Chapter 3

I stayed in the room for an entire afternoon. Around dusk, the driver who had worked for our family for twenty years came up and said my grandfather wanted me to return to the main estate for dinner. I knew I couldn't avoid it. I gave the caregiver a few instructions and followed the driver back to the house. The wrought-iron gates, the magnolia tree in the yard that had grown thicker, the furnishings inside the house—nothing had changed a bit. The long table in the dining room was covered with dishes, and the crystal chandelier was blindingly bright. Grandfather sat at the head of the table. To his left were my dad and Ophelia, and to his right sat Gideon. The moment I walked in, all eyes fell on me. Gideon's gaze clung to me first, carrying a faint, barely noticeable tension. I looked away and didn't meet his eyes. "So you finally know how to come back?" Grandfather tapped his cane hard against the floor, his tone heavy and cold. "You only show up when your mother is on her deathbed. I see you haven't had this family in your heart for a long time." I didn't defend myself. Explaining was useless. "It's good that you're back." My dad, Franklin, smoothed things over, but his next sentence cut straight to the chase. "You're twenty-eight now. You've wandered outside for six years, it's time to settle down. Your grandfather and I talked it over. The Ellery family's eldest son, Graham—you met him when you were kids. He studied in Europe. His background, education, and looks are flawless. Once your mother's surgery is done, you'll formalize the engagement." My hand tightened around my fork. Sure enough, this dinner was never meant to be a welcome back. "I'm not marrying him." I looked up, my tone calm. "What did you say?" Grandfather's face instantly darkened. "I said I'm not marrying him," I repeated. "I'll take care of my mother's illness myself, and I know what I'm doing when it comes to marriage. You don't need to worry about it." "Nonsense!" Grandfather slammed his fork against his plate. "You wandered outside for six years. You know perfectly well how many messes this family cleaned up for you! When your sister was your age, she was already working for this family!" I instinctively looked at Gideon. He sat there, his fingers curling inward, eyes lowered, not making a sound. I suddenly found it ridiculous. "Just because she had a good marriage doesn't mean mine has to follow your arrangements." I put down my fork. "I'm not her. I won't walk the path you set." The table fell instantly silent. Tears immediately pooled in Ophelia's eyes. She lowered her head and gripped the hem of her clothes, looking as if she had been terribly bullied. "Ivy!" My dad yelled sharply. "Watch your mouth! Do you know how much your sister has taken care of the family for you over these years? How many burdens she took on? Is this how you speak to her?" "For me?" I laughed. "Marry Gideon for me? Or have a child for me?" "You!" My dad turned livid, raising his hand as if to hit me. "Franklin." Gideon suddenly spoke up, stopping him. "Ivy just got back, her emotions are unstable. Don't push her." "You're still protecting her!" Ophelia whispered, her tears falling even harder. I just felt nauseous. I pushed my chair back and stood up. "I'm full. I'm going out to the yard for some air." The evening wind in the yard carried the scent of magnolia flowers, chilling me enough to make me shiver. Rapid footsteps sounded from behind. Gideon chased after me. "Graham really is a good guy. The Ellery family can support the Calloways, and your mother's medical bills won't have to come out of your own trust fund..." I turned around and looked him straight in the eyes. "In what capacity are you telling me this right now? The man who used to be engaged to me? Or my adopted sister's husband?" He stiffened, his pupils shrinking violently. "Six years ago you chose her, so see it through. Don't come block me at the airport, and stay out of my marriage. When you do these things, did you ever consider my adopted sister's feelings?" "She is your wife, the mother of your child." I stared at the ring on his hand. "I am just your wife's adopted sister. Please get that straight."