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.

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

Mr. Quigley

smile curved Tristan’s lips, though it

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

laughter from bubbling

at his friend in realization. Charles must

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

smile on Charles’ face froze in

just pulling a small prank. Did he

Mr. Tristan. I

in Chanaea.

got Sophie a clean plate, which

same time, he asked coolly, “Bertram, still thinking of stealing my

almost stopped

to get in Ms. Tanner’s good graces. Please don’t leave me here. I’m very sorry for that foolish

nothing more than to beat Charles

his gut instinct was on to something when he suspected

shove the blame on Charles, Bertram added, “Mr. Quigley told me to do all this. None of this was my idea, Mr.

should stay behind too, Charles!” came Tristan’s indifferent

no better way to

sit well with Charles, who protested, “I know I’m wrong, Mr. Tristan. Please, I

struck speechless by

how shameless can he

Tristan had already made up his mind, and it was

Sophie. If she agreed to let him off the hook, Tristan would follow suit. He quickly turned to her and pleaded,

half-heartedly, “Ah, it’s great that

Charles trailed off, wondering if her words were a prelude to forgiveness. And perhaps she might spare me

his hopes by answering, “Since you’re admitting to your wrongdoing, you should readily accept the punishment that

alone here, Mr. Tristan? I truly think Bert meant

Bert?

expressing his displeasure at his girlfriend’s rather affectionate nickname for

thought he might faint from

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

other men instead of

“Okay.”