Skipped at the altar, Taken by his uncle Novel

Time Between Lost Worlds - Steven Bennett 3 Summary In Chapter 3 of "Time Between Lost Worlds," Whitney arrives at the villa for her grandfather's birthday party, dressed in a striking purple bodycon dress that draws attention and admiration. Her confident yet detached demeanor intrigues those around her, particularly Carter, who feels both captivated and frustrated by her appearance. As they prepare to enter the party, Carter expresses his discontent with Whitney's choice of attire, insisting that she change to avoid attracting too much attention.

Their exchange is charged with tension, revealing their complex relationship filled with underlying emotions. Carter's irritation grows as Whitney dismisses his concerns, showcasing her defiance and independence. Despite their bickering, there is an unspoken acknowledgment of the importance of the event, prompting Whitney to reluctantly comply with Carter's request for civility. As they enter the party, all eyes are on them, amplifying the pressure they both feel as members of the influential Harris family.

Carter's cool exterior masks his inner turmoil, while Whitney grapples with her feelings of annoyance and the need to maintain appearances. The atmosphere shifts when Whitney is confronted by nosy partygoers, leading to a sharp exchange that highlights her sharp wit and willingness to stand her ground. The arrival of her half-sister Tina and stepmother Laura adds to the tension, as they question her commitment to Carter and her absence from family discussions.

Whitney's strained relationship with her family is evident, particularly in her feelings of abandonment since her mother's death and her father's remarriage. As the chapter unfolds, Whitney's internal struggle becomes more pronounced, especially with the looming presence of Emily, Carter's adopted sister. The social dynamics among the characters reveal deeper insecurities and rivalries, particularly regarding Carter's affections.

Whitney's attempts to maintain her composure amidst the chaos of family expectations and social scrutiny culminate in a moment of vulnerability when she expresses her resolve to be done with Carter. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to discover the implications of her declaration as Carter approaches, intensifying the emotional stakes of their relationship.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Time Between Lost Worlds - Steven Bennett** **Chapter 3** Whitney made her entrance at the villa precisely on time, her presence striking in a form-fitting purple bodycon dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The fabric clung to her curves, accentuating her silhouette, while the vibrant hue complemented her fair, flawless skin. Her slightly wavy hair was casually swept back with a delicate white ribbon, adding a playful touch to her elegant appearance.

Her eyes sparkled with an inner light, and her smile, dazzling as it was, carried an air of cool detachment that intrigued yet unsettled those around her. As Carter stepped out of the car, he caught a glimpse of Whitney gliding into the courtyard. It was a sight he had never witnessed before; she looked utterly captivating in that dress. The fitted design softened the angular lines of her face, giving her an unexpectedly gentle aura, yet there was an undeniable edge to her beauty-a dangerous allure that sent a rush of heat through his veins.

Carter's brows knitted together in a frown, his voice cold and clipped. "You need to change into something else," he commanded, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Whitney let out a soft scoff, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And why should I do that?" she shot back, a hint of defiance in her tone. Carter's jaw tightened as he replied, "It's Grandpa's birthday party. You can't walk in dressed like that. You're just going to attract too much attention." With a graceful motion, Whitney opened the back door of the car. "That's precisely the point, Carter.

Perhaps at your funeral, I'll consider wearing something more subdued," she retorted, a smirk playing on her lips. "Whitney," he growled, his teeth clenched in irritation. Unfazed, Whitney slid into the back seat, ignoring him completely. Carter, feeling the weight of the evening's expectations pressing down on him, slid into the driver's seat and barked, "Get in the front. I'm not your chauffeur." Whitney's gaze flicked to the pearl earrings carelessly tossed on the front seat, her expression turning icy. "I'd rather not ruin my dress.

The front seat looks like a disaster zone," she replied coolly. Carter pondered for a moment if Whitney was experiencing some sort of hormonal imbalance, as her sudden outburst seemed unwarranted. But then he recalled that her cycle usually came at the end of the month, and he dismissed the thought. Time was slipping away, and the pressure was mounting. As the eldest grandson of James, he couldn't afford to be late to the celebration. Once he parked the car, Carter extended his arm, waiting for Whitney to take it, a gesture of reluctant civility.

Whitney shot him a look filled with disdain, but then a flicker of realization crossed her mind-it was James's birthday, after all. She couldn't embarrass him, not today. With a sigh, she retrieved a silk scarf from her purse, wrapping it around her palm before looking up at him. "Alright, let's get this over with," she said, a hint of resignation in her voice. The simple act of wrapping the scarf made Carter's temples throb with frustration. "Whitney, don't distance yourself so much. Are you really that annoyed by me?" he snapped, unable to hide his irritation.

She offered a faint smile, one that barely reached her eyes. "Is it that obvious? I'll try to keep my feelings in check for the evening," she replied, her tone light but her words heavy with meaning. As they stepped into the party hall, all eyes turned toward them, and the atmosphere shifted. Carter, with his striking looks, was an undeniable magnet for attention. His star-bright eyes and chiseled features made him appear almost ethereal, and though a faint smile graced his lips, it carried an icy undertone that kept people at a distance.

As the eldest son of the Harris family, the most influential clan in Ravorport, everyone was eager to ingratiate themselves with him. He clasped Whitney's hand through the silk scarf, his touch warm and reassuring. "I need to say hello to a client. Enjoy yourself," he said, his voice steady. Whitney offered a dismissive smile, quickly slipping her hand free. The scarf had trapped the warmth of her palm, now slick with sweat, and she felt a wave of annoyance wash over her. Carter's annoyance was palpable, but he had larger matters to attend to.

