Chapter 21
Cedric massaged his temples, sincerely repenting his past ignorance and naiveté. “We’re both not particularly active or outgoing. Yet, why are our kids so energetic?”
Jolene, the most qualified to answer, fixed Cedric with a stern gaze. “Wasn’t it your fault for being too lax? You always bailed them out whenever I tried to discipline them. How can they be docile and obedient when you keep doing that? If you ask me, you’ve created this predicament!”
Cedric remained silent under her reprimand. His driver, Kyle, chuckled heartily at Cedric’s subdued reaction. “Mrs. Norwood, since you married Mr. Norwood, I’ve seen his authority as head of the family dwindle daily! Who’d have thought that grim-faced man would become such a softie for his daughters?”
Cedric shook his head in resignation; he couldn’t refute Kyle’s words. Jolene covered her mouth, chuckling softly before beaming. “Kyle, he may look troubled, but he actually enjoys it.”
“Exactly! Mrs. Norwood, you don’t know how grateful our employees are. They say Mr. Norwood’s learned the importance of family life since marrying you. No more overtime; everyone gets off on time, just like Mr. Norwood.”
“In that case, Kyle, you can stop by the roadside and finish your shift.”
Kyle immediately complied, parking by the roadside and handing Cedric the keys. Cedric slid into the driver’s seat and typed an address into the GPS.
Jolene, clueless, asked, “Why are we going to Mount Anterrum?”
“It’s a date. The weather’s lovely, and I heard a new hot spring resort opened. We can admire the autumn foliage.”
Jolene, planning a nap, objected to his sudden date proposal. Cedric pleaded, “Honey, how long has it been since we had time alone? These opportunities are rare.”
Jolene eventually relented.
After a relaxing soak, the couple sat before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the red autumn leaves. Cedric gently tied Jolene’s hair in a ponytail. Jolene felt a surreal calm looking at those gentle eyes inches from hers.
“So, someone like me can have a happy, loving marriage…” she mused.
Cedric noticed her prolonged gaze. He lightly brushed her nose. “What’s wrong? What are you thinking so hard about?”
After a moment, Jolene asked, “Back then, if I hadn’t married you… No, I mean… if I hadn’t married into the Norwood family, would you have married someone else?”
“No.”
His swift answer surprised her. “Why?”
“Why?” Cedric repeated inwardly. He put his arm around her shoulders, leaning back. His dark, deep-set eyes gazed into the distance. “I wouldn’t have planned on marrying at all without the arranged marriage talks.”
Jolene knew he wasn’t telling the whole truth. He’d omitted the unspoken “…with you as the bride.” He wouldn’t marry anyone but her. She knew this from her past life, so she had no doubts.
Yet, even after years of marriage and grown children, Cedric still kept his love for Jolene a secret. Jolene was impressed by his resolve.