Chapter 157: Turning Down the Proposal

After Javier finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Scarlett, filled with a deep, affectionate look. He was well aware of Scarlett's deepest desires and aspirations. Her early life had been marked by loss and longing. She lost her father when very young and was raised by her mother in her maternal grandfather's home. That household favored male children, and her mother was exceedingly devoted to her younger brothers. This left Scarlett feeling neglected and unloved. Constantly pressured and constrained by the preferential treatment of boys, she often dreamed of freedom. Yet, bound by a deep moral obligation to her family, she felt trapped and helpless.

During her time with Javier, Scarlett had confided her innermost wishes. She desired not a wealthy husband, but a simple, warm, and loving home. She longed for a partner who would offer genuine love and respect, a companion who would stand by her. She also dreamed of motherhood, envisioning a nurturing environment for her children.

Sharing these desires with Javier required immense bravery. She wanted to show him she wasn't like the typical actresses he knew; she was ready for marriage, motivated by love, not fame or fortune.

Javier, however, tactfully avoided these topics. His interest in Scarlett stemmed partly from her naiveté regarding romance; he felt secure knowing she wouldn't expose his darker secrets. He also appreciated her financial support, though he did harbor genuine affection. Despite this, he wasn't ready to fully commit.

Unexpectedly, Scarlett ended their relationship upon discovering his gambling habits.

Initially, Javier dismissed this as a purely financial concern. The idea that she genuinely sought a loving partnership seemed implausible.

Only when cornered by circumstances did he recognize Scarlett's compassionate nature as a potential lifeline. He then proposed, believing she couldn't refuse, confident in his manipulation. He reasoned that, holding strong family values, she would likely strive to resolve any debts after marriage, demonstrating her commitment and willingness to work tirelessly for family stability.

As Javier pondered this, he gazed intently at a bewildered Scarlett, preparing to place the ring on her finger. However, she swiftly withdrew her hand, leaving Javier shocked and unbalanced.

Her usually gentle expression turned to indignant frown. The silence in the hall was palpable. Isabella pinched herself to stifle laughter. Turning around, she noticed Christopher and Rosalie trying to do the same, while Danielle looked on with a raised eyebrow, intrigued.

The livestream comments exploded with confusion and speculation about Scarlett's rejection:

• What's going on!
• Was Javier rejected?
• I thought everything was falling into place earlier.
• Is Scarlett feeling shy? Or maybe she wants to say something!

Scarlett's clear voice cut through the murmurs: "What on earth are you doing? I thought I made it crystal clear, we've already broken up."

Javier's smile faltered. His voice strained, he responded, "Lettie, are you still mad at me? Did you not understand what I just said?"

"I understand," Scarlett replied sharply, "but it has nothing to do with me. We've already broken up."

Stunned, Javier tried appealing to her desire for a stable home: "You Didn't you want a home? I'm willing to give you one."

"You're willing to give, but I don't want to accept," Scarlett retorted.

Christopher and Rosalie continued to stifle their laughter, relieved Scarlett wasn't swayed. Javier's supposed understanding of young women's psychology was flawed. He hadn't anticipated that their natural sensitivity and timidity, born from a lack of affection, could evolve into powerful defense mechanisms, allowing them to maintain distance from detrimental influences—a skill honed by past experiences with individuals like Sienna and Bartholomeo.

They shared a look of understanding and relief. Javier, however, appeared visibly perplexed by Scarlett's steadfast refusal.

Recalling their breakup, Javier had implored Scarlett to keep his gambling issues secret, a plea she'd agreed to. Despite this, the media later spun tales of her leaving him for another actor, yet she never exploited his secret. Frustrated, Javier wondered, Such a naive woman should be easy to coerce and deceive! Why did it turn out like this?

At that moment, Sienna and Bartholomeo stepped forward. Sienna, with a stern demeanor, addressed Scarlett reproachfully: "Scarlett, when we forbade you from seeing him, you fought us tooth and nail. Now that he's proposing, you're refusing out of spite? He's such a catch; if you lose him because of your stubbornness, you'll regret it."

Bartholomeo added, "Scarlett, it's fine to have occasional disagreements, but it's inappropriate to embarrass him in public. He's sincerely trying; it would be inconsiderate to make a scene."

Caught off guard, Scarlett looked at them incredulously: "You're okay with me marrying him? Why?" They had always insisted she marry wealth, yet Javier wasn't wealthy.

After a hesitant look, Sienna responded, "Of course, we're concerned about your happiness. You're an adult now, and as your elders, our primary desire is to see you happy. Nothing else matters." Bartholomeo offered a forced smile: "Javier truly cares for you. Trusting him with your well-being puts our minds at ease."

Scarlett eyed them warily, as if seeing strangers. Their sudden concern was unexpected, especially considering their silent conflicts stemming from her recent defiance. Rarely receiving genuine familial support, she hesitated, her expression softening, but her determination remained firm: "I I'm not right for him."

She tried to leave, but her family gently restrained her. "Darling, think it over again," implored Sienna.

"We all think highly of Javier and believe in your relationship," added Bartholomeo.

Isabella and her companions watched in astonishment. Danielle voiced her suspicions: "Would they still be so supportive if they knew that Javier had swindled ten million? It feels like they don't truly desire Scarlett's happiness."

"That's quite unsettling," Rosalie remarked.

Christopher added scornfully, "Their concern is feigned. They're just underestimating Scarlett."

Isabella inwardly scoffed. Driven by their own interests, her relatives had always prioritized profit over her well-being. However, as Scarlett asserted her financial independence and resisted their control, they became desperate. Javier's proposal, promising to forego a dowry and offer a betrothal gift, seemed a solution. He'd also assured them that marrying Scarlett would restore her to the obedient daughter she once was, aligning perfectly with their ulterior motives.