Lucas was speechless. Why did his father always have to bring up the one thing best left unsaid? That matter had long since passed—what was the point of dredging it up now? Besides, Aurora had already forgiven him.
Edward, amused by Lucas’ rare discomfort, couldn’t help but laugh. “Alright, it’s in the past. I was only teasing.”
“That joke isn’t funny at all.” Lucas’ face instantly darkened. To the others watching, it almost looked as though something serious had happened.
Diana noticed his expression and scolded, “Wipe that look off your face. And when you see your grandfather, mind your manners.”
“I know, Mom.” Aurora pressed her lips into a smile. Sure enough, in front of his parents, Lucas was just like a child. No matter what they said, he answered obediently and respectfully, never showing a trace of impatience. To Aurora, it was the truest sign of devotion. That contrast in him—so cold to the world, yet so gentle at heart— was something she treasured deeply.
Before long, the group reached Philip. Aurora studied him closely. He was a dignified, imposing elder leaning on a cane. Though his age showed, he still carried himself with remarkable vigor. Dressed in a traditional suit, he looked sharp and full of spirit. When his gaze fell on Aurora, there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
Lucas stepped forward at once to explain, “Grandpa, this is the granddaughter-in-law I’ve chosen for you.”
At those words, the old man’s eyes widened. “And when did you manage to whisk this young lady away?” The room fell silent. Aurora let out an awkward laugh, caught off guard by how humorous Philip could be, teasing his grandson in front of so many people.
Lucas rubbed his forehead helplessly. “Grandpa, can’t she just be my properly wedded wife?”
“When did you get married without telling us?” Philip’s mustache bristled as he glared.
“Have you completely lost your mind? Sneaking off to marry such a beautiful wife–my granddaughter-in-law, the one I’ve dreamed about day and night—and you’re telling me you’ve already been married all this time?” The crowd buzzed in shock. They had speculated about Aurora’s identity, but hearing Lucas confirm it was still staggering. None of them had imagined he would keep it from everyone and already have such a striking wife. Some had even schemed to push their own distant relatives toward Lucas, hoping to share in the Carter fortune. After all, marrying into the family meant becoming the lady of the house–a position envied by all, one that carried both power and prestige. The Carter name itself was enough to open doors everywhere. But Lucas had beaten them all to it, settling matters swiftly, already married, leaving them all outmaneuvered by a girl no one had ever heard of.
Lucas slipped an arm protectively around Aurora’s shoulders, shielding her from the probing stares. “Grandpa, we’ve been married nearly a year now. We already have our license.”
“So soon? And why didn’t you tell us?” Philip was still reeling, unable to believe his grandson had hidden this. “You mean to say you kept this from the entire family and went off to marry her without a word? Did you ever stop to think about how she must have felt?”