I buried my head against my mother’s shoulder and whispered, “It’s alright, Mom. I’ve grown up now. Back then, it was me who insisted you and Dad go abroad.”
‘I never thought Easton and the others would treat me this way, but I endured it, and now it’s over. From here on, Sinclair Group will gradually shift its base to France. When that happens, won’t have anything more to do with them.”
Both my parents sighed heavily, gazing at me with deep concern.
‘No wonder,” my father said, “when I asked which one of those four you’d choose, you mmediately picked someone else instead.”
He frowned, hesitating. “Even though your Mom and I have slowly come to see Martin in a better ight, his reputation in the past was… questionable. I’m worried he might not change his ways.” My mother added softly, “After everything you’ve gone through, we don’t want you to suffer another wound.”
Dad held my hand firmly. “If all else fails, just stay with us. We can take care of you. Once the company fully transitions abroad, the old agreement with the four families won’t bind us anymore. That way, you won’t have to force yourself into anything.”
Their words were full of love, but I knew reality wasn’t so simple.
Easton and the others would never let me go so easily.
Although Sinclair Group was planning to shift overseas, we hadn’t yet taken the first step. Once we did, those men would undoubtedly notice.
f we moved too slowly, we might face their retaliation head–on.
My brows furrowed at the thought.
The Addams family, on the other hand, had already relocated most of their holdings abroad. They still retained some assets back home, but they had the experience we lacked. They knew the fastest, safest way to transition, and could spare Sinclair Group countless detours.
But that knowledge would only be accessible if I married Martin.
Otherwise, he would have no reason to help.
With that, my resolve solidified.
“Dad, Mom,” I said firmly, “what you say makes sense, but I still want to marry into the Addams family. Only then can Sinclair Group be truly protected.”
“Yes, Martin had a playboy’s reputation, but right now, he is the best choice. I don’t know if marriage with him will ever bring happiness–but that’s not my goal. What matters is securing the Addams family’s support.”
I looked at them and smiled faintly. “Didn’t you both say your opinion of him has changed? That means he’s not the same person he was before. And even if he reverts to his old habits someday, by then Sinclair Group will have grown strong enough for me to break free. As long as you’re with me, I won’t be afraid of anything.”
Tears welled in my parents‘ eyes. Seeing my determination–and realizing my words carried reason–they finally relented.
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By the time we stepped out of the car, they had agreed to my decision.
When it was confirmed that I would be engaged to Martin, their attitude toward him shifted
subtly.
However, he remained calm–just as he had at the airport. Yet every time he turned his head, I caught him watching me with an unreadable gaze.
It made my skin prickle.
Truthfully, it had been many years since we last spoke. This engagement, though swiftly agreec upon, was still unfamiliar territory.
Through my parents, I knew Martin had accepted the proposal without hesitation. But I had yet o speak with him myself–and I had no idea what kind of man time had shaped him into.
When we reached home, I let my parents go inside first, lingering in the doorway.
Martin was still there, waiting silently.
wanted to speak, but for some reason, I suddenly didn’t know how.
Perhaps sensing my hesitation, he broke the silence.
It’s been a long time, Debbie. How have you been back home?”
Then he smirked faintly, as if realizing how pointless the question was.
You had Easton and the others with you–you must have lived well. That was a foolish thing tc
isk.”
But… wasn’t yesterday your birthday? I remember you were supposed to choose your fiancé this ‘ear. Why not one of them? Were four not enough for you, so you picked me instead?”
frowned. When had his words grown so sharp, so defensive?
But remembering what I’d promised my parents in the car, I held back my irritation and replied Jently, “Before you left, there were misunderstandings between us. But those can be explained.” Your reputation wasn’t the best back then, and Easton and the others showed me things about ‘ou… so I began to distance myself.”
But now, you must know my situation. I have nothing to do with them anymore. Since I’ve chosen you–and you’ve agreed–I will honor that choice. You don’t need to worry about anything else.”
My voice faded, and silence stretched between us.
Martin didn’t reply. Instead, he studied me intently, as though weighing the truth of my words.
met his gaze openly, refusing to flinch.
Back then, when I’d first pulled away from him, he had sought me out again and again–only to De mocked and humiliated by Easton and the others.
hadn’t realized, until now, how fate would twist.
That in the end, I would stand here, preparing to marry him.
Indeed, life was full of ironies.
At last, he gave a short, bitter laugh.
“Debbie, I remember… back then, among the four of them and me, you liked Easton the most.”
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“So tell me why do you say you want to marry me now?”
“I want to believe you. I really do. But I don’t know how.” His voice was quiet, but his shifting expression betrayed a storm within.
I couldn’t explain it, but his expression carried a faint bitterness that stung my heart.
