I Slept with My Boss and Ran Away

Chloe felt her daughter's hardships deeply, yet she thought with a tinge of frustration, "How can my daughter crumble over a little setback?"

Back when her boyfriend abandoned her, she endured the agony alone and gave birth to Joy Chaucer. Compared to that, what was this evening's trouble for Joy but a minor scratch?

"Every challenge can be a stepping stone if used wisely," Chloe often said. Under her persuasion, Bianca began to waver. "Joy surely won't agree. That Quinlan Aubrey is incompetent; he can't bring her happiness."

"It's not about the long-term right now; we need to get past this crisis first. Otherwise, by tomorrow the news will spread, and Joy's reputation will be ruined," Chloe remarked. "At daybreak, the whole circle will buzz with gossip about Joy's scandal with Quinlan Aubrey at the birthday party, accusing her of dragging the Granger sisters into it. Don't expect Thomas Granger to speak a word in our favor. Luckily, Quinlan Aubrey has declared their mutual affection. Let's capitalize on that and approach the Aubrey family to settle this marriage."

Bianca frowned, "Isn't this too rushed?"

"If we don't act swiftly, it'll be too late," Chloe insisted." Bianca, let's go to the Aubrey's together. They're at fault to begin with; they'll surely give up a Quinlan Aubrey."

"Aren't we going to tell Joy first?" Bianca glanced toward the upstairs where Joy Chaucer remained in her room.

"Talking to her won't help now with her stubborn streak. Let's talk later," Chloe said briskly. "Bianca, let's hurry to the Aubrey's."

Chloe always had Joy's best interests at heart, hence Bianca heeded her advice. Together, they went to the Aubrey family.

The next day...

Having locked herself in her room all night, Joy finally emerged, her resolve hardened. She wouldn't let this go; she needed to confront Quinlan Aubrey and the Granger sisters - Meredith wouldn't be off the hook either. As she descended the stairs, Bianca, sitting in the living room, said, "Joy, are you feeling better? The tailor will arrive soon to start on your dress, you won't need to go out today."

"Mom, I'm not doing the dress today. I need to visit the Granger family," Joy replied. Then, puzzled, she asked, "By the way, mom, did you visit the Granger family yesterday? What did they say?"

"The dress must be made today, or it'll be too late," Bianca diverted, not answering the latter question. "You're having your engagement by the end of the month; we need to make several outfits." "Engagement?" Joy thought she misheard. "Mom, who's getting engaged?"

"You are," Chloe emerged from upstairs. "Joy, your engagement is set for the 30th. The tailor will be here any minute, and your mom and I will help you decide."

"Engaged to whom? Who said I'm getting engaged?" Joy was utterly bewildered.

Bianca answered, "To Quinlan Aubrey."

"What?" A look of shock crossed Joy's face. "Are you kidding me? Me, engaged to Quinlan Aubrey? He's a crimminal. I'd rather see him dead. How can I possibly marry him?"

"We've already decided the date with the Aubrey family. The 30th is the engagement. Quinlan Aubrey will become part of our family. This marriage is settled, whether you agree or not," Chloe stated firmly.

"Mom, Chloe, are you insane?" Joy couldn't fathom it. How could two people who loved her so much force her to marry a criminal?

"Joy Chaucer, watch your words," Bianca scowled. "After the scandal you've caused with Quinlan Aubrey, it must end in marriage. What else would you do?"

"It's for your own good. Everything's arranged, there's no room for discussion. From now on, you can only leave this house once you've accepted this," Chloe declared.

"How can you do this?" Joy felt her world crumbling. "I won't marry. I'd rather die than marry that wretch Quinlan Aubrey. How could he possibly be worthy of me?"

Without another word, Chloe directed the servants to lock the door and confiscate Joy's phone. She was taken back to her room to reflect.

That day, the engagement of Joy Chaucer and Quinlan Aubrey hit the headlines - a clever move by the Chaucer family to silence those wishing to malign Joy. The previous night's events were spun into a tale of young, uncontrollable passion. The strategic action by the Chaucer family even took the Granger family by surprise, with Mr. Granger initially doubting his own eyes upon seeing the news.

"So typical of the Iron Lady - truly a desperate gamble," he murmured, acknowledging the boldness of the move.