Second Love [Completed]

20. Why are you avoiding me??

Susan's P.O.V.

This week has been exhausting—every single day felt like a marathon. Ever since that dinner, my identity has shifted from being Susan Marie Joseph, the daughter of the world-famous Mr. Joseph, to the soon-to-be wife of Xavier Williams. The change was abrupt, suffocating, and completely against the plan.

I was told to wrap up my meetings and projects quickly because the wedding was set for November 25th—just two months away. To say my mother is excited would be an understatement; she's beyond ecstatic.

Today, Xavier, his mom, my mom, and I went shopping—or rather, they shopped while I played the reluctant dress-up doll. Gowns, jewelry, shoes, accessories—one after another, as if draping me in wealth would somehow make this engagement feel less suffocating.

According to them, the best way to understand your soon-to-be wife is to take her on a shopping spree. A ridiculous notion, especially when that wife-to-be is actively dodging the groom at every opportunity.

"Try this one, darling," my mother chirped, holding up an elaborate gown encrusted with pearls.

I sighed but stepped into the fitting room anyway. The sooner I played along, the sooner this charade would be over.

Outside, Xavier lounged in one of the boutique's velvet chairs, scrolling through his phone. He barely glanced up as I walked out in the dress, which I took as a small mercy.

"Beautiful," his mother gushed, clasping her hands together.

"Absolutely stunning," my mother agreed.

"What do you think, Xavier?" his mom prompted, nudging him playfully, as if coaxing a more enthusiastic response.

Finally, he looked up, his gaze unreadable. "It's nice."

Nice? That was all he had to say? I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He could at least pretend to care. Not that I wanted him to, but the indifference irritated me more than it should have.

"Try another one," my mom insisted, already pushing me back toward the fitting room.

I sighed but complied, knowing resistance was futile. As I turned away, I caught Xavier smirking, his amusement barely concealed. Of course, he was enjoying this. He knew exactly what I was doing—keeping the conversation minimal, avoiding any real interaction. And worse, he wasn't letting me get away with it.

Earlier, he had already tried to pull me into a conversation, persistent despite my attempts to brush him off.

"Susan," he had drawled lazily while I pretended to be engrossed in a necklace display. "Are you going to ignore me all day, or just until they force you into a wedding dress?"

I exhaled sharply and turned the necklace over in my hands, studying the gemstone like it held the answers to life itself. "I don't see why we need to talk. The wedding's happening regardless, isn't it?"

"So that's your plan? Silent treatment until November 25th?" His voice was laced with amusement, but there was something else there, something I didn't want to decipher.

I finally glanced at him, meeting his gaze for the briefest moment before looking away. "If it keeps me sane, yes."

His chuckle was low, knowing. "Admit it, you like having me around."

I rolled my eyes and turned away before he could see the tiny, irritating twitch of my lips. He always had to have the last word.

Yes, I've been avoiding Xavier. He ruined my plan, and I hate that he's acting so unbothered about it. If only he had stuck to our agreement and said no that night, we would've both been free from this farce. Sure, I can still go wherever I want, live my life, but the picture would've been different—cleaner, simpler.