Chapter 9
In front of the Norwoods and the Millers, Jolene calmly responded, “From now on, we’re a family.”
Her words hit Preston like a punch in the gut. He clenched his fists, and his gaze burned into her.
Jolene could sense his reluctance and rage, yet she paid him no mind. Instead, she hooked her arm around Cedric’s and asked about their upcoming schedule with a smile.
Cedric checked the time. When their eyes met again, a flicker of warmth softened his cold, stern gaze.
“I didn’t get a chance to greet the guests earlier because my flight got delayed. Normally, we’d head back to the family home for a small get–together,” he answered. “But you’ve been on your feet all day. Let’s skip that for now and head back to rest. What do you think?”
His suggestion drew teasing remarks from the Norwood elders.
“Would you look at that? Marriage really does change a man, huh? He’s putting his wife first already!”
Someone else quipped, “Who’d have thought Cedric, of all people, could be so considerate?”
With his youngest son now married and the family all together, Louis‘ face lit up with joy.
Then, he waved dismissively and said, “What really matters is that you two care for each other. The get–together can wait. I’m sure Jolene is exhausted. Let’s give them some time alone, shall we?”
Amid the laughter and chatter, Cedric led Jolene out of the venue.
Preston stared at their retreating figures, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. When the crowd finally dispersed, the emotions he had been holding–anger, frustration, and pain–boiled over.
“What the hell is going on? This was supposed to be a strategic marriage between the Norwoods and the Millers. Shouldn’t I be the one marrying Jolene?” he yelled.
His outburst caught Charles and Dace off guard. In an instant, they shot him disapproving looks.
“What are you talking about?” Charles asked sharply.
He continued, “Two weeks ago, when the Millers came to us, they made it clear that Jolene wanted to marry Cedric. No one even mentioned your name. Why would you think it would be you?”
“If I wasn’t the groom, why did you have me pick her up this morning?” Preston retorted.
Right then, Simone and a group of Preston’s friends arrived. They froze when they heard the conversation.
When Charles and Paige caught sight of Simone among the group that had barged in, they quickly understood why Preston was absent. Their expressions darkened at that
realization.
“Cedric’s flight was delayed this morning. That’s why we asked you to pick her up,” Paige snapped. “And what did you do? You ran off halfway to hang out with your useless friends! How embarrassing!
“Everyone from both families showed up for the wedding, except you! If Mr. Miller hadn’t stepped in, your grandfather would have dealt with you himself.
“From now on, Jolene is your aunt. You’d better watch yourself and stay in line. Otherwise, no one will be able to save you if Cedric ever gets angry.”
Preston’s face turned pale with each harsh word. The thought of Jolene becoming his aunt was something he’d never expected.
He trembled uncontrollably, and he closed his eyes in despair, Memories he had once scoffed at came flooding back.
Preston recalled the image of Jolene, drenched at Nightscape Bar, trying to explain herself, and the engagement ring she had designed. No wonder he had struggled to put it on; it didn’t fit him at all.
And of course, there was the way she seemed uneasy at the family gathering when Cedric’s name was mentioned.
It was only now that Preston finally understood everything. Jolene had never deceived him. He had been so caught up in the thrill of her attention that he failed to notice how much she had changed.
From the moment she got engaged to Cedric, she wasn’t the same woman anymore.
But how could someone who had once insisted on marrying him change overnight?
Maybe it wasn’t Jolene who had changed, but her resolve. Preston couldn’t help but wonder if his actions had hurt her so deeply that she chose to give up.
Or was marrying Cedric an attempt to draw him back?
Countless thoughts raced through Preston’s mind. In the next moment, a buzzing sensation overtook him, and he pulled his hair in frustration.
Seeing him in such a state, Simone’s heart broke. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him to comfort him.
On the other hand, Charles and Paige, who were about to leave, scowled at that sight. How dare the daughter of a housekeeper even dream of marrying into the Norwood family?
