Changing Only For Her Novel

“Are you sure about this?” Bertram could not explain why, but his gut instinct continued to cast doubts over Charles’ suggestion. “I didn’t offend you earlier, did I, Mr. Quigley? You’re not digging my grave here, right?”

Sure, Bertram may have never been in a relationship, but he was no fool.

Charles merely retorted, “Don’t you know how many women I’ve dated in the past? Trust me; my plan is foolproof. In any case, I can’t force you to change your mind if you don’t believe me.”

Alas, Bertram was all out of options. Charles’ idea was his only and best shot.

“Fine. I’ll take that advice.”

When they finally sat down to eat, Bertram boldly sat beside Sophie.

He launched into a string of praises. “Ms. Tanner, Mr. Tristan has waxed poetic about you for a long time. He clearly likes you very much! I must admit, I’ve never met a young woman as beautiful as you in my life!”

As he spoke, he carefully observed Sophie’s expression.

“Oh, really?” Sophie replied curtly while glancing at Bertram. This was actually her first time meeting him.

All she knew of Bertram was that he was Tristan’s right-hand man. For reasons unknown, she had never met him until that day.

She shot Tristan a questioning look.

What is your right-hand man up to?

Bertram realized Sophie’s disinterest in him. Neither the length nor quality of his conversation could capture her attention.

He promptly changed tack and stopped speaking. Instead, he would use his actions to show his adoration for Sophie.

He began piling her plate high with food.

His behavior caused Tristan’s frown to deepen. What is Bertram trying to do?

Curiosity and irritation got the better of Tristan, and he interrogated his right-hand man, “What are you up to, Bertram?”

Bertram’s hand froze in the middle of adding another morsel of food to Sophie’s plate.

I was just so enamored by Ms. Tanner that I felt compelled to do some

is totally off! Mr. Quigley can’t seriously be sabotaging

smile curved Tristan’s lips, though it merely

man was near tears as he sputtered, “Did I make a mistake, Mr. Tristan? I really didn’t mean anything else

amused laughter from bubbling out

at his friend in realization. Charles must be

you’d like to stay behind in Fandar too. I’m more than happy to make that happen! Both of you can stay here and settle the

smile on Charles’ face froze

pulling a small prank.

Mr. Tristan. I swear it. Please

in Chanaea. I can’t waste my prime in a place

summoned a waiter and got Sophie a clean plate, which he

he asked coolly, “Bertram, still thinking

heart almost

merely wanted to get in Ms. Tanner’s good graces. Please don’t leave me

wanted nothing more than to beat Charles up for

his gut instinct was on to something when he suspected Charles of pranking

“Mr. Quigley told me to do all this. None of

is it? You should stay behind too, Charles!”

no better way to satisfy his itch than leaving him behind to deal with

did not sit well with Charles, who protested, “I know I’m wrong, Mr. Tristan. Please, I was just joking around with him. I didn’t

struck speechless

how shameless can he

Tristan had already made up his mind, and it was near impossible for anyone to

knew his only hope lay in Sophie. If she agreed to let him off the hook, Tristan would follow suit. He quickly turned to her and pleaded, “I messed

half-heartedly, “Ah, it’s great that you’re aware of

you’re saying is…” Charles trailed off, wondering if her words were a prelude to

cruelly slashed his hopes by answering, “Since you’re admitting to your wrongdoing,

added, “Why don’t you leave Charles alone here, Mr.

Bert?

displeasure at his girlfriend’s rather affectionate nickname

he might faint from the pressure of his

me?” Charles continued to wail over his fate, though it merely earned him

that Sophie was wasting time entertaining two other men instead of eating,

“Okay.”