Chapter 205:
âThatâs not the case, Miss Murray; how could I possibly not want to talk with you?â Eileen responded, her tone polite but instinctive.
However, Zolaâs next statement was even more blunt. âBecause Iâm the wife the Dawson family groomed for Bryan, itâs reasonable for you not to like me.â
âNo, itâs not like that,â Eileen replied with a smile, shaking her head. âAs long as Bryan hasnât chosen you, I wonât dislike you.â
Though the Dawson family intended for Bryan to marry Zola, it didnât concern Eileen. After all, others couldnât dictate Bryanâs feelings.
Perhaps Zola hadnât expected Eileen to respond so calmly and confidently; she seemed slightly taken aback. Her gaze softened as she studied Eileen, and after a few seconds, a smile broke across her face. âNo wonder Bryan likes you. Iâm starting to like you now, too. Youâre sensible, and honestly, youâre more likable than Vivian and those upper-class ladies. Iâve seen too much insincerity from them.â
Zolaâs words were genuine, yet for some reason, Eileen felt a sense of detachment before her. She listened with a light smile as Zola rambled on.
Glancing at her watch, Eileen noted that half an hour had passed. She decided to interrupt Zola. âSorry, I have a meeting at ten. If thereâs something important you need to discuss, please do so now. We can chat about the other matters another time.â
Zola looked slightly frustrated with herself. âLook at me, getting carried away. I enjoyed talking with you so much that I lost track of time. I actually came to discuss Kian. Bryan is in a difficult situation now. Itâs not good that he and Kian have fallen out because of you. We should think of a way to ease the tension in their relationship.â
âYou want me to apologize to Kian?â Eileen cut straight to the heart of the matter.
In the quiet coffee shop, sunlight poured in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Eileen took a deep breath and leaned back on the sofa. When Zola remained silent, she spoke again. âMiss Murray, you have a good relationship with both Bryan and Kian. I understand the dynamics better than you might think, but an apology isnât the solution.â
Your favorite tales live on gⱯlnÏνeðsâ¤com Zola tilted her head, her expression shifting from frustration to contemplation. âI know itâs complicated, but Kian can be⦠difficult. Heâs protective of Vivian, and any threat to her well-beingâespecially someone like youâtriggers his defenses.â
Eileen crossed her arms, considering Zolaâs words. âI understand that. But Kian needs to realize that Iâm not a threat. I care about Bryan, and I wonât let anyone come between us.â
Zola nodded slowly, a hint of admiration in her eyes. âYouâre stronger than I thought. Thatâs one of the reasons Bryan is drawn to you.â
Eileen smiled softly, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Zola. âI appreciate your support, Zola. I really do. But I think the best way forward is to allow Bryan and Kian to sort out their issues on their own.â
Zola sighed, seeming to accept Eileenâs perspective. âAlright, Iâll back off for now. But promise me youâll keep an eye on Kian. He can be unpredictable, and I donât want him to lash out in a way that could hurt you.â
âI promise,â Eileen assured her, feeling more at ease now.
With their conversation taking a more serious tone, Eileen glanced at her watch again. âI should get going; I donât want to keep my colleagues waiting. Letâs talk again soon?â
âDefinitely. Take care, Eileen,â Zola replied with a smile.
As Eileen stepped out of the coffee shop, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The challenges ahead with Bryan, Kian, and the educational agency were daunting, but she was ready to face them head-on.
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