Chapter 5
I stared at Lenora in disbelief and couldn't imagine how a wealthy heiress from a distinguished family could say something so absurd.
She mistook my silence for acceptance and continued, "As long as you behave, I'll make sure not to embarrass you in public."
She was utterly convinced that in this lifetime, I would only marry her.
Just then, footsteps were heard from within the house. Emma's personal assistant, Diana Beltran, emerged and asked, "What's all this noise? It's a celebration, and you'll upset Mrs. Bray Senior."
Raven was standing beside her. She was dressed in a mermaid-style gown with her hair elegantly pinned up to reveal her graceful collarbones. She looked completely different from the last time I had seen her.
She walked past the crowd and stopped in front of me before asking, "Andre, are you okay?"
Seeing her reminded me that in my past life, she was the only one who stayed by my deathbed and cried until her eyes were raw and red. After I died, she had gone nearly mad gathering evidence of Lenora's crimes, exposing her embezzlement, and sending her to prison.
The memory nearly brought tears to my eyes, and I smiled. "I'm fine."
Lenora let out a mocking laugh. "Why do you care about him, Raven? He's your future in-law, so you should keep your distance.
"We're not from some ordinary family. Don't make a fool of yourself."
Diana's expression flickered with surprise at her words, but in the end, she said nothing and urged everyone to head inside.
"Mrs. Bray Senior is waiting."
Before we entered, Lenora reminded me again, "Don't forget what I told you, or don't even think about marrying me."
Her eyes held the same confidence and arrogance as always, but unfortunately for her, that smugness wouldn't last long.
Once everyone had gathered in the main hall, Emma appeared with Diana's support. He stood at the top of the stairs and smiled warmly as she waved at me.
"Today's a special day, and I have an announcement to make," she began saying.
After a pause, she continued, "Andre has turned 22 years old. According to the agreement between our families, his future wife will be chosen from among the Bray family's granddaughters. After they marry, his wife will inherit all assets under my name, including my jewelry."
Emma was born into prestige and had spent decades in business. Even by setting aside her remaining assets, the jewelry in her safe alone was worth more than what most people could earn in several lifetimes.
Envy flickered across faces.
"Now, let's invite the young couple to come forward so everyone can bear witness."
Lenora smiled and lifted the hem of her gown as if she was reluctantly stepping up, but Emma stopped her.
The latter extended her hand toward Raven on the other side. "Come up, child. Today must be a special day for you."
The long tassel earrings at Raven's ears shimmered under the lights like ripples across a lake. She gracefully glided to my side and smiled at me.
"I'm ready, Andre. What about you?"
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