The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 201

That evening, David took over the kitchen, cooking the very fish he'd caught earlier while singing at the top of his lungs. Mr. Johnson, acting as his sous-chef, even broke into a little dance to accompany the tune.

Penelope walked in on this lively scene, and the gloom that had clouded her afternoon instantly melted away.

"It's just one fish," she teased. "Are you two really this excited?"

"You wouldn't understand an angler's pride!" David sang, turning to look at Penelope. His song died in his throat when he saw the cut on her forehead. "What happened there?"

Penelope quickly waved it off. "It's nothing, I just bumped it," she said, careful not to mention the car accident.

David leaned in to inspect the cut, and only relaxed after confirming it wasn't deep.

"You should have seen us trying to land this beast!" Mr. Johnson laughed, the memory still fresh. "It was so strong, it nearly pulled both of us into the water. Your dad here panicked and started shouting for help! Two young lads had to run over and give us a hand."

"Then they had the nerve to give us a lecture," David added with a grin. "'A big fish is nice,' they said, 'but your old bones are more important.'"

"They were just jealous!" Mr. Johnson declared.

"Exactly! All they'd caught all day were a couple of minnows."

The two men were lost in their banter again, leaving Penelope to her own devices.

She stepped outside to call Theodore, asking if he'd be home that night.

"I have to make a stop at my family's estate first."

"Oh?"

"It's nothing urgent. But since we're getting married soon, I figured I should probably let them know."

Penelope blinked. "Wait, you haven't told your family we're getting married? Isn't that kind of a big deal?"

"My mother knows, but she doesn't like to meddle in my personal affairs. And since the Johnsons are handling most of the wedding arrangements, she's even less inclined to get involved."

"So… should I go meet your mother, then?"

"Only if you want to."

"I don't!" Penelope said instantly.

After all, their marriage wasn't a real one. It had an expiration date, and she had no desire to get tangled up with the Stapleton family.

"I'll be over later," he said.

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