Goodbye My Arrogant Ex (Marguerite and Leonard) novel Chapter 185

Leonard knew perfectly well that their visit was really all about him and Winifred. The engagement could’ve been settled with a simple phone call; there was absolutely no need for them to come all this way in person.

His grandmother probably just wanted to see the two of them with her own eyes, and maybe get a better sense of the situation while she was at it.

Ever since that incident, she’d been deeply worried, carrying a lingering sense of guilt toward that woman—always trying to make it right, seeking ways to ease her own conscience. Yet, after all these years, none of them had truly managed to move on or let go, despite the family’s tireless efforts to patch things up.

“Mom, why don’t you all just stay in and rest today?” Leonard suggested. “Let me take care of things, and next time, please give us a little heads up before you visit. Otherwise, we’re completely caught off guard.”

Marguerite shook her head with a sigh. Still, she couldn’t deny that their care made her feel genuinely valued—protected in a way she’d never experienced before. It was a quiet, unexpected comfort.

Back when she and Benjamin were together, there’d been plenty of arguments. She always ended up swallowing her feelings, telling herself to see things from his perspective, and somehow, the disagreements would pass. Not once had Benjamin truly apologized, or even recognized when he was wrong. Looking back, Marguerite realized she’d wasted too many years on someone who simply wasn’t worth it.

“Dinner’s ready,” she said, forcing a smile. “Let’s all head to the table.”

The others sat in silence, so she took it upon herself to break the awkwardness. She’d met Winifred several times before and always treated her with genuine warmth—after all, the woman had once saved her grandson’s life. That alone meant she deserved respect.

But Mrs. Murphy’s expression darkened. From her perspective, her son had already done more than enough, and their family had gone out of their way to help. They owed Winifred nothing, and yet this woman never seemed satisfied.

Winifred, undeterred, smiled graciously. “Thank you, Grandma, but I’ve already eaten. I just wanted to see you—I’ve missed you so much. It’s been far too long.” She played the role of the affectionate granddaughter flawlessly, her warmth on full display.