Chapter 2
If they want to be together, then fine.
In this life, I step aside. I stay as far away from them as I possibly can.
When Colin heard his mom’s question, he didn’t hesitate. “Mom, Denise’s the only woman I truly love. She won the piano competition fair and square, so by the rules i set, she’s my fiancée. She’s the only one I’ll ever love”
Belinda let out a long, exasperated sigh. If you want to marry her, I won’t stop you. But marriage between two families isn’t a trivial matter, Colin. I hope you’ll think this through. It’s not just about love. It includes financial stability and raising future generations… it all
matters,
She looked directly at Denise.
On the other hand, Denise’s eyes were locked on Colin, full of nothing but devotion. I guess love really does make people bold.
She took a small step forward, her voice trembling just enough to sound sincere. “Mrs. Fitzwilliam, when I marry Colin, I’ll give him a son, run the household, and raise the next Fitzwilliam generation well. Colin promised he wouldn’t marry anyone else.”
Denise continued, persuading Colin’s mom, “Every woman wants to spend her life with the one she loves. I’m sure you understand that, Mrs. Fitzwilliam. Please, let us be together.”
As soon as she finished, the room went quiet.
Then expressions shifted, especially among the wives of families whose daughters had hoped to be Colin’s bride.
Their faces darkened.
“Denise really has guts, bossing Colin around before she’s even officially part of the family,” one of the girls commented.
The one beside her smirked and said, “Which successful man doesn’t have a few women circling? And Colin’s the only son. What is she playing at? What if she can’t have a son? Is she ready to end the Fitzwilliam line?”
Looks like she wants exclusive rights to Colin. Bold move,” the third girl expressed.
Even though Colin knew it was a gamble, he stood up for her. “Mom, please, I want to marry Denise. I’m asking for your blessing.”
Belinda closed her eyes for a moment. Then she lifted her hand and waved it, tired and resigned. “You’ve made your choice. I won’t stop you. I’ll send someone to the Smythe residence with a formal proposal in three days,”
The crowd began to file out, murmuring among themselves. I hadn’t even made it to the door when I heard someone call my name.
Denise appeared, a servant trailing behind with jewelry from Colin.
4/2
16.79
11:27 Sun, 25 May
- 2.
21%
She walked up to me, smiling sweetly. “I’m so sorry for the incident. I had no idea you wouldn’t be performing tonight. Honestly, I thought you’d win.”
I gave her a small smile. “Congrats, Denise. Looks like you got what you wanted.”
Her eyes were red–rimmed. “You’re not upset with me, are you? I know Mrs. Fitzwilliam really liked you. But I love Colin so much, and he told me he wanted to marry me. I didn’t mean to come between us. I just couldn’t let him go. Please don’t be mad.”
She pulled out a necklace, the massive diamond glinting under the chandelier light.
“Colin gave me this. But I want you to have it as a gesture of friendship. I hope you find someone you love soon. And may you have lots of beautiful children.”
Before I could even respond, a hand snatched the necklace right out of mine.
“I gave that to you, Denise!” Colin snapped. “Why would you give it away? It was meant to wish us a happy marriage and a child–filled future. Why are you being so careless?”
Denise looked at him demurely. “Colin, Lucy’s probably upset after not winning. I just wanted to cheer her up. Don’t be so stingy.”
Colin turned to me with a mocking grin. “Upset? Lucy, it’s my mom who likes you, not me. She’s probably impressed by your dad’s connections. But once I get all the shareholders‘ approval and become Fitzwilliam Enterprises‘ heir, everyone answers to me. Including her. Don’t you think?”
Cutting right through my non–responsive answer, he then boasted, “I’m not building my career on some woman’s family name. And I never said I’d marry you. I used to enjoy our conversations. You were well–mannered and clever, but I never realized just how ambitious you are. You really thought you could become Mrs. Fitzwilliam?”
