Chapter 23
Half a year later, Jeremy held a grand wedding ceremony with Melanie.
The most lavish manor in Jenvil was covered with white roses, and a champagne tower glistened under
the sunlight.
In the dressing room, Melanie stood in front of the full-body mirror and stared at her reflection, donning a white wedding dress. It felt as if many things had changed.
Six months ago, after the body checkup, she sat in the hallway for an hour.
She thought about many things within that hour.
One such thought was that she couldn’t ever bear an heir for the Holt family. She thought she should probably end her relationship with Jeremy before their feelings ran deeper.
She only came back to her senses when Jeremy called her soon after.
“Where are you?” Jeremy’s voice rang through the phone. He sounded calm as usual.
“I’m… doing some shopping outside,” she replied.
Jeremy didn’t sense anything amiss and casually replied, “Send me the address. I’ll have the driver take
you to Holt Manor half an hour later.”
Melanie was stunned. “Holt Manor?”
“Yeah, my parents want to meet you,” he said.
Melanie felt her heart leap out of her throat. “Isn’t it too early to meet them now?” she asked.
“They’ve been hearing your name every day, so they’re very familiar with you.” Jeremy sensed how nervous she was, so he comforted her as he said in a low voice, “Don’t worry. They’re sweet.”
An hour later, Melanie stood in the living room of Holt Manor.
She subconsciously smoothed out the crease on her dress, and her heart was beating more rapidly than ever before.
“Mel, you’re here.” Jeremy’s mother, Nancy Lynch, came out of the kitchen wearing an apron. “The food will be ready soon. Go ahead and talk to Jeremy first.”
Melanie was startled. She thought it would be a serious first meeting with his parents, but it turned out to be such a homey and domestic moment.
In the kitchen, Jeremy’s father, Daniel Holt, was moulding the pastries clumsily. There was even flour on the tip of his nose.
“You two have arrived just in time.” Daniel was smiling so brightly that the corners of his eyes crinkled.
Chapter 23
Taste the pastries I’ve made. See if you like them!”
2/2
Jeremy stood behind Melanie before she even realized it and placed his warm palms on her waist. Then, he leaned in and whispered, “I told you that they’re sweet.”
Melanie found it hard to believe. She had never expected to see such a warm and welcoming scene in a
wealthy family.
After the meal, Nancy pushed a file toward Melanie. “Mel, take a look at this.”
Melanie flipped open the file, and the words “Sunshine Home” came into sight.
The date of the ownership transfer was written next to the signature. It was well before the day Melanie had gone for her medical checkup.
“I heard that you like kids.” Daniel took a sip of his coffee before continuing, “Jeremy founded this orphanage. The kids there are adorable.”
Melanie’s fingers trembled slightly.
Daniel set his cup down and got straight to the point. “Our family does not care about continuing the bloodline. Since Jeremy likes you, we’re completely fine with it.”
Then, Nancy took out a bracelet. “Before I married Daniel, his mother gave this to me. And now, I’m
handing it over to you.”
Nancy put the bracelet on for Melanie and marveled, saying, “The size is just right. It’s as if it was made
just for you.”
Jeremy gave Melanie’s hand a gentle squeeze.
At that moment, Melanie finally understood why he had brought her home without a second thought.
Melanie pulled herself together and took a deep breath. Then, she took a final look at herself in the mirror.
The old Melanie, who was once anxious and fearful, was now gone. In her place was a Melanie who was
loved and confident.
“Mrs. Holt, the wedding ceremony is about to begin. Let’s go.” The makeup artist adjusted her veil.
Melanie nodded and pushed open the door of the dressing room.
In the hallway, the sun cast a warm glow on her, and a new chapter of her life began.
