chapter1193

Once Mona was finally out of earshot, Lydia turned to Mikey and asked, "Okay, can you tell me what's actually going on?"

Mikey looked exhausted. He was a government official with a decent title, and if rumors like this started to spread, it could destroy his career. Even if they all knew Mona was being ridiculous, the fact that she claimed Mikey had seen her like that probably wasn't just made up.

He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "A few days ago, I went to Maple Town for work. When I got to my hotel room, she was already inside. No clothes."

Lydia's eyebrows shot up. Juna let out a low whistle. "She really set you up, huh?

Mikey nodded, frustration all over his face. Mona had used every bit of her influence as the mayor's daughter. She'd found out his hotel, slipped into his room before he arrived, stripped, and waited for him. And now she wouldn't stop demanding he "take responsibility." Thank god he had a hotel staffer with him at the time, or he'd never have been able to prove his innocence.

Lydia nodded slowly. "So that's what happened."

Mikey let out a bitter laugh. What else could it be? I barely have time to sleep, let alone chase after girls."

Lydia leaned back, thinking. But think about it. Mona's the mayor's daughter. There are tons of guys who'd love to marry her. Why would she need to pull a trick like this to get you to marry her?"

Mikey frowned. He'd wondered the same thing. Someone with her background didn't need to go to these lengths. What was she really after?

Juna shook her head and clicked her tongue. "Maybe she actually loves you. Look at Rosie. She did all sorts of crazy things for Carter. Love makes people do stupid stuff."

Lydia pressed her lips together, then said quietly, "For now, you need to keep things calm. Don't let this blow up."

Mikey looked even more stressed. "Keep things calm? How am I supposed to do that? Every time Mona sees me, she tries to throw herself at me and yells about getting married. There's no calming her down."

Lydia asked, "What about her parents? Where do they stand?"

Mikey hesitated. I don't really know what Mr. Brown thinks. But Mrs. Brown... she wants me to take responsibility too."

That was what made it so hard. He

and Mona hadn't done anything. Even if he had seen her that day when he opened the door, he wasn't the only one who saw. Still, Mona acted like he was the only one involved. There was no way to explain his way out of it.

Lydia thought for a moment. "Then just agree for now."

"What?" Mikey's voice caught, and Juna's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

Juna stared at Lydia in disbelief.

She'd just had a run-in with Mona

and found her completely

insufferable. And now Lydia wanted Mikey to marry her? Had she lost her mind?

Mikey just looked at Lydia, completely confused.

Lydia leaned closer and whispered something in Mikey's ear. His eyes went wide.

Right then, Mona and Mrs. Brown came back into the room, catching the two of them in that moment.

"What are you doing?" Mona shrieked, marching over, hand raised to slap Lydia.

But Lydia caught her wrist, pushed her aside, and stared Mona down "Mikey hasn't admitted to anything With you. What gives you the night.. question what he and I are doing?

Mona was stunned. "You... you and him..."

Lydia just shrugged. "I don't care what you think."

Mrs. Brown stormed over, her face red with anger, and glared at Lydia. "So you're

the one picking on my daughter? Do you have any idea who she is?"