Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

Judie’s fury was now unmistakable, her temper flaring as she declared that the Harper and Morgan families would be sworn enemies.

Nearby, the sound of footsteps grew louder. Fernanda’s gaze drifted downward, first landing on a pair of impeccably polished leather shoes, then rising to the dark blue fabric of suit pants, and finally settling on the kind yet authoritative face of a middle-aged man.

He wasn’t particularly tall, but his calm composure gave him an air of dignified approachability.

From the intensity of Judie’s outburst, Fernanda quickly realized the newcomer was Judie’s husband, Martin Harper.

“Fernanda?” Martin’s expression shifted to mild shock as he recognized her. After a brief pause, he collected himself. “What’s going on here p>

Seizing the opportunity, Judie pushed Fernanda aside and collapsed into Martin’s arms.

“Darling, this woman is unbearable. She actually struck me!” Her hair was tangled, her elegant gown now wrinkled and disheveled.

“Sir, I assure you, my actions were not meant to dishonor your wife.” Fernanda stood her ground, her voice steady and unwavering. “But she insulted my mother first. I couldn’t just let that pass p>

Martin’s brow furrowed in displeasure as he turned to Judie. “Is this true p>

Judie shrugged, her voice dripping with disdain. “I merely stated the facts. How could that be an insult p>

“Really? You just spoke so lowly of my mother and me, and now you refuse to see it as an insult? That only shows how pathetic and disrespectful you are. You’re over forty, yet you lack even basic manners. It’s utterly ridiculous p>

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“You…” Judie’s face flushed crimson. Her irritation flared as she turned sharply to Martin. “Can you hear how disrespectful she is? There’s no way we could ever accept her into this family p>

“Why not? I find Fernanda quite reasonable,” Martin replied, his voice a calm contrast to the rising tension. “I know you’ve always held a grudge against her mother, Judie. Isn’t it time to let it go p>

Judie recoiled as if she had been struck, stepping back with a deep frown etching her face. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you seriously going to let this woman marry your son p>

“The engagement is decided, and it will proceed. Moreover, I’m confident Bobby will find her charming,” Martin declared firmly.

“No! I won’t accept this!” Judie exclaimed vehemently.

Martin, choosing to end the fruitless debate, turned to Fernanda with a gentle tone. “Fernanda, would you mind stepping outside for a bit? I’ll come and speak with you shortly p>

Fernanda regarded Martin with respect and admiration. His demeanor was not only polite and courteous but also radiated a reassuring warmth that was genuinely comforting.

With a thoughtful nod, Fernanda exited the room.

After Fernanda’s departure, Judie meticulously adjusted her hair and smoothed out the creases in her gown, restoring her poised and composed appearance. Despite her efforts, a simmering anger twisted her features.

Judie fixed a piercing glare on Martin. “What the hell was that about?” she demanded sharply. “One look at Fernanda, and suddenly you’re reminiscing about your old sweetheart p>

Martin sighed, a trace of weariness in his voice. “Judie, I’ve explained this countless times. Gracie was merely a friend, nothing more. It’s been almost two decades since she’s been gone. Why do you persist in this bitterness toward her p>

“A friend?” Judie’s voice dripped with incredulity and scorn. “I remember perfectly well the special attention you lavished on her! When she passed away, she was worried about her daughter’s future and pushed for an engagement. You didn’t hesitate, not even for a moment. Did you ever think of me? Or our son? You committed to that without a second thought, just to comfort her. And yet you claim it was nothing but friendship p>

Martin exhaled deeply, pressing his fingers against his forehead. Judie had always been sensitive about his childhood connection with Gracie, but since Gracie’s death, she had stopped bringing it up.

Yet, it lingered like a silent, sharp thorn in Judie’s heart. Now, with their children grown and an old promise to fulfill, that thorn had resurfaced, more painful than ever. This unresolved issue tore through Judie’s composure like a needle through silk, exposing her vulnerability.

Judie had hoped that Fernanda’s long absence would dissolve their old agreement. She was taken aback when Martin insisted that the Morgan family should seek out Fernanda and honor the engagement. His insistence on bringing this disrespectful woman back into their lives frustrated her to no end.

“Judie, what is it about Fernanda that you find so intolerable?” Martin murmured, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “She’s bright, graceful, attractive, and a wonderful pianist. You used to adore that piece. Perhaps her sharpness toward you was just a reflection of her frustration p>

“Don’t defend her!” Judie snapped, jerking away from his touch. “Since she is Gracie’s daughter, I will never embrace her! I don’t care how flawless she appears. I will never accept her p>

Judie abruptly ended the conversation, spinning on her heel to leave. At the doorway, she stopped and turned, her tone sharp and decisive. “If you’re set on making that girl our son’s wife, then we’re finished. I want a divorce p>

As Fernanda stepped out of the room, Cristian was there, casually leaning against the hallway wall. The light above cast his face in partial shadow, accentuating the sharp contrast between light and dark.

Fernanda kept her eyes forward, deliberately ignoring him as she walked past. Unexpectedly, Cristian reached out and closed his fingers around her wrist.

She halted, her eyes flashing with irritation. “What are you doing?” she snapped.

Seeing her frustration, Cristian’s voice softened. “Having a tough day p>

“This isn’t about you,” Fernanda retorted, trying to pull her wrist free.

Still, Cristian held on, his grip firm but gentle. His eyes flickered briefly toward the room she had just left before he guided her forward with a determined tug.

They moved quickly together, descending the stairs and stepping out into the cool embrace of the villa’s garden. The night breeze was fresh, tinged with the moisture of the nearby water, soothing the lingering anger within Fernanda.

“Did something my aunt said upset you?” he asked casually.

Aunt?

Fernanda turned her gaze toward him, her eyes widening as she realized his surname and lineage were indeed tied to the prestigious Reed family in Litdence. She moved to leave the conversation behind.

Cristian reached out, stopping her once again. “Hey, have I done something to offend you p>

“Sorry, but I really prefer not to be involved with you,” Fernanda replied, her voice firm yet weary. She fixed her eyes on him, her expression solemn. “Your family is simply beyond my reach.” Cristian felt a pang of understanding; these were likely echoes of his aunt’s words to Fernanda earlier.

“Don’t take to heart the words of my aunt,” Cristian murmured, his voice soft and soothing, like a gentle breeze on a calm night. “You are who you are, and that alone is more than enough p>

Meeting his gaze, Fernanda saw nothing but sincerity in his deep, earnest eyes—a sincerity that spoke of genuine respect, not mere flattery.

A cool, guarded smile appeared on Fernanda’s lips. “So, what then? Are you here to mock me p>

“No,” Cristian replied, shaking his head firmly. “I’m here to help you p>