Chapter 12
Seren was nothing if not self-aware.
While she wasn’t the “damaged goods” Sheridan so cruelly accused her of being their three years of marriage had been in name only, never truly as husband and wife—she was honest with herself. She didn’t see herself as extraordinary, certainly not someone so remarkable that a man like Lennon, with all his virtues, would fall for her at first sight.
There were plenty of women far more accomplished orbiting around Lennon. Next to them, she barely registered.
Yet Lennon said, quite seriously, “Truth is, Miss Bradley, I fell for you the moment I met you. I’m at a stage in my life where I’m thinking about the future, and my family has been encouraging me to start a family of my own. If you’re willing, I’d like to bring my parents to meet yours tomorrow to see about our engagement p>
Seren didn’t put much stock in love at first sight. When a man spoke like that, it was best not to take his words at face value.
To her, it was obvious Lennon was only eager to marry because his family was pressuring him. She couldn’t fathom why he’d chosen her out of all the eligible women he must know, but one thing was clear: he was sincere. He meant every word.
And she couldn’t deny it her heart stirred.
Lennon was exceptional. Unlike the wealthy heirs she’d heard about, always surrounded by scandal, he had a spotless reputation. He came from the Crestwell family, an old and distinguished household in Seaside City, known for its impeccable character and tradition. Every generation of Crestwells seemed to produce outstanding men and women, and Lennon was the best of them all.
He was also strikingly handsome and tall-good genes to pass on to future children.
Logically, if she set emotions aside, Lennon was the perfect choice for a husband.
But more than anything, Sheridan’s words echoed in her mind: “Do you really think any man would want you after you leave me p>
He’d sparked her competitive streak.
Seren was stubborn by nature, fiercely proud. So Sheridan thought she was nothing without him? She’d show him. Even after leaving him, she could find a man a hundred times better.
Her love, her devotion-she could give them to anyone she chose. No one had the right to claim them, least of all someone who didn’t deserve her.
She weighed it all carefully, then lowered her eyes and said, “I’m willing to marry you. But let’s skip the formal engagement talks. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to meet my grandfather. After that, we can go straight to the registry and get our marriage license p>
After everything with Sheridan, Seren realized love wasn’t a necessity. Food was essential for survival; love was not. She was living proof.
As for the engagement ritual-since she was determined to cut ties with the Bradley family, she wanted as little to do with them as possible.
Fortunately, she and her sister Carla had been registered on their mother Zena’s side of the family, the Rutledges, years ago. Later, Zena had moved only her own and Carla’s records elsewhere, so Sereno
officially remained with the Rutledge family.
That meant she didn’t need the Bradley family’s involvement to get married. She
only needed to inform Old Mr. Rutledge.
It was the perfect chance to introduce Lennon to her grandfather-then collect the
necessary documents and get the marriage license with Mr. Crestwell.
At The Golden Age estate, every
servant moved with silent dread,
afraid to breathe too loudly. The reason was simple Sheridan’s temper was a raging storm today, far worse than usual.
Sheridan himself felt the difference. He’d been irritable during the three years he’d lost the use of his legs, but it had never been like this like fre ready to ignite at the smallest spark.
He slumped on the sofa, eyes glued to his phone. The screen would go dark, and
he’d tap it awake. Dark, then bright. Over and over, for hours.
Seren still hadn’t called to patch things up.
Whenever his voice cooled before, Seren would appear, eager to please and soothe him. Today, that same tone was met with utter silence-no call came, and no message arrived.
For a moment, his face went blank as he stared at his phone. Then he stood up and climbed the stairs.
He pushed open the door to Seren’s room. It was spotless. Every single one of her belongings was gone-she hadn’t left a thing behind.
Everything he’d ever given her was laid out in plain sight, neat and untouched.
With a sharp crack, Sheridan hurled a crystal ornament he’d once gifted her against the table.
The noise startled Aggy, the nanny, who rushed in to find the room a mess, with Sheridan standing amid the wreckage.
“You need to calm down, sir!” Aggy grabbed his arm just in time.
Aggy had watched Sheridan grow up, but even he shuddered at the sight of Sheridan’s furious, bloodshot eyes.
It was the first time Aggy realized that maybe, just maybe, Sheridan didn’t hold Seren in such contempt after all.