Chapter 2
Seeing Joshua’s arrival, Clyde hurried over with a flattering smile. “Uncle Joshua, you’re here.”
“You mentioned that you’re changing brides?”
Clyde looked up and met Joshua’s gaze, which seemed to contain a faint glint. Joshua’s gaze sent a chill down his spine.
Sandra quickly stepped in. Laughing, she tried to smooth things over. “Clyde was just joking, of course. This marriage was arranged by Mr. Smith Senior himself. How could we just change it on a whim?”
As she spoke, she shot Clyde a glance. He hastily chimed in, “Yes, yes! I was just joking!”
It seemed like the matter was almost swept under the rug, but Avery wasn’t about to let Clyde and Sandra off that easily. She took a step forward and said in a clear voice, “But just a moment ago, Mr. Clyde vowed he would marry Abigail instead. How is it suddenly a joke now?”
is it
She intentionally looked at Abigail, who was standing at the side. “So, to you, Abigail a joke?”
“Of course not!” Clyde defended instinctively.
But before he could say anything further, Sandra quickly cut him off, “Ave, Abigail is your adopted sister, after all. Clyde would never take her lightly, especially given our family’s regard for you.”
Afraid that Avery would retort, Sandra quickly added, “Ave, it’s almost time for the wedding, You should hurry and change into your wedding dress. Joshua, don’t you agree so too?”
Joshua’s gaze traced over Avery’s neck, where faint marks lingered. Just a moment ago, had melted in his arms on the bed.
she
Looking at her standing proud and unfazed, no one would have guessed how she was with him just before.
Joshua’s lips curled into a smile. “Sandra’s right. Ms. Sinclair, you should get changed. Otherwise, you’ll keep everyone waiting.”
His eyes lingered on her waist for a moment, and his expression turned slightly mischievous.
Avery felt his gaze and shivered. She could feel the soreness in her waist becoming more prominent. Just as she was about to turn and leave, the massive screen behind them flickered to life.
The screen played a video of Clyde and Abigail’s bodies entwined together, the scene audaciously intimate.
The
guests who were present were stunned into silence.
After a moment, someone broke the silence. “Isn’t that Abigail Sinclair with Mr. Clyde?”
The crowd burred with whispers
“Abigail is really shameless–getting with her own sister’s fiancé!”
“Actually, Abigail isn’t Avery’s real sister. She’s just the adopted daughter of the Sinclairs. This kind of thing happens even between biological sisters, so what’s the surprise?”
“So, who’s Mr. Clyde going to marry now?”
The discussions among the crowd became louder, making Clyde’s expression darken with fury. He roared,Turn it off! Now!”
Seeing how Clyde lost his cool, Avery’s lips twitched into a fleeting smile before she composed herself and turned back to Clyde with a glare.
“Clyde, I didn’t expect you to be so shameless. How could you show everyone such a vulgar display just so you could be together with my adoptive sister?”
She gave a cold smile. “Since you’re so desperate for her, fine. I’ll leave you two to your misery.
Avery began to turn and leave.
Clyde was filled with fury as he looked at the cold smile on Avery’s face. He glared at her furiously as if he wanted to swallow her whole. “Avery, I underestimated you. Do you think showing this video at my wedding is enough to ruin me? Dream on!”
He turned to Sandra and continued shamelessly, “Mom, since things are already out in the open, I’ll marry Abigail right how-
Before he could finish, Sandra slapped him across the face harshly.
Her face flushed with rage, and her finger trembled as she pointed at Clyde. “I–I can’t believe I gave birth to such a disappointment! You’ve humiliated our family!
Clyde looked unhappy. “Mom, Avery is arrogant and difficult. She’s nowhere near as gentle as Abby-”
“Shut up!” Another slap from Sandra silenced him completely.
She took a few deep breaths. Then, she forced asmile that looked worse than a frown before walking toward Avery.
“Ave, men make mistakes, especially when they’re still young. As women, we sometimes have to let things go.” She reached out to hold Avery’s hand, only for Avery to avoid her touch.
Sandra was furious but knew she had to keep up the act for the wedding to go on. She continued, “Ave, I know this matter has upset you. Let’s continue with the wedding first. Once we’re back home, I’ll make sure to lecture Clyde for you and have him apologize to you-
T
“No need for that,” Avery interrupted. “I’ve always wondered how Nathan could have so many scandals with women. Now, I know it’s because his ‘loving‘ wife has always chosen to turn a blind eye.”
Her words made Sandra’s awkward smile freeze. Avery was so bold to insult her so openly.
Sandra was dying to rip off Avery’s mouth, but she had to hold herself back. After all, Avery was the granddaughter–in–law appointed by Samson Smith.
She had planned that after Avery married into the Smith family, she would find a way to convince Samson to pass on the family business to Clyde.
If the marriage couldn’t go on, not only would it be almost impossible for Samson to pass the family business to Clyde, but he might even hate him.
On that thought, Sandra suppressed her rage and said, “Ave, a good wife must always put her man first. As Clyde’s fiancée, you’re always so occupied with your herbal business, often leaving him unattended. When someone gentle appears beside him, it’s obvious he would…”
Hearing her implying words, Avery snorted inwardly.
Sandra was blaming her for not caring enough for Clyde, which led him to cheat on her. Like mother, like son. They were both shameless.
Just as she wanted to retort, Joshua said from beside, “Ms. Sinclair, we’re running out of time. Shouldn’t you get changed?”
Avery turned to him and met his amused gaze. He mouthed silently, “Make it quick.”
Smiling, she said, “Since you insist, how could I refuse?” Her voice dripped with playful allure.
Avery’s seductive demeanor made Joshua quirk his lips into a smirk. She was clearly asking for
trouble.
Watching Avery comply, Sandra felt a sense of relief and smiled.
Avery caught her expression and laughed coldly inwardly. She let Sandra bask in relief for the time being. Soon enough, Sandra would have no reason to smile at all.
