This Time, I Will Get My Divorce, Mr

Grace saw the glimmer in Charles’ eyes, but when it dimmed, she couldn’t help but prod him in the head. “Why are you always so caught up with your own thoughts? You’re too cowardly, and that’s why you missed Sonia.”

“It’s not my fault,” Charles grumbled plaintively.

She rolled her eyes at him. “Oh, so whose fault is it then? If you had just been bold enough to pursue Sonia romantically, then the both of you might have ended up together from the get-go.”

“It’s not as simple as you think,” he countered, lowering his eyes as he let out a bitter chuckle. “Not every girl could take their guy best friend as a boyfriend, you know.”

“Okay, so how would you know she won’t be able to take it if you never asked in the first place?” Grace pursed her lips in displeasure.

Charles gulped, unsure if he had the answer to his mother’s question.

With an impatient and dismissive wave of her hand, Grace barked, “Very well. Get out of the kitchen. You’re only going to get in my way if you stay here.”

His eyes widened. “You were the one who asked me to come in here, remember?” he argued exasperatedly, only to be ignored and pushed out of the kitchen.

“That kid’s hopeless, and it doesn’t help that he’s afraid of everything. If only he could just man up a little!” She shook her head in frustration. “Looks like I’m going to have to take things into my own hands instead. It’s time to set my son up with the girl of his dreams!” Having thought of this, she pulled out her phone and called a number. “Hi, Alaric. Didn’t you say you have an equestrian facility?”

“That’s right. What about it?” A middle-aged man’s bright and cheery voice spoke up on the other line.

Grace beamed. “Do you think I could have it for the weekend? I only need it for two days, and it’s crucial because I’m trying to set my son up with my future daughter-in-law.”

She had plans to trick Sonia and Charles into going horseback riding together, and she would create little nerve-wracking moments for them along the way.

fireworks by the time

bubble burst when Alaric explained apologetically, “I’m afraid that’s not possible.

heard this. Disgruntled, she thought grimly, Which insolent fool has beaten me to it?

chuckled as he replied, “Just two. It seems as if they’re planning for

more in for the weekend? Maybe you could talk to your current guests and tell them that my son

He grew a little

her hip and said darkly, “Have you forgotten how I’ve helped you out in the

that Alaric broke into a breezy smile. Chuckling good-naturedly, he said, “Alright, you got me. I suppose

Grace hung up the phone

her shirt. She sprawled on the couch in a daze as she remarked, “Your culinary skills are

the compliment, and her eyes turned into crescents. “If you think my culinary skills are great, then you ought to drop by with Charles more often and have meals

offer is too good to resist, Mrs.

almost never at home.

the apple. “That’s unfair, Mom. You’re the one who always goes out shopping and traveling. You can’t seriously

conversation, you punk. I’d hit you if I could,” Grace warned through gritted teeth, clenching her fist and making as though

and leaped away from

as he did so, he sang

hand, burst into laughter as she watched the slapstick comedy that was Charles

Sonia glanced at the time, and when she saw that it was nearly

to stay the night, but she

Grace urged as she

that anyway,” Charles muttered. He grabbed the car keys from the coffee table and said,

as she hummed in response, then

“Goodbye.” Grace waved back.

as they walked out of the villa. Then, they got in

Residence an hour later, Sonia unfastened

“Okay,” Charles answered breezily.

the car, thereafter heading straight for

read, ‘Charles, I’ve set up a date for you and Sonia at Alaric’s equestrian facility. Alaric knows all about it, and the room in the villa has been set aside for the both of you, too. I believe that you’ll

twitched when he

all. A date, however… There was a glimmer in his eyes as he rolled down the car window, and when he saw that Sonia was about to go into the lobby, he tightened his fists and summoned all the

stopped in her tracks and turned around.

nonchalant smile so that she couldn’t tell how nervous

quite hear what he had said, given how softly he