“We looked into it. That Bennett boy’s company is preparing for an IPO.”
ve me
a meaningful look. “It’s the most vulnerable time for a company. Someone with his character doesn’t deserve to go
Mom gave
public.”
“Mom, you can’t do that.”
“Hannah, why are you still soft on him?”
“No…”
I broke down. “I’m a co–founder. I still own shares in that company.”
If the IPO succeeded, I could sell my shares and at least have something to show for those years.
After much persuasion, Mom relented.
Then she changed the subject. “Rest up these next couple of days. Things get busy the day after tomorrow.”
“Busy with what?”
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“Your wedding to Davis.”
Mom pinched my cheek. “Though the wedding’s next week, as the bride, you’ll have plenty to review.”
“By the way, the invitations have been sent. Check if your friends received theirs.”
“Okay.”
I nodded.
Hating not slept all night, those two hours in the car weren’t enough. After eating, I went upstairs to my room for another nap.
Being back in my childhood bedroom let me finally relax completely.
After a shower, I collapsed onto the bed, but just as I was about to drift off, my phone rang.
It was Linda.
As soon as I answered, she burst out: “Hannah, where did you print these wedding invitations?! The packaging is gorgeous and clearly expensive, but how did they get the groom’s name wrong?”
Lying on my bed, I shifted to a more comfortable position, watching the winter sun through the window. “Isn’t the groom’s name Davis Henderson?”
“Yeah.”
sup
Linda sounded relieved. “Did Nathan mix things up while trying to get Davis’s wedding invitation? Give the wrong name to the wedding planners?”
“No.”
The sunlight made me squint. “It’s Davis Henderson.”
She paused. “What do you mean?”
“Davis Henderson is the groom at my wedding next week.”
I instinctively held the phone away from my ear.
But I could still hear Linda’s shocked voice: “WHAT?! Hannah, did I hear that right? What’s going on? Weren’t you and Nathan planning to get married…”
Her voice trailed off.
Even as an outsider, she must have noticed that Nathan wasn’t exactly eager
to marry me.
I walked barefoot to the window and drew the curtains. “No, you heard correctly.”
“Nathan and I broke up.”
“I’ve left Brookshire and returned to Eastbrook.”
“I’m the one marrying Davis Henderson.”
The other end went silent for a long while.
Finally, Linda spoke hesitantly: “This Davis Henderson, is he the same one we were talking about…”
“Yes, the same person.”
I answered before she could finish.
It really is a small world. Smaller than you’d think
Linda couldn’t help asking, “So you and Nathan… just ended it like that?”
“Yes, it’s over.”
He probably waited a long time for me to suggest breaking up. Must be relieved now. Finally free to be with his childhood sweetheart without guilt.
Linda sighed. “Do you regret these years with Nathan?”
“I did at first, but not anymore.”
No one wants to be a replacement. But Mom’s words at lunch helped me understand something.
Suddenly, I remembered seeing Davis at the airport this morning.
The turmoil in my heart settled, and I smiled. “Besides, I know this new path won’t lead me astray.”
Whether due to the arranged marriage or our families‘ relationship. We both understand what this marriage means. Neither of us would mess it up. Or dare to.
Linda sighed in relief. “Hannah, whatever you choose, I just want you to be happy.”
“I will be.”
Something occurred to me. “By the way, I haven’t seen Nathan lately and left in a hurry today. Could you help me with something?”
“What is it?”
Linda agreed readily. “Anything I can do to help.
“Could you get back a pendant I gave Nathan?”
I’d only remembered it after getting home.
It’s a Jefferson family tradition. On your eighteenth birthday, the elders give you two matching pendants. One to keep. One for
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your future spouse.
I’d once foolishly believed Nathan and I would spend our lives together. Now it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to keep it.
After hearing the reason, Linda agreed immediately. “No problem, leave it to me. I’ll bring it when I come to your wedding next
week!
