Chapter 8 The Salisbury Family Apologizes
- Lucien seemed to have anticipated Constance's words.
- Clasping his mother's hands, he replied gently, “Mom, I'm not getting any younger. I'm already twenty-seven.”
- Unable to suppress her agitation, Constance rebutted, “Of course, you can get married! There are millions of women out there. Let's not limit ourselves to Jadeborough; you can take your pick from all the eligible women in the country. You have lots of choices, Lucien. Trust me, you can find a better partner, so don't pick up others' leftovers.”
- It all boiled down to reputation. After all, the Rivieres were a prominent family.
- After getting rejected by Denver and creating a scene at her own wedding, it was only natural that the Riviere family was skeptical of Seraphina.
- “Mom, I'm in love with her,” Lucien blurted.
- Hearing that, Constance was stunned. “Didn't you say that you just met her today?” she asked.
- “Well, it was love at first sight. Moreover, I can't take this marriage lightly. You witnessed our marriage, along with all the other guests. Seraphina and I swore an oath in front of thousands of people and... and then we kissed. If I call off this marriage, her life is ruined.”
- “Lucien, when you get married, you're tied together for life,” Guillaume interrupted. “You can't throw away your entire life just because you were feeling sympathetic toward a girl in misery.”
- A chuckle escaped Lucien's lips. “Dad, I'm not as kind as you think, and I'm certainly no saint. I only agreed to the marriage because I truly love her.”
- Love. The syllable hung in the air, rendering the Riviere couple speechless.
- It has been so many years, yet Lucien rarely ever admitted to even liking anyone. Even the girl back then... Forget it. That whole ordeal is taboo in our family. It's best if I don't mention it, especially with Lucien around.
- Constance was lost in her thoughts. She was quite taken aback to hear her son profess his feelings for a woman.
- “You fell in love the moment you saw her? Isn't that too cliché?” Constance was still concerned. It was hard for her to accept a daughter-in-law who had sprung out of nowhere, especially since she always imagined her daughter-in-law to be a beautiful, outstanding woman from an esteemed family.
- “Mom, are you saying that love at first sight does not exist?”
- “Is this really what you want?” Realizing how Lucien stood firm by his decision, Constance had a suspicion that any effort to sway him would be in vain.
- Lucien was a wonderful person, but he had a stubborn streak a mile wide. Once he set his mind on something, there was nothing that could stop him.
- “I've made up my mind. She's the one. Plus, I've already asked my driver to send her back to our home.”
- The room fell silent once again after Lucien's nonchalant announcement. Guillaume and Constance figured that going against Lucien now was moot.
- The situation was already past the point of return. Seraphina was on her way to the Riviere residence, and their wedding had been broadcasted for all to see. It would be near impossible to explain things to the Hoults if they were to reject Seraphina now.
- Meanwhile, the Salisbury family was apologizing earnestly to the Hoults.
- Jacob Salisbury, in particular, was desperate to earn the Hoults' forgiveness.
- As the head of the Salisbury family, he was thoroughly ashamed of Denver's actions. He should have seen this coming; Denver was never one to obey instructions. Ever since Denver returned a few years ago, he had gotten into numerous scandals with multiple celebrities. This arranged marriage with Seraphina was an attempt to tame him, but Denver had single-handedly ruined it.
- “Hoult, I'm really sorry about what had happened today. I've ordered my men to track down that insolent fool. I'll bring him here and make him apologize to you personally.”
- Before Zachariah could say anything, Elizabeth replied with a grim face, “No need for that, Mr. Salisbury. After all, it's not your fault that Sera didn't meet the expectations of the Salisbury family.”
- The atmosphere grew tense as the subtle jab behind Elizabeth's words sunk in.