Chapter 306

Millie was stunned, her mind a whirl of confusion. Why had Rylie made a point to see her?

“For me?”

Rylie blinked and nodded. Even now, discussing it filled her with anticipation.

“Indeed. | heard that my old classmate, Marcus, was married. You wouldn't believe how shocked | was when | heard it. We had

been classmates for years. Before you emerged, | couldn’t envision the remarkable woman who would be his wife. | even

thought he preferred men.”

During that bleak interval of her life, Rylie felt as though the world had lost all its luster. The once proud Faulkner family was now

a shadow of its former glory;

Vincent had been ensnared within prison walls, and she found herself adrift in a sea of loneliness. Life cruelly added insult to

injury by leaving her in the delicate condition of pregnancy, amplifying her hardships. Then, like a gleam of sunlight piercing

through dense clouds, the news of Marcus’ nuptial bonds arrived, offering her a momentary respite from her dreary existence. An

uncontrollable curiosity about the woman who managed to snare Marcus filled her thoughts.

She harbored an intense instinctual feeling that this lady was no ordinary blossom plucked from the field.

Marcus, the man she knew as frigid and indifferent to the charms of women, had unexpectedly taken the marital plunge. He was

not only a trusted companion of her husband but also a figure woven into her past as a classmate. Rylie was eager to lay eyes

on this woman who had succeeded in breaking Marcus’ icy demeanor.

Millie's jaw nearly unhinged as the revelation that Rylie was not only the wife of Marcus’ friend but also his classmate hit her.

“Marcus has always been a diamond among pebbles. In those days, the female students were all but pining for his attention.”

Rylie quickly amended. “Well, | was the exception.”

“Neither the fresh-faced school belle, the petite and endearing little loli, nor the charming and sweet class representative caught

his interest. His stony demeanor remained unyielding as he navigated the academic landscape. His physical prowess, striking

features, scholarly excellence, and sportsmanlike competence made him irresistible. But he paid no mind to the countless girls

throwing themselves at him.

However, he displayed a complete disinterest and paid no attention to any young lady who showed an interest in him. His

laughter was carefree and full of joy only in the company of his friends. Subsequently, rumors circulated within the school

suggesting his inclination towards men.”

Millie listened with rapt attention, never having imagined Marcus to be such a legendary figure in his school days.

No wonder he had the restraint of a saint, even when they shared a bedroom. His mastery of self-control was a skill honed since

his school days. He truly embodied stoic discipline.

“| was unfortunate at the birthday party. No sooner had | entered the festive atmosphere than my stomach rebelled. | intended to

extend my greetings to you, but fate staged a misunderstanding on the balcony. It was clear that you perceived me as a romantic

competitor. As the evening progressed, my stomach woes escalated, leaving me with no choice but to make an early exit.”

Rylie punctuated her tale with a sip of water from the glass that sat before her.

‘Then she dredged up the topic from the night before.

“When do you two plan to embark on the adventure of parenthood? | imagine Lady Claudia must be nipping at your heels about

it. The prospect of a new addition would be delightful. We could plan family outings to the amusement park or even vacations

together.”

Millie shook her head, finding the question a knotty one to untangle. But Rylie’s openness today made it clear that she

considered Millie a trusted friend, prompting Millie to lower her defenses and respond.

“We won't be welcoming children.”

Caught mid-sip, Rylie nearly choked on her drink.

“What kind of preposterous idea is that? The two of you are a spectacle of beauty and grace. Any offspring of yours, be ita

princess-like daughter or a dashing young man, would undeniably be a sight to behold. To not pass down your remarkable genes

would be a waste of epic proportions.”