?<strong>Chapter 1096:</strong>


    She opened WhatsApp and spotted Dane’stest update.


    Docie’s longshes lowered, veiling the emotions swirling in her gaze. “Mr. Johns, thank you forst night. I’d like to treat you to a meal as a token of my appreciation.”


    She reread the message she had just sent and stared at her screen, waiting for a response. Dane’s reply came swiftly.


    “You don’t need to thank me—thank Susan instead.”


    Biting her lip, Docie realized that Dane’s help had been solely because of Susan.


    A wave of disappointment washed over her. Meeting Dane had only been possible through Susan, and because of her, Docie never stood a chance.


    The two of them were set to marry the following week.


    Rising from her chair, Docie tightly gripped her phone, her expression unreadable.


    Susan had previously asked her to be a bridesmaid for the wedding, and she had to prepare a gift for the asion. Docie had been unsure of what to give Susan before, but now she had an idea.


    She decided to create a custom perfume for Susan.


    Docie headed to the researchb, her recent emotions providing fresh inspiration. She grabbed a pen and carefully listed the necessary perfume ingredients on a sheet of paper.


    The week flew by, and in the three days leading up to Susan’s wedding, Madisyn remained by her side. On the wedding day, many guests gathered at the venue.


    Dane and Susan’s wedding was a grand and elegant affair.


    ine and Glenn beamed with joy, apuding wholeheartedly as Dane and Susan exchanged their rings.


    From below the stage, the guests watched the radiant happiness of the newlyweds. Docie, however, fixed her gaze on Susan’s glowing face, her nails digging into her palms.


    The wedding was a lively affair.


    That evening, Dane and Susan invited their close friends to an after-party to continue the celebration. During dinner, Waylon used every tactic to get Dane drunk, and Dane, in his celebratory mood, didn’t decline a single drink.


    Watching the scene, Docie picked up two wine sses and walked toward Susan.


    “Susan, I’d like to propose a toast. Wishing you and Mr. Johns endless happiness and joy—congrattions on your wedding!”


    Since Susan was avoiding alcohol during her pregnancy, her friends refrained from encouraging her to drink. But Docie’s kind words made it hard for her to decline.


    Dane was engrossed in conversation with his friends but kept an eye on Susan. Noticing the situation, he stepped in and took one of the sses from Docie.


    “I’ll ept your kind wishes and drink on Susan’s behalf.”


    He tipped his head back and drained the ss in one go.


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