Chapter 462 Rental Girlfriend
“Oh, he’s a big shot,” described Dog airily. “Nothing happens in Avenport without his approval. Even property valuations depend on his signature. He is the one who has been providing me with contracts.”
Sarah was still concerned about Jared’s employment status. “He sounds like an important man. Can you see if Mr. Charleston can find Jared a job? He’s going to be your cousin-in-law, after all.”
Dog gazed scathingly at Jared. “I would refuse to lift a finger to help him for his attitude tonight. For Ingrid’s sake, I will put in a word with Mr. Charleston.”
Turning away with disgust, he picked up his glass of wine. “I’m going over to toast to Mr. Charleston’s good health. Help yourselves!”
Jared’s family and Ingrid’s family were the only ones remaining in the suite after Dog disappeared.
“I mean well despite the harshness of my words, Jared,” Sarah continued, sighing softly as she did so. “As your parents are no longer employed, you are now the man of the house. If you’re not going to buck up, who will your parents rely upon? What’s the point of coming back with a rental car and girlfriend? Are appearances really that important to you? Everybody in the village knows that you’re fresh out of prison. They’ll disrespect you even more when they see through your little charade!”
“Aunt Sarah, I-”
“What the hell are you talking about, Mom?” Ingrid snapped indignantly. “Josephine is Jared’s girlfriend. A rental! Listen to yourself. You’ve been buying into Dog’s rubbish.”
I am certain that Josephine is not rented by Jared for appearance’s sake. No escort would dress up in luxury brands and gift me a priceless pair of earrings. Dog is the one who is in denial!
“Josephine really is Jared’s girlfriend, Sarah,” Hannah reminded her sister. “We all know that as a fact.”
Surrounded by overwhelming convictions, Sarah became at a loss for words. All she could do was grin sheepishly at Josephine who returned the smile without a trace of offense taken. Jared’s aunt only wants the best for him. I’m sure she didn’t mean to direct her malice at me.
“I hope that landing such an excellent girl will encourage you to work harder, Jared,” began Sarah again, changing tact at light speed. “I’d heard from your mother that you’ve remained unemployed this entire time. If Doug manages to secure a job for you, promise me that you’ll give it your best shot. I know this isn’t Horington, but you’ll still have an opportunity to rise. This town isn’t going to stop expanding in a hurry.”
“I am well aware of all that, Aunt Sarah,” said Jared gently. “Now’s not the time to be discussing me. There’s something about Ingrid you should know.”
It’s time to tell them.
“What about Ingrid?” Sarah leaned in curiously.
“Stop, Jared!” Ingrid turned pale with fright.
Jared ignored her. Instead, he looked straight into his aunt’s eyes. “Ingrid is only nineteen, Aunt Sarah. She’s too young to marry.”
“Don’t even remind me about it,” Sarah sighed. “The silly girl is the one who wanted to drop out. What else is she good for aside from marriage? The fate of women is the same everywhere. Village or city, it makes no difference! Get an education, or get married.”
“That’s not true.” Jared took a deep breath. “Dog had been causing trouble at the school and forced the principal to expel Ingrid. What’s more, he used you, Ingrid’s parents, as leverage to force her to agree to marry him. Shouldn’t you already know by now the type of person he is?”
All of them were taken aback by Jared’s shocking proclamation. Even his own stared at Ingrid, horror-struck.
“Is that true, Ingrid?” Sarah asked in a quavering voice.
“Stay out of it, Mom!” cried Ingrid helplessly. “By this point, it doesn’t matter whether or not it’s true.”
