Chapter 2
Yves Quigley was the youngest son of Mr. Quigley Sr.-a man so calculating that even his own father kept a wary distance. At only thirty, Yves already held the reins of the Quigley Group, but three months ago, he had been attacked under mysterious circumstances and hadn’t woken since. The doctors said he was in a vegetative state, and that he’d likely never open his eyes again.
Lindsay knew all about Yves’ condition. She also knew something no one else did: in six months, Yves would wake up and reclaim everything that was rightfully his, and when he did, the Quigley family would be thrown into chaos.
She understood marriage was no trifling matter, but she was painfully aware of what kind of place the Quigley family was a ruthless house that chewed people up and spat out their bones. Among them, Yves was her best option. He was the only one who had ever really cared about her.
In her previous life, Lindsay had learned this too late. On her deathbed, she’d seen Yves-the man the world called The Iceman-clutching her broken body and weeping, confessing everything he’d hidden for years.
Only then did she realize that Yves had been protecting her from the shadows all along, helping her in ways she’d mistakenly credited to Lester. That
misunderstanding had colored her view of Lester, and little by little, her heart had
drifted away.
Now, fate had given her a second chance. She was determined to make things right with Yves, and to make those who had hurt her pay for what they’d done. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by.net
“Mr. Quigley,” Lindsay said, her voice steady, “I won’t hide it from you. I’ve always had feelings for Yves. I admire his maturity and his strength. In your family, he’s the only one I’d ever consider marrying.”
“Lindsay, you The old man looked troubled, weighing her words with a heavy heart.
Tonight’s dinner had been to fulfill a promise to an old friend, but Lindsay was passing over his three outstanding grandsons for a man in a coma. If word got out, people would think the Quigley were forcing her into misery.
“If you’re not interested in Lester, what about the other two? Lewis and Leif are both fine young men.” Mr. Quigley was clearly hoping to steer her away from Yves -having her marry a comatose man would be a stain on the family’s reputation.
Helen and the other two daughters-in-law, terrified Lindsay would choose their own sons, rushed to refuse her on Lindsay’s behalf.
“Oh, Mr. Quigley, Lindsay isn’t interested in Lewis. She’s already said she likes Yves.”
“That’s right. Leif isn’t good enough for Lindsay, either. Honestly, I think she and Yves are a perfect match.”
Lindsay listened to their hurried excuses, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. People were so fickle, always swaying with the wind. She remembered back when the Nelson family was at its peak-these same women had practically fought over who’d get to have her as a daughter-in-law. Now that she was alone in the world, suddenly she wasn’t good enough.
“I wasn’t asking you,” Mr. Quigley snapped, shooting a glare at his daughters-in- law, his patience thinning.
Lindsay let out a quiet sigh and spoke again. “Actually, they’re right. The only person I’d even consider marrying in this family is Yves. If you can’t agree to that, then let’s just call off the engagement.”
Mr. Quigley fell silent, his face a mask of contemplation. After a long pause, he finally nodded his consent, and relief swept through the room.
Everyone exhaled-everyone except Lester, whose gaze darkened as he looked at Lindsay. Their eyes met, and he saw nothing but hatred and disgust in hers, as
if she blamed him for not stepping forward to marry her himself.
He frowned deeply, confusion and frustration flickering across his face.
After dinner, the family began to disperse. Mr. Quigley told Lindsay he’d send someone in the morning to help her and Yves register their marriage, then retired for the night.
Lindsay’s head was spinning with exhaustion. She needed rest, and she slowly made her way upstairs.
But just as she set foot on the landing, a deep, tense voice sounded behind her- accusatory, bewildered.
“You know Yves will never wake up. So why are you marrying him?”