Chapter 5

Upon hearing Preston, Jolene looked up. A hint of joy tinged her usually indifferent tone as she asked, “Did you say your Uncle Cedric is returning to the country?”

Noticing she was now her usual self, Preston smiled knowingly. “That’s right. Are you that eager to marry me? Don’t worry, I will be at the wedding. Don’t ever act up again. Playing hard to get is interesting at first, but it’ll just annoy me if you keep using the same trick.”

He opened his car door as he spoke.

Jolene knew he wouldn’t listen, even if she explained. Giving up, she got into the passenger seat. “I want to go home to make myself more presentable,” she said frankly.

Preston thought she must love him very deeply. That’s why she took the family dinner seriously and wanted to meet Cedric looking her best. Raising an eyebrow, he agreed to her request.

When Jolene was ready, they went to the Norwood residence. Many were at the dinner; they weren’t surprised to see Jolene and greeted her warmly.

After a short exchange, she sat in a corner, waiting for Cedric. Unsure of their reunion, she wasn’t paying attention. Her heart thumped furiously.

Soon, Preston noticed her abnormal behavior and looked at her, displeased. “I’m right here beside you. Why are you spacing out? This is my last warning. I’ve already promised to marry you, so don’t behave like this again! Otherwise, I may very well take back my word!”

Jolene almost fought back but stopped herself. He’d soon understand he wasn’t her groom; there was no need to waste her time explaining.

Several minutes later, the main entrance opened. Everyone turned to look, expectant. However, it was Louis Norwood, not Cedric.

Staggering, Louis went to the front and announced, “Cedric was in a mild car accident before he departed and missed his flight. He’s still overseas and won’t be joining us for dinner tonight.”

Jolene immediately sprang to her feet. “Mr. Norwood Senior, how is he? Are his injuries severe?”

Louis denied it. “He’s fine. It won’t get in the way of the wedding either. Don’t worry, Jo,” he comforted her.

Frowning, Preston tugged her back down. He rebuked softly, “Although we’re getting married, you’re still not my wife. You shouldn’t be showing too much concern toward Uncle Cedric just to flaunt your identity as my wife. That’s inappropriate!”

Jolene was about to tell him the truth when Louis cleared his throat. Everyone quietened.

He said, “I’ve gathered you all mainly to announce the marriage of convenience between the Norwood and Miller families. The date has been decided. The wedding will be taking place in seven days at Nautilus Resort. It’s between the daughter of the Miller family, Jolene Miller, and…”

As Louis announced the news in his booming voice, Preston received a message from Simone. Something must have happened to her, as Preston’s face changed upon reading it. He swiftly got to his feet and left the hall, missing the rest of the announcement.

Louis continued, “… the head of the Norwood family, Cedric Norwood!”

That struck many as unexpected. The crowd erupted into murmurs.

“Did I mishear? Is it Cedric instead of Preston who’s going to get married?”

“Yeah, how can it be Uncle Cedric? I thought he’d always kept his distance from women. Why would he marry someone so much younger?”

The hall buzzed. Still, no one dared to comment further, due to Cedric’s identity. They merely got up and gave Jolene their blessings.

After dinner, still worried about Cedric, Jolene approached Louis.

Louis patted her shoulder, looking delighted. “Cedric sent us a photo of his injuries. It’s nothing serious and will heal in no time. There’s no need to worry, Jo. You just have to prepare yourself for the marriage.”

Jolene felt relieved.

For the next few days, she stayed home preparing invitations, trying on her wedding gown, and calculating her assets. She cast everything else aside.

Meanwhile, she received many messages from Preston’s friends, but never read them.

It wasn’t until one day, when she accidentally clicked and read them before bed, that she realized they were all texting her about the same thing.

“Pres got injured and was admitted to the hospital. He’s now at Pinehill District Hospital, Room 609. Aren’t you going to visit him? Remember to bring him the chicken broth he loves.”

“Why aren’t you replying to our messages? Are you still playing hard to get? It’s getting old. Will you just put a stop to this?”

“Jolene Miller, what the hell are you doing? You’re just a simp. Why are you putting on airs? Hurry up and get over here!”

Jolene found the messages amusing. She replied, “He might be injured, but he has the nurses, you guys, and Simone to take care of him. What does that have anything to do with me?”

After sending her message, she opened her social media account. It was filled with selfies Preston took at the hospital.

As far as she could remember, Preston never posted anything on social media. She was slightly surprised.

However, she didn’t think much about it. She exited the app and contacted one of the Norwoods, whom she’d recently added as a contact, and asked him a lot about Cedric.