Chapter 118
“What do you mean p>
“What do I mean? Are you an idiot? This is a fake wedding. You can’t have our friends and family see her. When Rebecca’s baby is born, how are you going to explain them to everyone?” Mrs. Sullivan scoffed. “But I will be inviting her stepfather and brother. With them there, she’ll have no choice but to swallow her pride and go through with it p>
“I can’t do that to Penelope,” Zebulon protested.
“You will do as I say. If we all play our parts, you can keep her in the dark indefinitely. Let her think she’s Mrs. Sullivan. Let her think you belong only to her. Give it three years-no, five-and I guarantee you’ll be sick of her. Then you can have a fake divorce and kick her to the curb p>
“I love Penelope, I can’t p>
“Don’t be a fool! What’s more important, a woman or your son? Besides, Rebecca is your real wife. If she can endure this humiliation, what are you fussing about?” Mrs. Sullivan took Rebecca’s hand. “Don’t worry. Zebulon is still your husband. He’ll take care of you, and I’ll make it up to you p>
Rebecca nodded, her eyes red. “The baby and I will wait for Zebulon to come to his senses p>
“But p>
“Have you forgotten how arrogant Penelope was? Demanding a divorce, calling you spineless. I know you’re still angry with her. You’re only tolerating this for the project, aren’t I right?” Mrs. Sullivan knew her son well.
Zebulon’s expression darkened at the memory of her past insults.
“Fine,” he conceded. “Do what you think is best p>
The consultant from outside entered the fitting room and whispered something to the consultant helping Penelope. Both of their faces registered shock.
“Has your worldview been shattered?” Penelope asked with a wry smile.
The two consultants looked at each other awkwardly, unsure what to say. “Don’t worry,” Penelope said. “Mine’s been shattered a few times already p>
She had changed out of the wedding gown and was fixing her hair. “I love that dress. Please place the order for me p>
Hearing her confirm the purchase so decisively and without any other demands, the consultants were thrilled to have such an easygoing client.
“Oh, and Mr. Stapleton has already sent over his measurements. He asked if you would be so kind as to select a suit for him p>
“Of course p>
When the consultant led Penelope back out, the three of them had finished their plotting.
“Shall we go pick out the groom’s suit?” she asked with a serene smile.
The men’s formalwear section was just as pricey. As expected, Mrs. Sullivan asked for the cheapest option, remarking that since some people didn’t know the value of money, she would have to save on her own son’s attire.
Penelope said nothing. Damaged goods for the bride, a low-end suit for the
groom. It was a perfect match.
Of course, Mrs. Sullivan wasn’t
trying to be frugal. She simply felt
that any money spent on a suit for
her son to wear in a fake wedding was a waste. The cheaper, the better.
While Zebulon was trying on his suit, Penelope had already selected one for Theodore.
“Ms. Laurier has impeccable taste. This suit is the crown jewel of our collection p>
It was incredibly expensive, but Theodore deserved nothing less.
In two weeks
while she and
Theodore were having their grand
wedding Zebulon and Rebecca would also be having a wedding of their own-a chaotic, disastrous affair that would expose the ugly true colors to the world.
“I love the dresses here so much. Do you think I could try one on?” Rebecca asked suddenly.
Penelope smiled. “Of course. I can’t wait to see you in a wedding dress p>