Brandon and Natalie were having lunch at a restaurant when Brandon suddenly brought up the subject. “The psychologist I introduced Charis to told me that she has been receiving regular treatment and is getting better and better.”
Natalie’s eyebrow shot up in surprise. “That’s good. If she can bounce back and get back to her normal self even after what happened, then she’s a tough cookie.”
Brandon nodded nonchalantly. He then poured some food onto Natalie’s plate and said, “It’s her life. She’s getting better for her own good.”
Natalie took a bite of her food and chewed thoughtfully. In fact, she was a little hungry now. If nothing had happened between her and Charis, she would have admired her. It was a shame that Charis became an eternal enemy of Natalie.
The snow was getting heavier and heavier outside.
A man in a gray coat and black knit hat entered the restaurant. He took off his hat, brushed off snowflakes, and blew on his cold hands. Then, he turned around and walked into a private room.
Watching him arrive, Brandon smiled. “You’re late, so you have to pay the bill.”
Garrett laughed. “Maybe it was because of his new haircut, but Garrett somehow seemed more mature now. ‘It’s only been a few months, Mr. Harding. Why do you look so much older?’ Natalie joked.
Previously, from what Charis had told Brandon about Garrett, Brandon had been on his guard against him. Later, Natalie told him that these were all lies, and he stopped believing Charis’s stories. Natalie had even assured him that Garrett was one of her closest and steadiest friends. Since then, Brandon had gradually regained his trust in Garrett.
Garrett smiled wryly and took a glass of wine. “Yes, yes, I know I’m late. I am sorry.”
Natalie and Brandon exchanged worried glances. Obviously, there was something on Garrett’s mind that was bothering him. Brandon turned to look deeply into his friend’s eyes.
“What’s happening?”
“The same as always, the same as always. I want to get married, but my family doesn’t agree.” Garrett rubbed his forehead and sank into a chair, looking tired.
After bringing Laney back to Barnes, Garrett arranged for her and her baby to live in his villa. He assured her that although he might be busy with work, there would be a nutritionist and servants to take care of her, but she could always call him if she needed anything.
“I’m just pregnant, not disabled,” Laney replied when Garrett expressed his concern.
“Can I take care of myself?” she added, noting that her belly was still flat, and she appeared thin.
Garrett smiled wryly. He was determined to marry her, but first, he needed to gain approval from his family, the prominent and well-educated Harding family in Seacisco.
Garrett’s parents, Vera and Leo Harding, came from families that had been friends for generations. Vera was accomplished in various fields, including music and art, while Leo held traditional values but was not a bad person.
Although they were lenient with Garrett’s previous escapades, they did care about him marrying a suitable girl. Garrett knew it wouldn’t be easy to get their approval, so he prepared himself beforehand.
Upon returning to the Harding family, Garrett took charge of the family business and made significant contributions to important societies. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed by his parents, especially Vera, who was delighted to see her son finally maturing.
“Garrett has finally grown up, don’t you think, Leo?” Vera remarked happily one day as Leo sat reading the newspaper in the garden.
Leo, having observed Garrett’s recent changes, agreed, “He has certainly matured. I hope he can keep up the good work.”
Hearing this, Garrett saw an opportunity and decided it was the right time to approach his parents. That night, he called them into the study, where he served them tea.
Sensing something serious, Leo and Vera became alert. They noticed Garrett’s unusual seriousness and felt that he had something important to say.
“If there’s something you want to say, just say it,” Vera urged, her hand trembling as she held the tea cup.
Taking a deep breath, Garrett smiled and said, “I’m going to get married.”
Vera’s hand shook even more, causing ripples in her tea. She exchanged a glance with Leo, who was equally surprised and unsure how to respond. An awkward silence filled the room.
“Daddy, Mommy, I’m getting married,” Garrett repeated, breaking the silence.
Leo closed his eyes, rubbed his brow, and asked, “What family is she from?”
“She doesn’t have a family now, but she will soon. I am determined to give her a home,” Garrett replied softly, his gaze steady.
Leo’s eyes widened, and his face turned livid. “Crap!” he exclaimed, unable to contain his anger.
Vera spoke earnestly, “We don’t mind who you date, but marriage is different! I’m sorry, Garrett, but you should marry someone from a noble family, not an orphan. An orphan doesn’t deserve it. We will never approve of this union!”
Garrett smiled, expecting this reaction from his parents. He paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and then continued, “She is pregnant.”
“What?!” Leo roared in disbelief, pointing a trembling finger at Garrett. “What a disappointment you are!”
Vera was so angry that she struggled to breathe properly. After regaining some composure, Leo firmly grasped the armrests and said, “Even if she’s pregnant, you can’t marry her. Make her abort the baby. If she refuses, she can raise the child alone after it’s born. We can offer her compensation, but you simply can’t marry her. End of discussion!”
“Mom, you always taught me to be independent and make my own decisions. Are we talking about my marriage now? Can I decide for myself?”
Vera had just managed to calm down, but now she became furious again.
She put her hand to her forehead in anguish and said, “I’m afraid not. Marriage is a serious matter. We can’t let you marry just anyone from an ordinary family. Why do you think I would allow you to marry an orphan? Garrett, she doesn’t deserve you.”
