Chapter 13 Call Me Honey

After hearing this, Sterling Fairchild refused to back down. "Leona Fairchild's ill breeding is common knowledge. Marrying her off would only disgrace the Fairchild name!" He added sharply, "I will never approve of such a ridiculous arrangement!" Indeed, the whole matter was absurd. The wedding had already taken place—replacing the bride now would turn both the Hawthorne and Fairchild families into laughingstocks across Swan City. I voiced my thoughts. Judith, who had been giving me hostile glares moments before, now offered a conciliatory smile. "At least Lydia knows her place." Seeing I wasn't resisting, Cecilia said, "Liddy, go see if Wendy was hurt earlier." I knew she was trying to send me away. As I hesitated, Carter came and led me to the servants' quarters. The room was close to the living area. Though I'd entered, I leaned against the door, listening. I heard Cecilia say that even the four percent stake I held brought in annual dividends exceeding a million. Yet I'd never laid eyes on a single cent. If they refused, they'd have to return every penny of the past three years' dividends—and forfeit any future share. At the mere mention of money, Sterling and Judith caved instantly. They muttered a few complaints, but finally agreed. Only after they left did Carter allow me to step out. By then, Cecilia was alone in the living room. I approached and said directly, "Grandma, I don't want to marry Dominic Hawthorne. His heart belongs only to Leona." "Enough. They've only just met—how can anyone claim another's heart after a few days?" Cecilia took my hand again. "Actually, I realized it was you on the wedding day. And the way Dominic looks at you, compared to how Leona looks at him—even with my failing eyesight, I can tell who truly values him." Her words brought a mist to my eyes. On the wedding day, Dominic had treated me well at first. Now that I thought about it, he really hadn't distinguished between Leona and me before then. Seeing I didn't respond, Cecilia went on, "I've looked into Dominic. He's a man of integrity. Your grandfather and I never had our chance, but I hope you two can walk this path together—walk it far and long, and make up for the regrets we couldn't mend." So this marriage carried such deeper meaning. My heart softened. I thought that since Dominic was investigating Leona, he would surely uncover the truth. Then, perhaps, his attitude toward me would change. Still, doubt lingered. "Grandma, but will Dominic agree?" "He's deeply filial. As long as Keaton Hawthorne speaks, he'll have no choice but to agree." Cecilia's voice was filled with quiet certainty. Though doubt tugged at me, stronger was a selfish hope. — I left Fairchild Manor and returned to Gina's place, barely sleeping a wink that night. The next morning, I rushed to the most critical construction site. By noon, after inspecting everything, I grabbed a quick bite and was heading to the second site when a black car pulled up beside me. The rear door swung open. Before I could react, a hand shot out and yanked me into the back seat. The door slammed shut. The car sped off. Just as I feared I'd been kidnapped, a firm hand clamped my chin, forcing my face toward its owner. It was Dominic Hawthorne. His dark eyes were glacial. One moment I'd been drenched in sweat; the next, I felt as if I'd plunged into an ice cellar. "Mr. Hawthorne… what are you doing?" I stared at him, a chill running down my spine. "Mr. Hawthorne?" Dominic looked at me, one corner of his mouth lifting—devoid of warmth. "Shouldn't you be calling me husband?" I stared at him, speechless. Could it be? Had Cecilia told him already—so soon?