Chapter 134

Charlie perked up at the sight of the formal visit request.

After all, the Lynn family and the Landor family were long–time acquaintances.

Otherwise, the children from both families wouldn’t have ended up together in the first place.

But then, Monica mysteriously disappeared.

Thankfully, Monica’s parents didn’t succumb to the swirling rumors tying Ben to Monica’s disappearance.

However, losing their beloved daughter, especially in the Landor’s house, had unavoidably soured relations a bit, and gradually, the families drifted apart, with no contact for over a year.

Now that Monica had returned, it seemed that her parents could finally breathe a sigh of relief, laying their worries to rest.

It was time for both families to reconnect and rebuild their relationship, starting with this first visit, which seemed like a chance to break the ice.

Taking this visit seriously, Charlie made it a point to discuss the matter with Ben.

The Lynn family visiting?

Ben frowned slightly.

It would normally be a non–issue, but considering the strange news about Monica previously, he couldn’t shake off a feeling of unease.

“Ben, Monica’s parents have had a hard year,” Charlie sighed sympathetically. “Don’t hold it against them for directing their anger at us. Anyone would be a little bit irate, losing a daughter like they did.”

Ben shook his head.

He couldn’t possibly blame Monica’s parents.

In truth, guilt nestled persistently in his heart. Back then, Monica had been at her wit’s end, threatening to take her own life if he didn’t assist in faking her death. Thomas had persistently pleaded with him as well. Eventually, he agreed to help Monica escape by faking her death.

Understandably, her parents were devastated, and Ben couldn’t offer any explanations, only offering secret assistance to the Lynn family when he could.

“Now that the Lynn family has officially sent a visit request, could you stay home with me to host them tomorrow?” Charlie asked.

Ben’s brows knitted together, but he remained silent.

Realizing the implication, Charlie hastily turned to Susan, saying, “Susan, don’t get the wrong idea. The Lynn and Landor families have indeed been acquainted for generations. Otherwise, our elders wouldn’t have tried to pair the children up. Unfortunately, it turned into a good intention gone awry. Ben and Monica, although they grew up together, couldn’t stand each other. Even after they got married, they barely spoke and slept in separate rooms. There wasn’t any romantic involvement.”

Caught somewhat off guard, Susan replied, “Grandpa, I don’t mind it. Should Ben and I stay home to welcome them tomorrow?”

Relieved, Charlie patted Susan’s hand gently, “Yes, yes, that would be wonderful. Rest assured, Monica genuinely had no romantic chemistry with Ben. Seeing him with you now, she would only feel happy for him.”

Even though Susan had a faint sense of foreboding, she promptly nodded in agreement.

Charlie then left, finally at ease.

Susan glanced at Ben but before she could say anything, he spoke anxiously, “I have blocked her completely. We haven’t had any contact since.”

Susan couldn’t help but find the situation slightly amusing, “Why are you so nervous? She might not even have any intentions, and I’m just overthinking things.”

Ben nodded fervently, in agreement.

Raising an eyebrow, Susan teased, “So you do think I’m overreacting?”

Ben found himself at a loss for words, not knowing how to navigate this precarious conversation.

“I need help right now,” he thought.

Susan snorted disdainfully and brushed past him to open the large wardrobe.

Desperate to salvage the situation, Ben suggested, “It seems like there aren’t many clothes. here.

Should we get some more delivered?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Susan responded, as she began pulling out outfits one by one.

“What are you doing?” Ben inquired.

Meeting his gaze, Susan stated firmly, “Your ex–wife is coming over tomorrow! As your current wife, do you expect me to just sit back and lose?”

Ben shook his head vigorously, “My dear, there’s no way you could lose. Even in a sackcloth, you would be the most beautiful.”

“You’re saying I only deserve to wear a sackcloth now?” Susan asked, her face expressionless.

Ben found himself tongue–tied again, unable to respond appropriately.

Ignoring him, Susan turned away to continue selecting her outfit…

A potent intuition kept Ben rooted to the spot, patiently waiting instead of wandering off or engaging in other activities.

After choosing a set of clothes, Susan moved to the dressing room to change.

Ben waited with a serious expression, anticipating her return.

A few minutes passed.

Susan emerged wearing a white dress, “How about this one?”

Ben nodded vigorously, “It looks good.”

And it truly did.

The dress was a sophisticated pearl white, woven with soft golden and silver threads that created streaks of shimmer. Though it appeared simple, it had a very artistic design. However, Susan inspected herself in the mirror and was not satisfied, “It’s too plain.”

After a while, she came out wearing a red dress, transforming instantly from a little fairy into a little seductress.

Ben continued to nod eagerly, but Susan wasn’t paying him any mind. She scrutinized her reflection again, “It’s too flashy.”

Then she changed into another gown.

“Too formal!‘

She went back in.

“Too casual!”

And so, the cycle continued.

Ben, initially ready and attentive, eventually slumped into the sofa, seemingly defeated.

Though Susan politely asked for his opinion each time, it seemed she didn’t actually require his input.

Ben watched in awe as Susan tried on outfit after outfit, almost covering the entire bed with heaps of clothes.

He knew that on normal days, Susan was someone who was content with a simple shirt and jeans.

She rarely ever explored the depths of her wardrobe like this.

“Is she planning to try on a lifetime’s worth of clothes tonight?” Ben thought.

Once Susan appeared in yet another outfit, Ben braced himself and suggested, “Actually, Susan, every outfit looks pretty good. Why not just pick one at random?”

“You don’t understand! This isn’t something to be taken lightly.” Susan said, her reflection in the mirror radiating a fierce determination, “I cannot lose tomorrow.”

Her eyes were practically aflame with competitive spirit.

At that, Ben found himself silenced, not daring to utter another word.

At long last, the clothes were ready.

Ben thought they could finally get some sleep.

But to his astonishment, Susan summoned a stylist in the dead of night, intent on staying up to perfect her look.

Ben was speechless.

“In some ways, women really are a terrifying species,” he mused.

After a night of constant fussing, with Ben accompanying her the entire time, morning finally arrived.

It was time to welcome the guests as mentioned in the request.

Since Monica’s parents were elders, Charlie had instructed Ben and Susan to greet them at the entrance.

Ben glanced at his meticulously dolled–up young wife standing beside him, and his mouth twitched involuntarily.

In the end, the dress Susan chose was…

The initial white dress she tried on.

“So what was the purpose of that three–hour outfit–swapping saga?” Ben thought, biting his tongue to keep from voicing his thoughts out loud.

However, all the fuss from last night did yield results.

The dress looked great on Susan, and her slightly curled hair added a touch of allure to her appearance. Combined with a myriad of clever little details, like the tiny ribbon tied on her high heels, and the fringe on her earrings matching perfectly with her brooch, Susan looked nothing short of a fairy descended from the heavens today.

As Susan stood ready and radiant, Monica’s family arrived.