Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

As they approached the entrance of LeRollian Restaurant, Edward's steps noticeably slowed.

Not far ahead, a group of people gathered, seemingly about to head upstairs to a private room.

Janice didn't know them, but it was clear Edward did.

The next second, Janice slipped her arm through his.

Edward immediately held her hand and to her forward.

"Edword""" a young man called out.

Edward gave a small nod. "What brings you to Greenfield Cry?

"Held's back. She invited us to dinner. We happened to be nearby, so we joined,” the man replied, his gaze shifting to Janice. "And this is..?

Edward pulled pance closer by the shoulders. "My girlfriend, Janice Sraith

janice greeted them confidently, "Hello, nice to meet you all"

They were all taken aback when they heard that Dchward was now dating.

Just as the others processed this, Heidi, who had just come out of the restroom, overheard edward's words. She froze in place.

The group exchanged awkward glances. The only reason they had agreed to this dinner was because of Edward. These two were well-matched, and with Heidi's transition due to Edward's career shift, everyone had assumed there might be something between them

The man in the leather jacket chuckled. "Why don't we all cat together? Janice, you wouldn't mind right?"

Janice smiled politely. "I'm fine with it. It's up to Edward."

Edward gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Let's go."

Inside the private dining room, all attention quickly shined to Edward and Janice

Heidi still hadn't quite processed the situation.

How could this be happening?noveldrama

Edward pulled out a chair for Janke

Janice

alimle uneasy, meeting Edward's friends so unexpectedly.

“Here, Jander. You should order, the man in the leather jacket said, sliding the menu her way with a smile.

Just as janice was about to politely decline, Edward gently squeezed her wrist. "Go ahead."

**I didn't think the rumors online were true," Mark teased. "Guels they are now."

Edward then introduced him. "This is Mark Johanson, my childhood friend."

Mark smiled and nodded.

He continued, "And this is-

Another man spoke up, Janice, nice to meet you I'

ineet you. I'm Lucas Cylon."

Janke preted them with a warm sudle.

Meanwhile, Heid's expression darkened

"Well, Ma, Smith, you're good at keeping secrets. I didn't know anything about this," Heldi said.

Edward responded firmly, "Why should you have known?*

The room del into silence. No one expected Edward to shut her down so quickly

Heidi clenched her fists beneath the table. She couldn't believe Edward was so taken in by Janice.

"Well, Edward's private life isn't my concem," Held sad, trying to regain composure. "Since we grew up together, I should ask. How long have you two been together?” Janice smiled. “Not kap❞

Heldi's smile walshed.

"That makes sense,” she replied coolly "couldn't have been too long. After all, wasn't it just recently that you we wolved with Mr. Flzgerald from Refined Threads Co.? Everyone was taken aback.