He turned away, his expression still cool and detached. No sooner had he walked away than a gaggle of nosy onlookers descended upon Whitney like vultures. "Well, look who it is-the fiancée that Carter can't seem to shake off," one woman sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Didn't someone just swear a few days ago that she'd never cling to him?" Whitney shot the woman a frosty glare. "What, is Carter suddenly incapable of having children?" she quipped, her sarcasm sharp enough to cut through the tension.

The woman, clearly intent on provoking her, retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting?" Whitney's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I did swear. But if he truly can't have kids, doesn't that mean I've broken my promise? Why don't you go ahead and test that theory for me?" "You!" The woman's voice was laced with fury, her eyes narrowing dangerously. The girls surrounding her gawked at Whitney, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. "Has Whitney completely lost her mind? Did she really just suggest someone seduce her own fiancé?" they thought, their jaws nearly dropping to the floor.

"Enjoy the spotlight while you can. Once Emily arrives, you'll feel like a ghost," the woman taunted, her words meant to sting. Whitney nearly forgot about Emily. As the Harris family's golden girl, she was certain to make an appearance at such a significant occasion. Just then, another voice cut through the chatter. "Whit, Mom and I have been trying to reach you for days! Why have you been ignoring us?" Whitney turned to see Tina Moore, her half-sister, marching toward her, clearly irritated. Tina's eyes flicked to the impeccably dressed woman beside her-her stepmother, Laura Moore.

Laura offered a saccharine smile and said, "Whit, didn't you mention that you and Carter would be getting your marriage license on Valentine's Day? Funny, I haven't seen a single post about it in our family group chat." Whitney looked away, pulling out her phone. "Oh, my bad! I must have accidentally left the group. Looks like you three are managing just fine without me. My presence doesn't seem to matter much, does it?" Her father, Samuel Moore, was absent today, a reminder of the chasm that had formed in their family.

Since her mother passed away when Whitney was just three, and her father remarried a mere three months later, it felt as though she had lost him too. "Whitney, what's that supposed to mean? Can you at least try to be respectful to my mom?" Tina snapped, her eyes blazing with indignation. Before Whitney could respond, Tina's expression shifted to one of excitement. "Emily's here! Mom, I have to go say hi!" Laura smiled faintly. "Just be careful. Don't trip." "Don't take it personally, Whit. Emily can be a bit hot-headed.

She and Tina are practically inseparable, and it's been five years since they last saw each other. You can understand her excitement, right?" Laura added, her tone attempting to soothe the situation. "By the way, does Carter know his sister is back?" Laura inquired, her eyes glimmering with curiosity. Everyone in their social circle was well aware of Carter's affection for his adopted sister, Emily. He spoiled her so much that whispers circulated-if Emily hadn't been adopted by the Harris family, perhaps Carter would have chosen her as his fiancée instead.

But no one would ever dare voice such thoughts in front of the Harrises. Years ago, James had made it abundantly clear that Emily was, and always would be, the daughter of the Harris family, and any rumors to the contrary would be swiftly quashed. Whitney remained silent, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself. Laura, as always, attempted to provoke her with subtle jabs, but Whitney was no longer the vulnerable girl she once was.

Laura's smile widened as she caught sight of Carter striding purposefully toward them from across the party hall, her expression shifting to one of smug satisfaction. "Whit, who would have thought that after five years, Carter still dotes on his sister just as much?" Laura remarked, her tone dripping with condescension. Whitney felt another crack in her heart at the remark. "Yeah, sure. But Laura, do you honestly think Carter knows that Emily's best friend has feelings for him too?" Laura's face fell, a wave of concern washing over her. "Oh, Whit, you really need to stop joking.

Tina would never go after your man." Whitney flashed a carefree smile, her voice light as she replied, "No worries. I'm done with him." Laura stared at her, taken aback. "Whit, you..." Her gaze flicked between Whitney and the man approaching them. "Whitney, who exactly are you done with?" Carter's voice sliced through the air, filled with an intensity that demanded attention. Conclusion In the charged atmosphere of the party, the emotional stakes reached a boiling point for both Whitney and Carter.

Whitney's defiance, cloaked in sarcasm and a veneer of confidence, masked her vulnerability as she grappled with the looming presence of Emily and the expectations of the Harris family. The evening, meant to celebrate family, had transformed into a battleground where insecurities and unspoken feelings clashed. Carter, feeling the weight of his familial obligations and the simmering tension with Whitney, found himself caught between his commitment to his family's legacy and his growing frustration with the woman who had once brought him solace.

As they navigated the complexities of their relationship, it became evident that their bond was fraught with misunderstandings, unacknowledged feelings, and the painful echoes of past choices. As Carter confronted Whitney, the air thick with unresolved tension, both characters stood at a precipice, their emotions laid bare for all to see. Whitney's assertion of independence, coupled with her sense of betrayal, clashed against Carter's protective instincts and deep-seated affection for her.

In that moment, the façade of indifference cracked, revealing the raw, unfiltered emotions that had long simmered beneath the surface. The evening's events had not only tested their relationship but also forced them to confront the realities of their intertwined lives. As they faced each other, the unspoken question loomed: could they transcend their past grievances and embrace the possibility of a future together, or would the weight of their history ultimately pull them apart?

Will she continue to assert her independence, or will the presence of Emily and the pressures from their families force her to reconsider her stance? As whispers and rumors swirl around the Harris family, Whitney's sharp wit and defiant nature will be put to the test, leading to a confrontation that could change everything. Moreover, Carter's protective instincts will clash with Whitney's rebellious spirit, creating an electric atmosphere charged with unresolved feelings.

Dex Morgan Dex Morgan works to elevate each story with clean writing, emotional balance, and thoughtful flow for readers.