Claim
Chapter 11
Cedric was momentarily stunned by Jolene’s question. He quickly composed himself and countered, “I can answer you, but before I do, I have something to ask. Why did you choose to marry me?”
This time, it was Jolene’s turn to freeze Fortunately, she was quick–witted. In no time, she came up with a few reasons.
“Well, I’m the only daughter of the Millers, and you’re the head of the Norwood family. Isn’t a strategic marriage about solidifying our families‘ positions?” she responded.” Besides, we’re not far apart in age. We’ll surely have plenty to talk about, so living together won’t be an issue.
“And let’s not forget, you’re an outstanding man. I’m just pursuing the best candidate. If you agree, wouldn’t that be a huge win for me?”
Cedric could tell she was making excuses. It was clear these weren’t her true feelings.
However, something else was on his mind, and he needed answers. Once Jolene had finished speaking, he pressed further, “To you, I’m the first choice for this marriage. Does that mean Preston is your second?”
In an instant, the car was filled with a heavy silence.
Jolene couldn’t help but recall the painful memories when she heard that name. Her eyes flickered briefly.
Sensing that she didn’t want to talk about Preston, Cedric considered changing the subject. But before he could speak, her voice, quieter than before, broke the silence.
“No,” Jolene replied firmly.
She then looked up to meet his gaze. Her eyes were filled with a resolve Cedric had never seen before.
“If you don’t agree, 1 won’t marry into the Norwood family. I’ll find a way to cancel this marriage,” she added.
Her response brought an inexplicable calm to Cedric. He rubbed his fingertips together and asked a question that weighed heavily on him.
“Is Preston not good enough? I thought you liked him.”
Cedric’s voice was barely a whisper, but it carried a hint of something complex.
Jolene caught it immediately. She understood why he asked and knew her answer would shape what came next between them.
After all, Cedric was a man of pride. He would never allow himself to be a substitute for someone else.
In her past life, he had buried his feelings for her so deeply that no one had known, not even after 30 years. It wasn’t until his death that the truth came to light. This alone was a testament to his intense self–control.
If Cedric ever found out that she had been reborn and chose him only to avoid repeating the past, he would bury his feelings even deeper.
Jolene didn’t want that to happen. So, she lied.
“I only liked him because of his looks. Since this is a strategic marriage between our families, I thought marrying a handsome man wouldn’t hurt. That’s why I pursued him. You know he doesn’t like me, right?
“But I’m not as capable as you are, and I only realized that recently. I’m the daughter of the Miller family. How could I let my husband fall for another woman? I didn’t hesitate and decided to dump him.
“You’re so much better than he is, so I thought I’d give it a try. Besides, everyone in Jaxford knows I’m shameless enough to do anything to win a man over.”
Although Jolene spoke calmly, Cedric noticed the subtle glimmer of unshed tears in her eyes.
Years of experience in the business world had taught him to read people. Moreover, he had dealt with all kinds of individuals. Hence, he could easily see what lay behind her words
But, facing her lies, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsh. Instead, he just wanted to pull her into his arms.
And that was exactly what he did. Since they were legally married, nothing was holding him back anymore.
Jolene sobbed quietly in Cedric’s embrace, her tears soaking his shirt. The sight stirred something deep in his chest.
He gently patted her back, his voice soft as he reassured her, “It’s called bravery, not shamelessness.”
It was such a simple sentence. Yet, to Jolene, it felt like a balm, soothing the scars she had carried for years.
This time, she didn’t suppress her emotions. They poured out with her tears.
After a good, long cry, her makeup was smudged, and the car had come to a stop.
Now, only the two of them were left in the backseat, still clinging to each other.
When her emotions had calmed, Jolene reflected on what had just happened and felt somewhat embarrassed.
Why had she cried in front of Cedric? How would she explain this?
As she pondered, Cedric spoke up first. “Aren’t you curious why I agreed to marry you? The reasons are the same as yours.
“First, to solidify our families‘ positions. Second, because you’re a good person. And third, because I’m getting old. It’s time for me to settle down.”
Jolene immediately understood he was brushing her off. In her past life, he had been pressured by the Norwoods to marry. Yet, because of her, he still hadn’t settled down by the age of 35.
With that in mind, she muttered, “Liar.”
A flash of surprise crossed Cedric’s face. Then, he nodded and said, “You lied to me, too. So, it’s only fair.”
