Chapter 3
The awkward silence hung heavy in the air, but thankfully, Osric’s phone rang just in time, cutting through the tension like a lifeline
The call was from Fenella’s personal doctor, delivering had news-
-her latest medical report didn’t look good.
By the time the call ended, Osric’s expression was even colder, his face as sharp and unyielding as frost.
He curtly ordered the driver to start the ear, then turned to Amaris with a tone so indifferent it was almost dismissive. “At least you’re self–aware. I have no plans to marry you. But today is my grandmother’s birthday, and for her sake, we’ll act like a happy, engaged couple. Think of it as doing me a favor. If you want something in return, name your price.
The call hadn’t been private–Amaris had heard every word. So, Fenella wasn’t well
Her grandfather had often spoken about how much he owed Fenella, going so far as to force this engagement on Amaris as a way to repay her kindness
Now, with Fenella sick, calling off the engagement would only make things worse.
Amaris forced a stiff senile and reluctantly agreed. “Fine… let’s just get through this”
If Ouric had said something like “get through this, it might’ve sounded reasonable.
But coming from her—a plain, small–town girl? The audacity almost made him laugh.
Seriously? Who the hell does she think she is he scoffed internally, the thought laced with equal parts disbelief and annoyance..
The Hale family mansion was alive with lighter and conversation, packed with high–profile guests celebrating Fenalla’s birthday.
As soon as they stepped out of the car, Osric instinctively reached for Amaris’s hand.
But she didn’t even spare him a glance, brushing past him and walking ahead like he wasn’t even there,
“Once we’re inside, don’t talk too much,” he said, his voice low and curt as he caught up to her.
ΠΕ
Just as they reached the door, he grabbed her hand and hooked it into his arm.
But before he could take another step, she jerked her hand away, her irritation plain as day.”
The grand hall buzzed with chatter and laughter, filled with influential guests effortlessly mingling, the air thick with wealth and prestige.
Amid the crowd, Fenella, busy entertaining, immediately spotted Amaris walking in with Osric.
“Oric, is this my lovely granddaughter–in–law, Amaris? Come here, let me get a good look at your Fenella’s face lit up as she pulled Amaris to her side, her tone full of warmth and affection.
Her smile was so genuine, h
- r. her happiness so obvious, it was almost contagious.
Not far away, Eira Wynn and her daughter may exchanged a sly glance. Their eyes gleamed with calculation–it was clear they were already plotting their next move.
Ismay and Amaris, half–sisters with the same father but different mothers, were tied together by an old engagement deal between the Hale and Wynn families. For Eira–may’s mother–it was the perfect opportunity to secure her daughter’s place in the powerful Hale family. She’d spent years sweet–talking her husband Fintan, pushing for Ismay to marry Oric
Itut then Amaris showed up and ruined everything. Eira was so furious she almost passed out,
One look at Amaris–her rustic, unpolished appearance and Fira couldn’t help but fume. Compared to her elegant, refined daughter Ismay, the difference was night and day,
Ismay, ever the picture of grace, stepped forward with a sweet smile. “Sister, Mom and I waited at the airport for over two hours to welcome you We had no idea you’d come straight to visit Mrs. Hale first. How thoughtful of you”
Eira chimed in with a passive–aggressive tone. “Exactly. Visiting Mrs. Hale is important, of course, but couldn’t you have at least called your mother first! We ined calling you, but you didn’t answer!
Turning to Fenella, her face softened into a fake, apologetic smile. “Mrs. Hale. I’m so sorry. My younger daughter grew up in the countryside and
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Chapter 3
hasn’t learned proper manners yet. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she learns how to be more suitable for Mr. Hale,”
Though polite on the surface, her words carried sharp undertones. The message was clear to everyone: this country bumpkin” was so desperate to marry into the Hale family that she’d rushed straight here, ignoring her own family.
To outsiders, bay was the epitome of a high–society lady–stunning, graceful, admired by everyone. Amaris! She was a joke in comparison. One was a shining star; the other, din underfool.
If Fenella hadn’t seen Amaris in person, maybe the engagement could’ve been salvaged. But now that she had? marry someone so plain and out of place in their world
And worse? Everyone thought Amaris didn’t just lack polish–she had ambitions way above her station
No way would she let her grandson
Fenella’s expression shifted as she listened to Eira’s words. She glanced at Amaris, her gaze full of doubt and confusion, as if wondering how this girl could possibly become part of the Hale family.
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