Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Chapter 2 In the Harrell residence’s living room, Macy Harrell, Fiona’s mother, glanced at Fiona with pure disdain. “Fiona, even though you’ve never had a proper education, don’t you know the first thing about manners? Most people at least know how to say hello. Are you mute or something? And look at what you’re wearing! Even the beggars in the street dress better than you!”

Fiona, clad in a black hoodie and ripped jeans, one hand tucked casually in her pocket, chuckled nonchalantly. “No one ever taught me that stuff. That’s just how kids who grow up without parents tum out!”

Macy was so infuriated that she stood up but was held back by her daughter Alexa. “Mom!”

Alexa scrutinized Fiona, her mind racing, “When did that malnourished bumpkin become so beautiful? Her fair, delicate face is like chiseled art, and those eyes-cold yet bewitching-are even prettier than mine. She must have had plastic surgery!” Jealousy surged in Alexa, itching to mar Fiona’s face with a slash, yet she smiled warmly, “Mom is just like that-sharp tongue, soft heart. But she means well. She wants you to change for the better.” Yanking her mom’s arm, Alexa cooed. “Mom, if you have something to say, just talk it out nicely with Fiona.”

Macy sat back down and softened her voice. “I’ve said it before over the phone. Nathan is 24 this year, the right age to settle down. He comes from a good family, has a top-notch education. And you? You’ve spent all these years in the countryside, didn’t even go to school. You have neither academic qualifications nor any talents. Can you take a hard look in the mirror at yourself? Do you see anything that makes you seem like a lady, anything commendable? It’s embarrassing for us, and even for you, to marry into their family and be a burden. Tomorrow, bring the engagement token and let’s go to the Quinn residence to call off the wedding,”

Fiona sneered coldly. This was her biological mother, worse than any stepmother could be Worried that Fiona might be spurred into a change of heart by her sharp words, Alexa quickly explained, “The Quinn family is an upstanding, sophisticated family, with tons of rules. You’d never fit in after living in the countryside, and besides, you and Nathan don’t have any real feelings for each other. Being a lady of a great house isn’t easy, mom is doing this for your sake-she doesn’t want you to get married and be miserable. Fiona, even if the marriage is off, we don’t plan on sending you back to the countryside. You can enroll in my school, we can attend classes together, and then you can find a nice guy to have a campus romance.” While deep down, Alexa thought that Fiona could allure any man with her looks, especially those wealthy old guys who were all brain and belly and keeping her in the city would undoubtedly come in handy.

Catching the calculated glint in Alexa’s eyes, Fiona’s lips curled slightly. “With you both so concerned for my well-being, I’m sure to repay the favor.” She yawned. “You make the arrangements. Where’s my room?”

Alexa was caught off guard by Fiona’s easy acquiescence, and after a moment’s freeze, she smiled sweetly, “It’s upstairs. I’ll have someone show you the way.” Watching Fiona’s retreating figure, Alexa felt uneasy with how smoothly things were going. Turning to her mother with worry, she said, “Mom, do you really think she’ll call off the wedding? Nathan is such a catch. What if she changes her mind after seeing him?”

Macy scoffed, reassuring her. “You silly girl, what good does her liking Nathan do? Do you think Nathan would ever look her way? Plus, Charlotte will never accept such a daughter-in-law. I can tolerate her if she’s obedient, but if she tries to stand in your way… she’ll have to agree, whether she wants to or not. Nathan is yours, and with me here, she won’t get the chance to compete with you.”

The next day, Fiona rocked up to the Quinn residence with Macy and Alexa, and a bunch of gifts. Stepping out, Fiona spotted this lady in a bright red dress looking all happy. She knew right away it was Charlotte Quinn, the eldest daughter of the Quinn family and Nathan Quinn’s mom.

Fiona had scoped out the 411 on Charlotte before getting back. The talk of the town was about Charlotte marrying her bodyguard when she was just 19 and having the first Quinn grandson a year later. Since the bodyguard dude married into the Quinn family, Nathan got his last name from his mom.

“Hey Ms. Quinn,” sang out Alexa, as Charlotte came over.

Charlotte gave a fond swipe at Alexa’s cheek. “Look at you, Alexal Prettier every day. You sure know how to lay on the charm.” Then she spun to Fiona. “And you’re Fiona, huh? A real knockout, beating your mom at your age. And Macy, you’re classic, always showing up with gifts. Let’s kick back inside.”

18:18 Mon, 3 Jun A M.

Chapter 2 Fiona peeped at Charlotte, who was cool with no airs about her. Fiona’s eyes got a bit mischievous as they all headed to chill in the living room.

Macy nabbed a seat, eyeing the room. “Where’s Nathan at? No sign of him.

Charlotte grinned, “He was gonna come with me, but his great-grandpa played keep-away, said ‘stay a bit more. He’s winging it back this morning. should pop in any second.”

Nathan’s great-grandpa, Vicente Quinn, though kicked back and retired, still had mad respect and say in both family and company matters.

Alexa piped up, super stoked, “Had we known Nathan was with Great-grandpa, we could’ve rocked up here later to save him some hustle. How’s Mr. Quinn? My tests are done soon, and I’m down to take Mom and Grandma to see him.”

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Charlotte’s smile got a bit cloudy, and worry lined her face, “He’s getting on and little health issues pop up. He often talks about you. If you visited him, he would be over the moon,” She was checking out Macy, kinda jealous-like. “Macy, how did you raise such a charming girl? I wonder which lucky guy will have the fortune to marry such a delightful young lady.”

Macy puffed up big-time.

“She’s been a slice of heaven since day one. And Nathan ain’t no spring chicken himself. Remember, Charlotte, you were already a mom at his age. I’m here for Nathan today, Fiona!”

Fiona was vegging out on the couch, watching the tag team like some extra in a movie. When Macy threw her name in, Fiona perked up, playing it cool, “I guess it’s my showtime, huh?”

Macy, a all hot under the collar but keeping it together, threw a tough look Fiona’s way. “You remember what you swore last night?”

Fiona acted like she just remembered something, nodded, and faced Charlotte, Charlotte had eyes full of hope and nerves. Alexa was all eyes too, hands balled up tight on her lap. Fiona blinked, her lashes hiding some fierce vibes. “Backing out of the wedding? Not in the cards.”

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