Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter 27
Xavier’s gaze remained fixed on Veronica, and for a moment, his expression softened. He saw her struggle, but he also saw her strength. In that fleeting moment, he realized how similar they were. Both of them wore their hearts on their sleeves, but they were equally determined not to let anyone see their true vulnerabilities.
“Alright, Roni. Let’s go in,” he said, his voice calm, but with a hint of finality. Xavier had never liked Tiffany, but today, his distaste for her only deepened. He saw right through her, recognizing the hypocrisy beneath her polished exterior.
Without another word, Xavier reached out, took Veronica’s hand, and pulled her closer, draping his arm protectively around her shoulders.
The gesture struck both Tiffany and Matthew as completely unexpected. Tiffany’s eyes widened in shock as she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. “What? When did you get to know Young Master Xavier?” Her tone faltered, betraying her disbelief.
She had wanted to say something else—something harsher, perhaps calling Xavier a Casanova or mentioning his reputation as the useless son of the Crawford family—but it was her engagement party, and she had to hold herself back, not wanting to cause a scene.
“Since Miss Murphy is your friend, Tiffany, maybe you should advise her to stay away from unreliable people,” Matthew added, his words dripping with condescension. Though his words were directed at Tiffany, his gaze was fixed on Veronica, eyes narrowed, filled with unspoken judgment.
“Matthew, maybe they’re just friends,” Tiffany stammered, trying to smooth over the awkwardness. She was caught off guard by the tension building between the two men.
“Right, she’s a friend… my girlfriend,” Xavier declared boldly, his tone unshaken.
The entire room went silent at his words.
Veronica, her heart pounding, could feel the weight of the situation. Xavier had just publicly claimed her as his girlfriend, something that both shocked and unsettled her. But the way he stood by her, the way he protected her despite the insults and ridicule, touched her in a way she couldn’t fully explain.
“I just forgot to introduce her to everyone,” Xavier continued, as if to make light of the situation, though his protective stance never wavered. “Veronica Murphy is my girlfriend.”
The room erupted with disbelief.
“Your girlfriend?” Tiffany stammered, her face pale as she tried to hide her surprise. “But… she’s… She’s not exactly the type of woman I’d expect you to…” Her words trailed off, but the implication was clear.
Everyone knew what she meant. Veronica wasn’t beautiful in the way Tiffany or other women at the party were. Her appearance wasn’t glamorous, and she certainly didn’t come from the same social circles. Tiffany couldn’t understand why someone like Xavier would choose Veronica.
Veronica, however, stood tall, trying her best not to be affected by Tiffany’s judgment.
“I know your life’s been difficult, Veronica,” Tiffany said, her voice laced with fake concern. “But you shouldn’t take shortcuts like this. There are better ways to survive than… well, this.”
Her use of the word shortcut wasn’t subtle. It was clear to everyone that she was implying Veronica had somehow “seduced” Xavier to climb the social ladder.
“Does she even have what it takes to take a shortcut?” Matthew sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. “There are plenty of beautiful girls around Young Master Xavier. Look at yourself in the mirror.”
“Exactly, this woman is so dumb,” another voice from the crowd chimed in.
“She’s so ugly, I can’t believe she thinks someone like Xavier would ever like her,” another whispered.
Veronica heard the comments, but she refused to let them get to her. She had Xavier’s support, and that was enough for now.
But the mocking didn’t stop. The insults kept coming from every direction, until someone in the crowd suddenly raised their voice in irritation.
“Xavier Crawford! What are you doing here, fooling around again?” The voice rang out, loud and authoritative.
The crowd parted as a man in a sharp suit made his way toward them. His hair was gray, but he carried himself with such commanding presence that it was impossible to ignore him. Every step he took exuded power, and his face was set in a serious expression that could silence a room.
“Isn’t that Mr. Crawford?” someone whispered.
“The youngest and most disappointing child of the Crawfords,” another person muttered. “If his father finds out about this, he’ll go mad.”
Veronica felt a chill run down her spine. Xavier had already been a disappointment in his father’s eyes, and now, with him standing there publicly defending her, she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen next.
“Dad,” Xavier said, his voice steady as he faced the approaching man. But his arm remained firmly around Veronica’s shoulders, showing no sign of backing down.
Hendric Crawford’s eyes locked onto Veronica, his glare cold and sharp. “It’s Matthew and Miss Larson’s engagement banquet today. What do you think you’re doing here? Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough already?” He pointed a finger at Veronica. “And you—what kind of woman are you, showing up here looking like… that?”
Veronica could feel the weight of his words, and guilt flooded her chest. She had never wanted to cause any trouble for Xavier, yet here she was, in the center of his family’s drama. Tiffany, standing nearby, shot her a victorious glance, as if she was reveling in Xavier’s discomfort.
“Dad,” Xavier said again, his voice sharp with reproach. “You’re judging a book by its cover. Veronica might not have the most extraordinary looks, but she’s hardworking and kind. She’s not here to steal or scam anyone; she’s just doing her best to care for her parents, who are in the hospital.”
Xavier’s words rang with sincerity. “Everyone’s born with the face they’re given. Are you telling me that people who aren’t conventionally beautiful should just disappear?”
Hendric’s jaw tightened, but he was visibly taken aback. He hadn’t expected his son to stand up to him over a woman like Veronica.
“You!” Hendric sputtered, his face turning red with fury. “You’re so eloquent, but all you do is waste my money and live your life without care. This woman’s parents are in the hospital, and yet she’s here, enjoying herself with you. Do you have any idea what she’s really after?”
“Yeah, Young Master Xavier,” someone in the crowd added with a sarcastic laugh. “She’s probably just after your money.”
“But he’s not lacking in money,” another person scoffed.
The crowd’s whispers intensified, but Xavier’s grip on Veronica’s hand remained steady. He wasn’t going to back down.
“I don’t care what anyone thinks,” Xavier said, his voice unwavering. “As long as I’m happy, I’m protecting her.”
Hendric opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, he noticed Matthew’s tense expression and stopped himself. With a snort, he turned and stormed off, muttering, “We’ll discuss this at home.”
With the situation defused for the moment, the crowd began to disperse, heading back toward the banquet hall. Xavier gently pulled Veronica toward the corner, away from prying eyes.
“Don’t mind them,” Xavier said, his voice soft. “They don’t know you like I do.”
But Veronica wasn’t sure she could forget the looks, the whispers, and the judgment. The engagement party continued around them, but it felt like a different world altogether.
