Chapter 8 I Don’t Agree
Since Edward suddenly brought up the engagement a year ago, it had stirred up quite a storm. Nicholas disagreed from the beginning, and the standoff had lasted until now.
Edward, who had always been the most indulgent toward Nicholas, was unusually stubborn this time. Over a month ago, when the eight brothers from the Vance family asked to cancel the engagement, Nicholas and his parents all breathed a sigh of relief.
But Edward threw a tantrum and even threatened to go on a hunger strike, insisting on keeping the engagement. Only then did the matter come to a halt.
Normally known for his calm, kind, and thoughtful demeanor, Edward had thrown all decorum aside this time, determined to push Nicholas into accepting the marriage.
This situation didn’t sit right with Nicholas’s parents.
Nicholas’s mother, Wendy Baxter, cautiously asked, “Son, if you’ve been threatened, just blink your eyes.”
“Nope,” Nicholas replied while rubbing his temples.
The servants soon brought out the gifts for Nicholas to choose from. Nicholas glanced over them and instinctively pointed to a doll.
Wendy’s eyes flickered for a moment, but she ultimately stopped her husband from asking any more questions.
*****
Soon, the cars carrying the Vances drove up to the grand and stately Baxter Estate.
A large group of people entered the main villa’s hall, and the servants stood respectfully along both sides, their eyes not daring to wander.
Karen, excited, couldn’t help but glance around. She mused, ‘Soon, I’ll be Nicholas’s wife, and I’ll be the mistress of this estate.’
Inside the hall, there were several people sitting on the sofa, with an elderly man in the center, his expression gracious.
Seeing the group, Edward waved and asked, “This must be Sharon, right? What an adorable girl. Come on, let me have a look.”
Sharon paused for a moment and then walked over, yet she felt as if a burning gaze was fixed on her.
“Shari, here’s a little welcome gift I’ve prepared for you. Be sure to take it,” Edward said with a smile.
The housekeeper, standing next to Edward, held a box and handed it to Sharon. Inside was a stunning set of gemstone jewelry, looking extremely dazzling.
Karen’s jealousy flared when she saw the gift. She complained inwardly, ‘That country bumpkin doesn’t deserve something like this.’
“Thank you, sir,” Sharon said politely.
She didn’t try to refuse the gift. On the way here, Roxanne had told her that no matter what happened, the elders would give her some gifts, and she could just accept them.
Sharon flashed a smile at Edward, her demeanor elegant and composed, giving the impression that she was well-mannered.
The more Edward looked at her, the more satisfied he became, thinking that she would make a perfect match for Nicholas.
Thinking of Nicholas, Edward furrowed his brows and asked, “Where’s that kid?”
“I’m here, Grandpa.” A lazy voice echoed from the stairs, and a young man, wearing casual clothes, walked down. His steps were firm and confident.
Sharon looked up, curious to see what her so-called fiancé would look like.
Based on how the Vance family had been acting, she assumed that the Baxters probably weren’t too fond of her either.
She thought her fiancé would likely look down on her with arrogance and pride. But to her surprise, he had a cold and indifferent gaze, his entire demeanor exuding an air of distinguished nobility. His eyes were calm and void of any emotion.
This was definitely different from what she had imagined.
As Sharon assessed him, Nicholas was also observing her. His gaze paused for a moment, and he inwardly marveled, ‘So it’s her, the girl I saw at the train station yesterday.
‘I didn’t expect her to be my fiancée, and to think she even came to Aerions by train. I had the entire train car screened, and there was nothing unusual.
‘This means that person is very good at hiding, and even the academy didn’t pick up on it.’
Nicholas fixed his eyes on her face for a few seconds and mused, ‘She’s quite fresh and innocent-looking. Her eyes are clear and bright, and her hair is tied into two braids, making her look even younger. Tsk, is she even of legal age?’
Nicholas walked over to stand beside Edward and let his gaze settle on Sharon. “Hi, I’m Nicholas.”
Sharon nodded. “I’m Sharon.”
After their brief exchange, the hall fell into silence.
Unable to contain herself, Roxanne spoke up, “Edward, since they’re both here today, what about the engagement…”
Edward interjected, “The engagement can wait. It’s no rush. Today is Shari’s first visit to our house. We gotta properly host her. Why don’t you have fun first? We can discuss the details later.”
Edward subtly signaled Nicholas, urging him, “Take Shari out for a walk. The other kids are here today. It’s a good opportunity for Sharon to meet everyone.”
Edward had his own plan. He wondered, ‘Nick might not always listen to me, but he has good looks and capabilities. Chasing after a young girl should be easy enough for him.’
Karen bit her lip and suggested, “Why don’t I come with them? Sharon isn’t very familiar with the place.”
Her real intention was to prevent Sharon and Nicholas from being alone together.
Roxanne didn’t want Sharon to embarrass their family, so she hastily chimed in, “Karen’s right. Sharon just returned home and doesn’t know the rules here. It’d be better to avoid any potential trouble.”
Roxanne turned to Edward and said, “I’m here today to discuss the marriage between the two children. I won’t accept Richard’s attempt to cancel the engagement. This is our matter, and until I’m gone, it’s not Richard’s place to decide.”
Sharon felt uncomfortable hearing this. She retorted inwardly, ‘Richard is my eldest brother. Why can’t he decide it? Martin was right. Grandma really doesn’t like me or my brothers.’
Edward cleared his throat. “I know about that. I didn’t agree to it either.”
Roxanne smiled and responded, “That’s good. Richard doesn’t know what’s good for us. So, what do you think of Karen? You’ve known her since childhood. She and Nicholas practically grew up together.”
The atmosphere immediately became somewhat awkward.
Karen stomped her foot with a blush. “Grandma, please. What are you saying?”
Edward cast an awkward glance at Nicholas, but Nicholas remained motionless, clearly unwilling to show his stance.
Finally, Edward answered, “I think Sharon is quite good.”
Roxanne’s face stiffened when she heard those words.
Karen’s expression turned sour. She gritted her teeth, thinking, ‘What? I was rejected? How am I worse than Sharon?’
