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.

chemistry might blossom into fireworks by the

when Alaric explained apologetically, “I’m afraid

Disgruntled, she thought grimly, Which insolent fool has beaten

two. It seems as if

crowd at all.” Her eyes lit up with a brilliant idea. “Do you think you could squeeze two more in for the weekend? Maybe you could talk to your current

little uneasy at

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

this that Alaric broke into a breezy smile. Chuckling good-naturedly, he said, “Alright, you got me. I suppose I’ll just have to be thick-skinned and

to have.” Appeased, Grace hung up the phone and beckoned Charles and Sonia to join her at the

which bulged slightly under her shirt. She sprawled on the couch in a daze

think my culinary skills are great, then you ought

Sonia agreed, nodding earnestly. “Your offer is

I love cooking, and Charles and Curtis are almost never at home. There isn’t a point cooking if

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

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

his hand and

did so, he sang mischievously,

she watched the slapstick comedy that was Charles and Grace. At that moment, the living room was warm with

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

night, but she turned it

Grace urged as she shoved

going to do that anyway,” Charles muttered. He grabbed the car keys from the coffee table and said, “Come on,

hummed in response, then waved at

“Goodbye.” Grace waved back.

of the villa. Then, they got in the car

unfastened her seatbelt and opened

“Okay,” Charles answered breezily.

and rounded the car, thereafter

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.

when he read

the car window, and when he saw that Sonia was about to go into the lobby, he tightened his fists and summoned all

in her tracks and turned around.

to school his features into his usual, nonchalant smile so that she couldn’t tell how nervous he was. “My mom

hear what he had said,