Chapter 9
In front of the Norwoods and Millers, Jolene calmly responded, “From now on, we’re a family.”
Her words hit Preston like a punch in the gut. He clenched his fists, his gaze burning into hers.
Jolene sensed his reluctance and rage, but paid him no mind. Instead, she hooked her arm around Cedric’s and asked about their schedule with a smile.
Cedric checked the time. When their eyes met again, a flicker of warmth softened his cold, stern gaze.
“I didn’t get a chance to greet the guests earlier because my flight was delayed. Normally, we’d head back to the family home for a small get-together,” he answered. “But you’ve been on your feet all day. Let’s skip that for now and head back to rest. What do you think?”
His suggestion drew teasing remarks from the Norwood elders.
“Would you look at that? Marriage really does change a man, huh? He’s putting his wife first already!”
Someone else quipped, “Who’d have thought Cedric, of all people, could be so considerate?”
With his youngest son now married and the family together, Louis’s face lit up with joy. He waved dismissively and said, “What really matters is that you two care for each other. The get-together can wait. I’m sure Jolene is exhausted. Let’s give them some time alone, shall we?”
Amid the laughter and chatter, Cedric led Jolene out of the venue.
Preston stared at their retreating figures, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. When the crowd finally dispersed, the emotions he’d been holding—anger, frustration, and pain—boiled over.
“What the hell is going on? This was supposed to be a strategic marriage between the Norwoods and the Millers. Shouldn’t I be the one marrying Jolene?” he yelled.
His outburst caught Charles and Dace off guard. They instantly shot him disapproving looks.
“What are you talking about?” Charles asked sharply. “Two weeks ago, when the Millers came to us, they made it clear that Jolene wanted to marry Cedric. No one even mentioned your name. Why would you think it would be you?”
“If I wasn’t the groom, why did you have me pick her up this morning?” Preston retorted.
Just then, Simone and a group of Preston’s friends arrived. They froze upon hearing the conversation.
When Charles and Paige saw Simone among the group, they quickly understood Preston’s absence. Their expressions darkened.
“Cedric’s flight was delayed this morning. That’s why we asked you to pick her up,” Paige snapped. “And what did you do? You ran off halfway to hang out with your useless friends! How embarrassing! Everyone from both families showed up for the wedding, except you! If Mr. Miller hadn’t stepped in, your grandfather would have dealt with you himself. From now on, Jolene is your aunt. You’d better watch yourself and stay in line. Otherwise, no one will be able to save you if Cedric ever gets angry.”
Preston’s face paled with each harsh word. The thought of Jolene becoming his aunt was unexpected. He trembled uncontrollably, closing his eyes in despair. Memories he’d once scoffed at flooded back.
He recalled Jolene, drenched at Nightscape Bar, trying to explain herself, and the engagement ring she’d designed. No wonder he’d struggled to put it on; it didn’t fit him at all. And there was the way she seemed uneasy at the family gathering when Cedric’s name was mentioned.
Now, Preston finally understood. Jolene had never deceived him. He’d been so caught up in her attention that he’d failed to notice how much she’d changed. From the moment she got engaged to Cedric, she wasn’t the same woman.
But how could someone who’d once insisted on marrying him change overnight? Maybe it wasn’t Jolene who had changed, but her resolve. Preston wondered if his actions had hurt her so deeply that she chose to give up. Or was marrying Cedric an attempt to draw him back?
Countless thoughts raced through Preston’s mind. A buzzing sensation overtook him, and he pulled his hair in frustration.
Seeing him like this, Simone’s heart broke. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him to comfort him.
Charles and Paige, about to leave, scowled at the sight. How dare the daughter of a housekeeper even dream of marrying into the Norwood family?