Engagement News Rocks Basterel Society

The engagement of Joshua and Shermaine sent ripples through Basterel's upper class. Many had assumed Shermaine, with her perceived lack of education and polish, couldn't compete with the elegant and accomplished Wendelyn. They believed her own mother, Ruth, treated her coldly because Shermaine felt entitled without earning it. The news of Shermaine becoming Joshua's fiancée, and soon Mrs. York, was completely unexpected, breaking the hearts of numerous society girls. While they would have accepted Joshua choosing Wendelyn, who was considered a perfect match, Shermaine's sudden rise to fiancée status was unfathomable.

Shermaine's Unfazed Demeanor

Unconcerned by the whispers, Shermaine woke up to a surprisingly polite Ruth. "Sheary, I was wrong. I shouldn't have treated you that way. Can you forgive me?" Ruth said softly. Shermaine simply replied, "I can," without missing a beat. Ruth promised to take better care of her, but Shermaine offered a faint, unfeeling smile. She sensed Ruth's sudden kindness stemmed from fear after yesterday's events.

A Hidden Past and Unexpected Revelation

Shermaine had gone missing at five, losing all memory of the Jean family after a high fever. However, an unusual dream last night revealed two vastly different versions of Ruth: one genuinely gentle and doting, the other cold and cruel.

At dinner, with Shermaine's brother Ross away, silence filled the table. Towards the end of the meal, Jameson handed Shermaine a bank card. "Shermaine, don't just stay cooped up at home all day. Go out, do some shopping. Buy whatever you like." Shermaine accepted the card, thinking, "Alright," never one to refuse free money.

Jameson was mistaken about her being "cooped up" or uneducated. Shermaine had studied abroad at sixteen, concealing her personal records due to sensitive work dealings. This led to misunderstandings, like when she casually mentioned never taking the SAT. If they had bothered to ask, such misjudgments wouldn't have occurred.

Shermaine's True Identity and Family Dynamics

Shortly after arriving in Basterel, a viral video clip led Ross to realize she was his long-lost sister, the Jean family's heiress, missing for fourteen years.

Jameson then addressed Wendelyn, "Wendy, you know Basterel well. Start taking Shermaine out more often, got it?" Wendelyn sweetly replied, "Got it, Daddy."

Ruth interjected, "Wendy won't have time. She's starting her internship at the family company in a couple of days. I'm free though, I can take Sheary out from time to time, show her how we do things around here." Jameson, pleased with her cooperation, agreed.

Shermaine, internally, was speechless, thinking, 'Seriously? Acting like I'm some clueless country bumpkin?'

"It's okay, Mom. I can make time," Wendelyn offered.

Finally, Shermaine spoke slowly, "No need. I've got things to do and I might be pretty busy. Besides, it's not like I don't have friends in Basterel."

Jameson, accustomed to being in charge, perceived Shermaine's polite refusal as defiant, even ungrateful.

The Future Mrs. York

"Still, don't spend all your time just hanging out," Jameson said, handing her another bank card. "Once you marry Joshua, you'll be Mrs. York. You should sign up for some enrichment courses, work on your refinement." Shermaine accepted the card without emotion. "Thanks, Dad."

Ruth and Wendelyn were stunned into silence. Jameson, feeling generous, added, "If it's not enough, just come to me for more." Shermaine thought, 'Joshua must've offered something big,' and simply said, "Alright." This exchange infuriated Ruth and Wendelyn. Ruth's gaze shifted, her thoughts unreadable.

Unexpected Living Arrangements

Jameson then remembered, "Sheary, if you don't have time to pack, just let Peyton help." He glanced at Wendelyn, anticipating her reaction to Shermaine moving in with Joshua. Shermaine declined, "I don't like other people touching my stuff. I'll pack it myself."

Ruth, realizing, "Shermaine's moving out?" couldn't help but ask, "Where's Shermaine moving?" Jameson paused before slowly answering, "Joshua's place."

Ruth, surprised by the pre-marital cohabitation, said, "Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Suddenly, a loud clatter broke the silence as Wendelyn's knife and fork fell to the floor. She bit her lip, forcing an awkward smile, her eyes red-rimmed as if on the verge of tears—a clear act for Jameson and Ruth.

Shermaine calmly took a sip of milk. "Living with Joshua before the wedding was Mr. Owen York's idea." Owen's decision left Ruth with no room to object.

Under the table, Wendelyn's hands clenched. "Shermaine, if you don't want to, you can always say no, can't you?" She was clearly upset. "And you've just come home, and now you're moving out again. You'll barely see your family. What about Ross? Is he okay with this?"

Shermaine licked her lip, set down her glass, and lightly tapped her fingers against it. Her posture was relaxed, her tone carefree and sultry. "As long as I'm fine with it, Ross has no issue."

Wendelyn snapped, "What if I have an issue with it?"

Shermaine gave a cold laugh. "Not my problem."

A Mother's Scheme

"You know—" Wendelyn started, but Jameson cut her off. "That's enough, Wendy. It's time you let go of whatever feelings you have for Joshua. You're great, but he chose Shermaine."

Wendelyn's face paled. After breakfast, she retreated to her room, her expression dark and twisted, her eyes simmering with rage. Ruth knocked and entered. The moment she stepped inside, Wendelyn threw herself onto the bed, sobbing.

Ruth handed her a tissue. "Why would you go at Shermaine like that in front of everyone? You know she's got leverage now. You should've taken it slow and played the long game."

"Mom, I don't want Joshua to be my brother-in-law. I love him. I'd give up my life for him. If he marries Shermaine," Wendelyn cried.

"Stop talking nonsense," Ruth quickly interrupted her.

Wendelyn continued to cry, her sobs low and heavy. Ruth tried to comfort her. "You shouldn't be holed up in your room crying. Hurry up and get dressed. Go to Joshua's house with Shermaine later. I heard Mr. Owen York will be there."

"Will Shermaine let me go with her?" Wendelyn asked.

Ruth's gaze flickered. "No matter what, you're still family. She wouldn't go so far as to refuse a simple request like seeing her off. Once you're there, make sure you leave a good impression on the Yorks, alright?"

Ruth thought to herself, 'Wendelyn is my adopted daughter and I've raised her well. Everyone here in Basterel knows how amazing she is. Meanwhile, Shermaine's been away from the Jean family for over a decade, and it's a miracle she didn't turn out a total mess. How could she possibly compare to Wendy?'