Dear Ex-wife, Marry Me novel Chapter 32

Maja found herself standing at the entrance of the restaurant, caught in a dilemma. Ryan Elston whispered behind her, "See the woman by the window? That's my mom, and she has a fiery temper. If I can get through this unscathed, you'll be my savior."

Instinctively, Maja wanted to hide her face, but Maureen Raymond had already noticed her presence. As Maureen's gaze fell upon them, Ryan tensed up.

"Prepare yourself," he said, wrapping his arm around Maja's waist and guiding her towards Maureen.

Maureen's piercing gaze scrutinized them from head to toe. Ryan pulled out a chair for Maja, offering a gentlemanly smile.

"Mom, this is my girlfriend, Penny. She's an interior designer."

Maja's mind went blank, slowly regaining her composure as she took her seat. Judging by Maureen's expression, it seemed she didn't recognize Maja. Maja breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that her ties to the Raymond family would soon be severed. However, she felt obligated to play along and repay a favor.

"Hello, Aunt Maureen," Maja greeted, maintaining her composure.

Maja possessed delicate and striking features. With her fair skin and an aura of cool elegance, she stood in stark contrast to the ostentatious women Ryan typically surrounded himself with.

Maureen withdrew her gaze. A glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes appeared.

"I thought you'd bring just any random person to appease me, Ryan. You've grown up."

Ryan had indeed intended to bring just anyone. He had even invited his ex-girlfriend, but a slip of the tongue during gift shopping resulted in a slap. Fortunately, the slap wasn't too forceful, leaving no visible marks.

"Mom, Penny is incredibly capable. You know the house Ian Raymond has in Greenfield Gardens, right? She's the one designing it. So, rest assured, I'm not involved with any inappropriate women at the moment."

Being chosen by Ian as the designer spoke volumes about Maja's talent.

Maureen was pleased, and the more she looked at Maja, the more she liked her.

Pretending to be angry, Maureen turned to Ryan, "Didn't you buy any gifts for her?"

Observing Maja's attire—a quality fabric but with a simple design—and her handbag from a brand under $40, Maureen looked at her son with satisfaction.

"It seems sending you to the Raymond Group was the right decision."

"Mom, that's what I wanted to discuss today. I'm too busy at the Raymond Group, and I don't have much time to spend with Penny. I don't want to work there anymore. Can you talk to Ian on my behalf? If you help me this time, I promise we'll have a child within two years."

Maureen had initially sent Ryan to work at the Raymond Group to keep him away from his previous relationships. Now that she discovered he had a decent girlfriend, she couldn't let his work interfere with their relationship.

Turning to Maja, her tone softened, "Penny, can you help me keep an eye on Ryan as well?"

Maja nodded, her expression calm yet sincere. "Don't worry, Ryan is a good guy, very loyal."

Maureen chuckled and then said to Ryan, "Alright then, you don't have to go to the Raymond Group anymore. Young people should have more fun and focus on nurturing their relationships."

Ryan's eyes lit up, satisfied with the success of his mission. After enjoying a pleasant meal, he bid farewell to Maureen, taking Maja by the hand as they left.

Once in the car, he released her hand and apologized, "I'm sorry about that. My mom didn't approve of my previous girlfriends. The only one she liked was my ex, so I wanted her to play along."

Ryan continued, "Don't worry, I'll bring more projects to you in the future. I'll also let you design my properties. By the way, where do you live? I'll drop you off."

Maja provided him with her apartment address.

Unbeknownst to both of them, Maureen had gone directly to the Raymond Group after their departure and was now sitting in Ian's office.

"What brings you here? It's quite sudden," Ian inquired.

Maureen settled herself on the sofa, a smile lingering on her face as she thought about the girl she had just met.

"Sending Ryan to work here was indeed the right decision. His girlfriend is quite satisfactory."

“Ryan has another girlfriend?”

Ian's brow furrowed slightly as he listened to Maureen's words. She continued, "I just met the young couple for the first time, so I didn't inquire about many details. Ryan mentioned that the girl is designing your house. Have you met her? What is her family background and capability like?"