Chapter 19%
Emma’s POVE
I patiently listened to Chase’s mother, occasionally offering a few words of agreement.
“Emma, look, this is a gift your mother specifically prepared for you,” she said, smiling as she pulled a small box out of the safe. She opened it, revealing a family heirloom–a ruby pendant with their family’s crest carved into it.!!
It sparkled brilliantly and its worthy value was obvious.!!
“Mrs. Thompson, this is too precious. I can’t accept it, I protested, even though I really liked it. The gift felt too overwhelming.
“You silly child, why are you being so polite?” she said, her tone gentle but firm. “Once you marry my son, you’re one of us. These are all things you deserve.”
Before I could argue, she gently pushed the jade pendant into my hands.
Chase jumped in, “This ruby’s been passed down through our family for generations. It’s carved from thousand–year-old cold ruby and has been worn by several generations. It absorbs our family’s fortune and blessings, turing bad luck into good and making tough times easier. Emma, do you like it?”
Iran my fingers over the smooth ruby crest, feeling the weight of the gesture and the history behind it. Part of me felt honored, but the other part was a little uneasy about the expectations that came with such a gift
“I like it, thank you, Mom. And thank you, Chase,” I said, doing my best to hide the mix of emotions inside.
Chase pulled me into his arms, kissing my hair gently. “Don’t be so formal with me. You’re my wife, Emma. From now on, you have me as your family.“2
My cheeks went beet red as I looked up to Chase and smiled affectionately.
Then, as I held the ruby pendant in my palm, cunosity got the best of me
I couldn’t help but ask “So, is there a special story behind this necklace?
Chase nodded. His expression was casual but a little careful as he replied, “In our family’s legend, that crest once protected our ancestors from disaster and brought endless good luck. It’s considered the family’s guardian“}
Over the next few days, I went with Chase’s mom to a bunch of upper–echelon gatherings. They called them gatherings, but they felt more like power moves and social showcases for the elite.!!
It was at these events that I realized just how powerful the Thompson family really was. The industries they were involved in and their vast networks were mind–blowing.
Jason and his company seemed so small in comparison–like little fish that didn’t even make a dent on their radar!!
Meanwhile, my parents were bombarding me with phone calls now that
at they knew I had returned to the country. I could already feel
the storm brewing.
As expected, they were waiting for me at the door of my house.!!
When they saw me, it was like two hungry wolves spotting their prey.
“You still know how to come back? Do you even have us as your parents in your eyes?”
They took turns scolding me for the bad decisions I’d made.
From not answering their calls to not coming home to see them, and of course, secretly marrying Chase–each of these offenses was more than enough for them to judge me
My mom berated, “Hurry up and get a divorce. The Reed family is pressing me for an answer! What’s the point of you marrying Chase? Can he help us pay off our debts? Jason promised.
“Mom!” I interrupted sharply, my frustration bubbling over. I’ve told you countless times, I’m done with Jason! Who I
I marry is none of your business! All you ever do is ask me for money, what else can you do?”!!
Right then, a hard slap landed across my face, and the sting was immediate
“You good–for–nothing child! Always ruining the family’s reputation! We raised you with so much effort, and this is how you repay us?” My mother bellowed.!
Before I could react, my dad lunged
ged at me, raising his hand again. “You wouldn’t listen! You should’ve broken up w
with Jason! You think you can defy us now that you’ve spread your wings?”
I instinctively closed my eyes, bracing for the hit, but the pain I expected never came.
