Page 26 of Of Vows and Betrayal

“I’m going to get a smoothie,” I say to no one in particular.

Sophia scoffs, her eyes lingering on my hips and thighs. “I don’t think you should. You really don’t need the calories, and the dress was already quite tight on your hips.”

Before I can say something, Javier intervenes again. “Some men don’t like bags of bones,” he says pointedly, defending me again while eyeing her with barely veiled disdain.

I blush slightly but smile, grateful for his support. “One strawberry banana smoothie, please,” I tell the vendor.

Sophia narrows her eyes at him but finally looks down at her phone. “Just get it over with.”

I’ve had enough, and when I see Javier open his mouth, I step in. “You know what, Sophia, I’ve got it from here.”

She raises a perfectly shaped eyebrow, staring at me with a mocking smile. “Is that right?”

“Yes, you were helpful enough—too helpful, even. Consider your duty accomplished or whatever and go meet your friends to do whatever you feel like doing.”

She turns toward her bodyguard. “You hear her, Mario? She’s dismissing us,” she tells him mockingly.

I’m half-surprised she even knows his name; I’ve seen her treat him as furniture quite often.

“Seems like it, signorina,” he replies.

“Okay then, suit yourself. See you at Francesca’s birthday. Try not to shame us,” she adds before throwing a last longing glare at Javier and leaving us, her stilettosclicking on the floor of the half-deserted mall.

“She’s adorable,” Javier says, keeping his eyes on her retreating back.

“Umm,” I say, sipping on my smoothie. “Would you believe me if I told you she’s the least bitchy of the lot?”

He lets out a slow whistle. “Scary thought.”

I laugh. “You don’t say.”

“More shopping?”

I laugh. “No, god no!” I look at my watch. “We still have time to get to the retirement home before the end of visiting hours.”

We arrive at the retirement home, and as we walk through the doors, a sense of calm washes over me. The scent of fresh flowers and the hum of quiet conversations fill the air, a stark contrast to the chaos of the mall.

“Ophelia! You’re here!” Mrs. Thompson exclaims, spotting me. She’s sitting in the common area with a group of her friends, knitting needles in hand.

“Hi, Mrs. Thompson,” I say, giving her a warm hug. “How are you today?”

“Much better now that you’re here, dear,” she replies, her eyes twinkling. “And who is this handsome young man with you?”

“This is Javier,” I introduce him. “He’s… well, he’s sort of my bodyguard.”

“Sort of?” Javier raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his face.

“Okay, he is my bodyguard,” I admit with a smile.

“Nice to meet you, Javier,” Mrs. Thompson says, nodding approvingly.

As I settle in with the ladies, Mrs. Thompson hands me the scarf I had been knitting during my last visit. “Here, dear. You can continue working on this.”

I take the scarf and resume knitting, enjoying the familiar rhythm. The ladies chat around me, discussing everything from the latest news to their favorite recipes.

I glance over at Javier, who has been roped into a card game with some of the veterans. He looks completely at ease, laughing and talking with them as if he’s known them for years. This side of him makes my heart soften a little more.

“Isn’t he wonderful?” Mrs. Thompson’s friend, Mrs. Lawson, whispers to me.

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