All Chapters of Flames of Betrayal: Chapter 11

The news of Simon's arrival had Nicole and I exchanging glances, our faces dropping in unison.Like mother, like daughter, our expressions mirrored each other's discontent.I rose quietly, taking my time as I changed into a fresh set of clothes.Simon tracking me down was not a shock, but his timing was inconveniently premature. I was not ready to face him.I inhaled deeply and swung the door open.Before I could even find the right words, the neighborhood gossip reached my ears."That's the guy from the internet, Mr. Hoffman!""Yeah, I heard he ditched his girlfriend of nine years for someone new, and now, he's backing out of the wedding.""What a soap opera!"I was not the only one listening. Simon's face turned a shade of stormy gray.He lashed out at the onlookers, "What are you blabbering about? Who are you to judge me?"The onlookers did not take kindly to his outburst, their voices rising in protest."Hey, watch your tone, buddy!""For your information, you're not i