Love or Leave Behind Novel

Shelmaine slithered into the crowd and found a seat among the other guests, forgoing her place at the main table with the Gallaghers. Her introversion made her uncomfortable among stranger.

She sat and waited for the engagement party to begin

As the hosts, the Gallaghers were obligated to usher in the guests. The engagement party was considerably small, but it was executed with more grandeur than most.

The guests in attendance all hailed from prestigious backgrounds, and Julien’s parents personally escorted them to their tables,

It wasn’t long before the Hastings showed up.

Shelaine had prepared for this. She knew what to expect, yet her heart still wrenched at the sight of Samuel and Natasha. The former entered the hall with the latter on his arm, looking as impassive as ever. He stood tall and straight as the other guests flocked to him..

If Shelmaine hadn’t understood Samuel’s prominence in society back then, she certainly understood it now.

She had only just looked away when Samuel cast a look in her direction. He tore his gaze away when Julien stepped in and greeted him. “Pleasure to have you, Samuel. Why don’t you and Natasha go in and make yourselves comfortable

Samuel and Natasha were seated at the main table, marking them as members of the Gallagher family

The engagement party began shortly after. The hall livened up as the guests beheld and celebrated the soon–to–be–wed couple, Josie was so moved that she teared up. The emcee teased her mercilessly over it, telling her to save her tears for the actual day.

Shelmaine witnessed the party. She emind josie on the one hand but wished her all the best on the other. Just like any other woman, she would love to have a wedding. She, too, wished to be loved and protected

She supposed it wasn’t too late for her to realize that now.

The engagement party went on without a hitch. When it came time for the guests to toast to the happy couple, Julien materialized next to Shelmaine and asked quietly, “Are you

the crowd around her wouldn’t talk, but she had thought too little of Julien. He wouldn’t cause a scene with so many people around

She tried to keep a distance from him so that th them; she was simply too paranoid

“she answered. Why would she be tired when all she did was sit, eat, and drink?

Julien pulled out the chair next to her and sat down. The table was large enough to accommodate an additional guest. When he noticed that her plate was empty and her utensils were clean, he ordered a bisque and ladled some in ber bowl with a clean spoon

He said, “Eat up. You can’t come to a party and have with an empty stomach.”

He was an important member of the hosting family, and incredibly handsome, too. Everyone’s eyes were on him, and Shelmaine felt curious looks being thrown their way after he foot a seat at her table

She pointed out uneasily, “Shouldn’t you be sitting with your family instead of here?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“What’s wrong with me sitting here?” Julien countered nonchalantly. They know about you, and my mom asked the why you didn’t join them at the main table. I told her you were shy, and that they should give you some space.”

Shelenaine wasn’t sure how she felt about that She lowered her gaze and said nothing

“I just didn’t want them to scare you off, and I didn’t want you to get mad at me and storm off. I know you need time, Shelly, and I’m willing to walt, just don’t avoid me, okay?” Julen coaxed.

sholmaine hesitated for a moment. She gave him a cursory glance. “Aren’t you worried you’d get into trouble?”

“No,” he answered frankly.

“You’ll regret this,” Shelmaine warned in resignation

“No,” he said again. “I have nerves of steel, and I don’t get spooked easily. I’ve already bold you my feelings, Shelly, and I won’t regret it.”

The determination in his gaze made Shelinaine swallow, her guilt a rolling wave in her stomach “Ineed to clear my head.”

“would too, if I were you, Curse my good looks,” julken joked.

“Could you just…” Shelmine rolled her eyes. His shamelessness knew

Julien offered, I’ll escort you.”

“You don’t have to. I’m not a kid. Just sexy and watch my purse for me.”

no bounds. “I need to use the restroom.”