Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law
Chapter 46: Offense

Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Offense

The rest of my economics class passed by without any more stares or comments directed at me. That was my last class of the day, so I left the academic building and headed for the student parking lot. Mutterings and staring still followed me as I went, but I was hoping that word about my little speech in econ would go around and everyone would stop their childish whispers.

But I meant what I said. They could think whatever they wanted about me. At the end of the day, it was my choice how their wrong assumptions affected me.

And I was going to choose to ignore them.

With my head held high, I walked to the busy parking lot. Isabella had texted me that she would send a car to pick me up and take me to their house for Michelle’s tutoring session.

My mouth dropped open when I saw what was waiting for me.

One of the Laken’s drivers—wearing a black suit, complete with a black chauffeur hat—was standing in front of a black Rolls-Royce with a sign that said ‘Miss Lowett’.

The unwanted attention of my classmates increased as I walked toward one of the most expensive cars in the world.

“Do you think Gareth Laken sent that car?” a girl whispered loud enough for me to hear.

“She’s totally his call girl. I just know it,” the girl’s friend muttered back.

Shaking my head to ignore them, I climbed into the car, but my face was still flushed with embarrassment.

“Good afternoon, Miss Lowett,” the driver said after he got into the front. “My name is Mr. Dawson. Is the temperature in the car to your liking?” He gestured to the complicated-looking AC.

“Nice to meet you. And it is, thank you,” I answered. “Mr. Dawson, would it be possible if next time you picked me up, it could be in a...less conspicuous car? Maybe even a cheaper model?”

“I can ask, Miss Lowett.” He turned on the engine. “But I can’t make any promises.”

“It would be great if you could try. Thank you.”

When I arrived at the mansion, Butler Jones escorted me to the large backyard where Michelle was waiting for me by the weapons rack with an anxious look in her eyes.

I put my hands on my hips when I saw her.

“Are you still feeling guilty about what happened yesterday?”

“Yeah,” she admitted, glancing down at her feet. “I still feel bad about cutting up your clothes, I could have seriously—”

“Nope, none of that,” I cut her off, marching right up to her and making her look me in the eye. “When you’re dealing with weapons, you can’t get in your head about things, especially the past. Because if you do, you’ll get distracted. And what happens when you’re distracted?”

“Mistakes,” Michelle answered.

“Exactly. If you’re distracted, next time you could really injure me.” I picked up a long sword with a green jewel on the hilt and handed it to her. “Now, let’s get to work.”

Michelle took the sword with an excited grin.

For this lesson, I focused more on offense. Michelle was a fast learner and even quicker on her feet. Soon, she even gave me a run for my money, as she slashed and cut the air in front of me, being careful not to actually wound me. Our lesson went by fast, the passage of time measured by the clinking of our swords.

“Great job today,” I said to her as we put our swords away on the weapons rack. “You’re definitely going to pass your test next week.”

“You think?” the younger girl asked me as we headed inside.

I placed my hand on her shoulder. “I have full confidence in you.”

A wide grin crossed her face as we walked up the staircase.

“Where’s Isabella today?” I asked. “It was nice to have an audience when we sparred last time.”

“I think she’s on a date with Elliot,” Michelle answered.

I tried to keep my expression neutral as we walked down the hallway.

“How nice.”

Elliot was such a pig. He was at my house last night demanding that I be his mistress, and now he was on a date with his bride-to-be.

In Michelle’s room, I looked through her schoolwork and had her begin a practice worksheet for a test that she had coming up in science.

“I’ll check your work when you’re finished,” I told her.

Michelle began her work without any complaints, which made my heart warm with pride for how far she’d come in such a short amount of time.

As she began to write an answer to the first question, I walked to the large window that looked out into the beautiful front lawn. I admired the riot of bright colors in the well-tended garden and the vibrant green landscaping.

But as my gaze swung to the driveway, my stomach sank.

Isabella and Elliot were embracing, clutching onto each other like they were the only people in the world. Isabella had a bouquet of gorgeous red roses in her hands, and I saw tears welling up in her eyes when she pulled away to say something to Elliot.

My ex-mate must have gotten Isabella those flowers as an apology for ignoring her calls last night when he was at my house.

Mixed emotions flowed through me as I watched them hold hands and talk while staring at each other with wide eyes filled with admiration. Worry for Isabella made my heart ache. I knew first-hand how charming Elliot could be when he was apologizing. It seemed like he was already back in her good graces. She shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of treatment. But there was also jealousy sneaking its way into my heart, making my hands clench into tight fists.

Elliot used to buy me red roses too.

I wanted more than anything to look away, but Elliot chose that moment to look up. His eyes sparked with a sort of deranged happiness when our gazes locked together.

With a smirk, he cupped Isabella’s face in his hands and kissed her passionately. His large hands roamed her body, and they made out right before my eyes.

A heavy feeling settled low in my stomach, and my wolf howled in pain inside of my head.

All I wanted to do was look away, but I was frozen in place. My hands were clenched by my sides, and my heart was slamming against my chest.

Elliot pulled away from Isabella’s lips and put his forehead against hers as they both caught their breath.

Michelle’s window was cracked, so I could hear what he said next because he had purposely raised his voice.

“I can’t wait to marry you, baby!” he gushed. “I’m going to make you the happiest woman in the world, my sweet Isabella.”

Isabella laid a hand over her heart, clearly touched by her fiancé’s romantic words.

“Oh, Elliot,” she breathed out and leaped into his arms, wrapping herself around him.

Elliot picked her up around the waist, spinning her around while she giggled.

My head spun, and nausea crept up my throat as I watched Isabella’s face shining with happiness—the very picture of a woman blissfully in love.

I truly wished that Elliot strived to make her the happiest woman in the world, but how could he when he wasn’t honest with her?

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Elliot said into her ear.

My heart skipped a beat. Because he was staring straight at me when he said it.

My hands clenched into tight fists.

What an asshole.

Isabella was oblivious because he had been whispering in her ear. So, she returned the sentiment and then pulled him in by his shirt for another passionate kiss.

Unconsciously, a low growl ripped from my throat.

“What are you looking at?”

I jumped and spun around to see Michelle at my shoulder with a curious look on her face.