the shoulder, a firm, grounding gesture. "Actually, no. Head back now, or you'll lose the rest of your bonus."
Julian adjusted his hoodie, making a face before turning to leave. Behind him, Everett's lips curled into a smile, not truly intending to dock his pay. Just a little friendly ribbing.
As for what Julian had said...
Dorothy in her younger days was
pleasant-looking at best. Not the
swn vol
school's beauty queen by any stretch Everett's affection for Ker ran deeper than mere appearances.
Pn
When Kevin brought Abigail over, Dorothy felt a mix of gratitude and concern. The hospital was hardly place for a child, but Abigail had been inconsolable, worried sick about her brother, and Kevin was at his wit's end.
"You've been a huge help," Dorothy thanked Kevin profusely. With 0 Langston's situation taking all her attention, Kevin had been a godsend, stepping in to help despite his own busy schedule. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
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"It's no trouble at all! What happens to Mr. Lopez affects us all," Kevin said, downplaying his contribution. "I'll leave you to it. Take care of the little one." Once Kevin had left, Dorothy turned to find Abigail standing there, a picture of vulnerability.
"Mommy... I'm sorry... I'll never try to pet the ponies again..."