Chapter 382: How Could Derek Forget

How could Derek forget? If he compared their beauty, Vanessa was not inferior to Sienna in any way. Sienna was like a sharp-edged rose, while Vanessa was a soft and gentle lily. Lately, Derek had been so obsessed with the thorny rose that he neglected Vanessa, who had always remained loyal by his side. What’s more, she was carrying his child—his own flesh and blood. Vanessa noticed the shift in Derek’s expression and smiled sweetly. “Derek, darling, how do I look?”

“Beautiful,” he finally answered, rising to adjust a stray strand of her hair. “You look absolutely breathtaking today,” he said with genuine admiration.

Blushing, Vanessa lowered her gaze and playfully tapped his chest. “You’re teasing me, Derek. I look the same as always.”

“You’re always beautiful,” Derek replied, feeling a pang of guilt for how cold he had been toward her recently. He held her closer than usual. Vanessa rested her head against his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. They stood together before the full-length mirror—a handsome man and a stunning woman reflected back.

Derek’s eyes softened with affection. Marrying Vanessa wasn’t such a bad idea after all. He had loved her once, and that love had started long ago. As for Sienna… he would handle her later. Just then, Vanessa lifted her head and spoke softly, “Derek, my love, please don’t look at your phone these next few days. Avoid the news and social media. Let’s just focus on our wedding.” Derek frowned. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“It’s nothing, really. Just ignore it. Like you said—we should live our own lives. No matter what others say, I’ll always stand by you. I believe in you,” Vanessa murmured soothingly.

But how could Derek resist checking after that? He immediately opened his social media feed and saw the heated discussions. He expected to see criticism aimed at Vanessa, but why were people mocking him too? They called him heartless, a two-timing player who couldn’t make up his mind! Articles claimed that Sienna had sacrificed so much for him, only to be treated unfairly. Ha! Hurt? Sad? Sienna hadn’t even glanced his way! She pushed him toward Vanessa, and now she was playing the victim online?

Vanessa gently took his phone away. “Derek, please don’t be upset. I’m sure my sister didn’t plan this. Let’s just get married and forget about all this noise.”

“Who else could it be? She doesn’t want us to be happy! Our wedding is just around the corner, and she’s still causing trouble!” Derek growled, his eyes burning with anger.

He wondered why he had been so torn up these past few days over not being able to marry Sienna… She was a wicked woman! Yes, they had wronged her five years ago, but ever since she returned, she had ruthlessly turned their lives upside down! They had apologized again and again, but not only did she refuse to forgive, she became even more hostile! Derek patted Vanessa’s shoulder reassuringly. “Vanessa, I’ve neglected you these past few days and made you sad. Don’t worry—I’ll take care of this.”

“Please don’t, Derek. You’re exhausted. It’s my honor to marry you. I don’t want to take up more of your time,” Vanessa said, her voice tinged with sadness.

That only made Derek feel guiltier. Even though Vanessa’s reputation had suffered, it was all because of him. One woman saw him as her whole world; the other was actively trying to destroy him. She had even secretly gotten involved with another man! He must have been blind these past few days to have fallen for someone like Sienna! Derek would make it up to Vanessa—and show Sienna that he was not a man to be trifled with.