Chapter 1
“Lucille, remember that childhood promise our family made for you? Now that you’re recovering well, do you want to go back to Axelvale City and get married?“”
“If you’re still unsure, I can talk to your father again and see about calling off the engagement.“”
In the dimly lit room, Lucille Simpson was surrounded by silence, her thoughts a whirlwind.
Just as her mother, Chloe, on the other end of the line was about to lose hope, Lucille spoke up. “I’m willing to go back and get married.“”
Chloe was taken aback, not expecting this turn of events. “You… you agree?”
Lucille’s voice was steady, “Yes, I agree. But I need a little time to wrap things up here. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks. Mom, you can start preparing for the wedding.”
After a few more words, Lucille ended the call
As soon as she hung up, the booming music from downstairs seeped into her room, and she could faintly hear the strains of “Happy Birthday” being sung
This was Ayrton Lewis and Walter Quinn throwing a birthday party for Claire Yoder.
Footsteps approached her door, and Claire, carrying a slice of cake, walked in with a smile.
Her doe–like eyes blinked innocently, her face adorned with carefully applied makeup, though a few smudges of frosting stood out, “Lucille, why not come join us downstairs?”
Lucille saw through her facade, her tone turning icy, “I have work to do, so I’ll pass. Enjoy the party.”
Claire’s eyes instantly welled with tears, “Lucille, do you dislike me so much that you have to avoid me?“!
Lucille frowned, baffled by Claire’s dramatics. She hadn’t done anything, yet Claire acted as if she had been wronged.
With a cold chuckle, Lucille dismissed her “Save the theatrics for Ayrton and Walter. It won’t work on me.”
Just as she moved to shut the door Claire suddenly reached out, her hand caught in the frame. A stark bruise blossomed on her pale skin.
“Ouch!”
Ayrton and Walter happened to be coming up the stairs and witnessed the scene.
In a flash, they rushed forward, enveloping Claire in their protective embrace, inspecting her hand with concern.
Seeing the bruise, Walter’s eyes flared with anger. Known for his fiery temper, he lashed out at Lucille, “If you don’t like Claire, that’s fine, but why resort to such mean tricks? Lucille, what happened to you?“!
Ayrton, usually calm and composed, looked at Lucille with disappointment etched in his deep–set eyes. “Lucille, it’s Claire’s birthday. You didn’t have to be so harsh
But as soon as he turned to Claire, his tone softened, “Claire, does it still hurt? Let me get some ointment for you.”
As Ayrton led Claire away, Walter trailed behind, trying to comfort her, “Claire, don’t be upset. I’ll give you my new sports car. After the party, we’ll take it for a spin. That’ll cheer you up!”
With both men doting on her, Claire finally let her tears dry, though her voice remained a bit shaky. “Thank you, Ayrton.”
