Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 526

This date was over and the woman’s true nature was shining through.

Noel let out a snide chuckle, sipping his coffee leisurely before crossing his legs in a carefree, almost rakish manner. Yet, there was something about him that didn’t quite spark dislike. He drawled, “Sure, we live in an open-minded era, but you ladies are always parading around with these practical expectations, wanting a guy with a fancy car, a big house, solid family background. So, if a guy asks a woman to have some self-respect, that’s fair game, right? Men can keep bringing home the bacon, but women can’t stay spring chickens forever. You ask for my wheels and my estate, so I get to ask if you’ve kept yourself for me. Don’t call me tacky or old-fashioned, and blame me for still considering virginity in this day and age. What about you? You are lusting after my lineage, coveting the advantages the Yates name brings your family. No sane man wants to pay for a woman’s reckless past. Not a virgin? That’s your fault.”

“You...” The woman trembled with indignation, pointing a finger at Noel, but words failed her. Noel, unfazed, continued, “Let me tell you what men dread: finding a wife’s like buying a used car. Might not care how many previous owners, but you dread the ex still has a key, taking it for a joyride now and then. It will burn your fuel, and you’re also stuck with the maintenance. So, the safe bet? A virgin. Someone without exes in the picture.”

After a pause, he added, “So, you’re out. Go tell your parents what I said, so they’ll know not to set you up to dupe another guy.”

The woman’s face turned an ashen hue. She slammed her coffee cup down on the table before storming off with her bag. Noel rubbed his temples; this blind date arranged by his dad wasn’t something he could just brush off. He had to find a way to make the other party back off voluntarily — with a reason no one in their right social mind would confess. They’d likely just say he wasn’t to their taste or that it wasn’t a good fit. That way, he could report back without issue.

Phoebe had been eavesdropping, and she couldn’t help but snort, “Egomaniac, so full of yourself.”

Noel had been basking in the glow of his own pontification when he caught the disdainful comment. His eyes narrowed displeasingly as he located the source. There she was, a woman who had made herself up like a clown, sipping coffee nonchalantly nearby.

He made his way over to Phoebe and sat down across from her, eyeing her for a few seconds before inquiring, “Seems like you have quite the opinion on my little speech?”

“Not at all. Just think you’re bound to reap what you sow.”

Noel’s smirk stiffened, but then relaxed into a broader grin. “How about this? Looks like your date’s a no-show too, so let me fill in. No use wasting each other’s time.”

Phoebe cursed inwardly. “What kind of twisted parents arranged back-to-back blind dates, risking a brawl?”

“You are Noel?”

“That’s me. Ms. Wagner.” He smiled, with a hint of amusement.

“I had no idea I’d encounter such an oddity tonight. It seems I’ve been graced with your own pearls of wisdom. Your mindset’s still stuck in the Stone Age. I guess because you’re used to treating other people’s wives or girlfriends like used cars, taking them for a spin. That’s got to be why you’re paranoid about winding up with someone’s ex.”

Propping her chin on her hand, Phoebe smirked at Noel. Her makeup was askew to the point of absurdity, looking every bit the part of a modern-day harpy.

Noel’s eyes flickered. She was quick to catch on, a bit intriguing. “Still, someone as aged as you should be married. You got any issues?”

“Your eyesight’s the issue,” she quipped. At 27, she wasn’t quite aged.

“Absolutely no. Ever heard the phrase ‘past her prime’? I’d say you’re well into your thirties.”

The child’s eyes are bright and clear like spring water. A woman in thirties, due to slower ocular metabolism, has dim eyes. Phoebe, a magazine editor who spent countless hours before a computer screen, couldn’t help but have eyes that betrayed her age, despite the best eye drops she used.

Silently seething, Phoebe maintained her composure, “Noel, I bet a hundred bucks your mouth will keep you from ever finding a wife.”

Noel waved off the concern with a casual flick of his wrist. “That’s not something Ms. Wagner needs to worry about anymore. What we need to focus on now is how to break the news to our families.”

“Perfect timing,” she replied with a half-smirk, “because I was just about to bring that up. Just like you wanted, I don’t fancy you, not one bit. I’ll have my parents give your family a call.”