Chapter 158: Guilt-Tripping Her into Accepting
Christopher and Rosalie were stunned by the revelation that a high-stakes manipulation was underway. This left a bitter taste, highlighting the scheming nature of Scarlett's relatives and former lover. Javier, the gambler, orchestrated the scheme, using Scarlett's family as pawns. Their mismanagement of Scarlett's affairs clearly prioritized financial gain. Isabella shared their dismay, confirming the extent of the manipulation.
Their ruthlessness appalled Christopher and Rosalie. Believing Scarlett defiant, they thought marrying her to someone of high social standing would worsen her rebelliousness. Javier, always affable and polite, seemed a preferable option. He had previously mediated family disputes, even persuading Scarlett to apologize—a gesture they interpreted as respect for elders. Therefore, they chose the "lesser evil"—marrying Scarlett to Javier to regain control.
(The passage omits comment on Bartholomeo's behavior, but the mother's actions are incomprehensible.) Sharing Isabella's speechless dismay, Christopher and Rosalie were reminded of Luna's parents and their repulsive favoritism. The extent to which Scarlett's mother exploited her for the family's benefit was infuriating. Without Scarlett's financial resources, she might have been "traded" to cover her cousin's wedding expenses.
Christopher initially dismissed the idea that a mother would favor outsiders so deeply, but the reality surpassed his imagination. Scarlett had nearly missed university due to high fees; her father's inheritance funded her cousin's overseas education instead, forcing Scarlett into a less prestigious university. They claimed this was for her benefit, suggesting her cousin's future success would support her. This was clearly self-serving. They further arranged a marriage to a wealthy boy at the same university, expecting Scarlett to essentially be his caretaker, offering her dowry in advance to benefit their nephew. This was supposedly for her protection from bullying, a blatant manipulation.
Christopher and Rosalie were initially stunned, but relieved that the family only manipulated Scarlett emotionally, using the "it's for your own good" excuse. They never directly pressured her; she secretly applied to university, thwarting their plans.
Their relief was short-lived. Frustration followed; Scarlett hadn't severed ties with her manipulative relatives, allowing them to continue influencing her life—an exasperating situation. Cutting familial ties proved difficult. No one fully understood Scarlett's emotional needs; perhaps she hoped that once strong enough, they would become a supportive family. The only consolation was that Scarlett wasn't entirely consumed by this affection, giving her a chance to escape.
Despite pressure, Scarlett remained steadfast, committed to controlling her life. Seeing Bartholomeo and Sienna's persuasion fail, Javier regained his composure. With profound affection, he addressed Scarlett: "Lettie, I know you're still angry. It's okay, punish me, make me promise anything, just give me a chance. Marry me; we can get the license today. You can witness my transformation." He signaled a friend, who orchestrated a chorus of "Marry him!" cheers.
The encouragement intensified; the live stream showed supportive comments. Sienna and Bartholomeo physically maneuvered Scarlett, increasing the pressure. Feeling alone, Scarlett looked around. Isabella and the others watched in dismay, witnessing a capable young woman being forced into a terrible situation.
Javier, aware of Scarlett's sensitivity, chuckled, pointing out her mother, uncle, his mother, and friends who supported the union, including Freya, who stood sternly in the corner. He jokingly mentioned looking forward to seeing a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair onscreen.
Noticing Scarlett's wavering resolve, Javier seized the opportunity: "This is live. Can you hold a grudge and mar this beautiful memory? Lettie, I love you! Marry me!"
Scarlett’s face paled. She considered a smooth solution to avoid a public scene, planning to end the marriage later. Her rational mind demanded clarification; despite feeling coerced, she felt oddly guilty.
The situation escalated. When Javier tried to put a ring on her finger, Scarlett hardened, withdrawing her hand. Javier's surprise turned to annoyance and embarrassment; he forcefully grasped her hand. Scarlett didn't pull away, firmly declaring, "I refuse!"
Her voice resonated throughout the venue, even in the live stream. Javier exclaimed, "Scarlett, stop being stubborn!" His irritation was palpable. As others prepared to speak, Freya stepped forward, concerned, ready to intervene.
The music stopped. A clear voice challenged the proceedings: "Huh? I thought our marriage laws didn't allow forced marriages. What's going on? Can't you understand 'no'? I thought this only happened in kidnappings, not here!"