Chapter 9
In front of both families, Isabella responded graciously.
“We’re all family now.”
“0
Each word hit Ronan like a stone crushing his chest.
He clenched his fists tightly, staring intently at the woman before him.
Isabella could feel his reluctance and rage, but she didn’t care.[]
She linked her arm through Lucius’s and asked with a smile about their next plans.
Lucius checked his watch, and when he looked up, his usually stern eyes held a rare trace of tenderness.]
“My connecting flight was delayed this morning, so we missed the family gathering. Normally, we’d go to the family estate to make up for it, but I know you’ve had a long day. How about we postpone the formalities until tomorrow and just head home to rest first? Is that okay with you?“]
When they heard this, the Moretti elders started teasing good–naturedly.[]
“Oh my, marriage really does change a man! Look at him doting on his wife already!”
“We always see Lucius so serious–who knew he could speak so tenderly!“[]
With their youngest son finally married and the whole family gathered, Mr. Moretti beamed, waving his hand casually as he spoke up.[]
“As long as you two respect each other and live happily, there’s no need for any family gathering! Isabella’s been up since dawn getting ready–she must be exhausted. Let’s not bother the newlyweds anymore. Everyone, go on, go on!“]
Amid the cheerful banter, Lucius led Isabella away from the venue.[]
Watching their retreating figures, Ronan’s clenched knuckles cracked audibly.]
All the anger and anguish he’d suppressed finally erupted once the crowd had dispersed.]
“What the hell is going on?! The Claymore–Moretti marriage–wasn’t I supposed to marry Isabella?!”
Ronan’s furious outburst startled his parents, who had been basking in joy. They looked at their son with obvious displeasure.[]
“What’s gotten into you now? When the Claymores came to us half a month ago, Mr. and Mrs. Claymore and Isabella specifically requested your uncle. They never mentioned your hame
once. How could it possibly involve you?“]
“If I wasn’t the groom, why did you ask me to pick up the bride?“]
Heyar and Ronan’s friends, arriving late, froze upon hearing this exchange.
Seeing the large group suddenly barging in–including Heyar–Ronan’s parents immediately guessed why their son had been absent today, and their expressions darkened.]
“Your uncle’s flight got delayed this morning, so we asked you to help with the bridal escort. And what do you do? You run off halfway to mess around with your troublemaking friends! What the hell is wrong with you?!“[]
“At today’s wedding, every single relative from both the Moretti and Claymore families showed up–except for you! If Mr. Claymore hadn’t stepped in to smooth things over, your grandfather would’ve had your head for this!“[]
“Isabella is your aunt now. You’d better watch yourself and not do anything inappropriate. If you anger your uncle, no one can protect you!“[]
Ronan’s face gradually turned deathly pale under this barrage of scolding,
He had never imagined that someday Isabella would become his aunt.[]
14.5%
Chapter 9
His shoulders began trembling uncontrollably as he closed his eyes in despair.[]
All those moments he had once mocked flashed before him: Isabella’s resolute declaration in the bar even while soaked to the skin, the wedding ring she’d designed that was slightly too small for him to wear easily, her involuntary nervousness at the family dinner when his uncle’s name was mentioned…]
Only now did Ronan finally understand.[]
Everything had been true. Isabella had never lied to him.]
He’d just been so immersed in memories of her crazy pursuit that he’d ignored her transformation.
From the day of their engagement announcement, Isabella was no longer the same Isabella.]
But why had someone who just the day before was insisting on marrying him suddenly become a completely different person overnight?
Perhaps it wasn’t the person who had changed, but her feelings?]
Had all the hurtful things he’d done finally broken her heart, making her decide to give up?]
Or was marrying his uncle just another manipulative tactic–more playing hard to get?
Countless thoughts swirled in Ronan’s mind until he felt his head might explode, frantically clutching at his hair.[]
Seeing him in this state, Heyar embraced him with a face full of concern.]
Ronan’s parents, who had been about to leave, saw this and their expressions turned extremely ugly.[]
*A housekeeper’s daughter daring to dream of being part of the Moretti family?*]
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