Chapter 23
As the wife of a wealthy heir, Seren was often reminded that painting, music, and literature were mere diversions-her primary duty lay in supporting her husband and raising his children.
She’d assumed Shirley thought the same.
Of course, in front of Old Mr. Rutledge, Shirley never said anything. But when it was just the two of them, Shirley would drop subtle hints, almost as if offering advice, just like Diana Yates always did.
But this time, Shirley had simply said, “Keep at it. Do what you love p>
Seren wasn’t close with Shirley, and she rarely interacted with people in general. She wasn’t sure how to respond. If she just replied “Okay,” it seemed perfunctory; if she said nothing, that felt impolite.
Instinctively, she picked up her phone and turned to Lennon for help. “Your mom sent me this. What do you think I should say p>
Lennon glanced at the message, completely unfazed. “Say whatever you want p>
Seren hesitated, feeling no closer to a solution. Lennon’s words weren’t really helpful.
As she hovered over the reply box, still unsure, Lennon gently took the phone from her hand. He snapped a quick photo of their marriage certificate and sent it to Shirley, then closed the chat and handed the phone back.
“If you have something to say, say it. If not, it’s fine,” he said.
Seren looked at him, uncertain. “Is that really okay p>
Lennon ruffled her hair, his touch gentle and affectionate. “Of course. In this house, you don’t have to tiptoe around anyone p>
Seren froze, her mind drifting. She used to be proud and aloof, the kind of person who wouldn’t bother replying to messages-even with family, it was no big deal.
When had she become so cautious?
She thought back and realized it started three years ago, when she first moved into The Golden Age.
Diana Yates had been toet
elmet
busy
visit, she’d sent a couple of messages listing Sheridan’s medications and daily care instructions. Seren had read the messages, given Sheridan his water and pills, but hadn’t replied. Diana Yates immediately complained to Sheridan, who then fought with Seren and gave her the cold shoulder for days. After that, Diana Yates barely spoke to her.
Seren had convinced herself that not replying was a grave mistake, the reason for all the criticism that
something similar happerred, shed become instinctively careful walking on eggshells to avoid another
followed. Ever since, whenever et
conflict. It had become a habit-one she hadn’t even noticed until now.
After a long silence, Seren finally spoke. “I guess I’m just used to it p>
Lennon’s expression was gentle but serious. “It’s alright. Habits can change. You were so assertive on the phone earlier that’s good. You don’t have to please anyone. Just be yourself p>
Seren was surprised. People had always told her to hide her sharp edges, to smooth things over for the sake of others. But Lennon wanted her to stay true to herself.
He was so considerate, so patient and kind, it was almost hard to believe. The warmth he offered was so easy to get lost in, yet the cool afternoon breeze kept her grounded.
After all, she’d only known Lennon a few days. It was hard to believe in sincerity so quickly. Maybe it was just the way he was raised-he seemed to have impeccable character and values.
Suddenly, Seren understood why
people said you should marry a man with good character. Feelings can change in an instant, but character endures. The only downside to manying a man like Lennon was that anyone else in her place would
probably receive the same
treatment. She wasn’t special.
But honestly, even without love, marrying someone like Lennon didn’t seem like such a bad deal. Plus, she had a mother-in-law like Shirley, who genuinely supported her ambitions.
Seren decided it was best not to be too greedy.
At three in the afternoon, Seren and Lennon returned to Rutledge Manor. Her Porsche was still parked out front-she needed to drive it back to Nadine’s place. But as soon as they turned onto the driveway, she spotted a familiar figure leaning casually against an Aston Martin.
He looked about twenty-six, dressed in a pale khaki shirt and matching slacks. Tall and lean, with sharp eyes and an air of confidence, he was unmistakably her second brother-Slater.
Slater had always been brilliant, and in the past couple of years, his keen business sense had made him a rising star in Seaside City, where he now ran his own publicly traded company.