Chapter 25
Upon discovering that Michael was just testing her, Rebecca’s tension immediately melted away. She hadn’t even had time to catch her breath when she noticed that Morgan looked like he still wanted to retort. She quickly stopped him, saying, “It’s alright, Morgan. I actually wanted to speak with Mr. Michael anyway, since some things shouldn’t be kept hidden after all.”
Michael’s previously cold, unyielding gaze visibly softened. He then cast a glance at Morgan, who was standing protectively in front of her, before saying, “In regard to your divorce from Stephan, I have been informed that he has no intention of settling privately.
“I have already assembled a legal team, and I will supervise this entire lawsuit closely, so you guys don’t need to concern yourselves with it. Upon the issuance of your divorce certificate, Mom and Dad expect you to hold a proper engagement ceremony.”
“Is that really all you wanted to say?” Morgan asked.
Michael nodded slightly in response to Morgan’s question before turning to leave.
Rebecca had never anticipated such a turn of events. She then leaned into Morgan’s ear, whispering, “Is your family truly alright with me being a divorcee, Morgan?
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Having just turned the corner, Michael looked back at them and said firmly, “It’s just as you said earlier, Morgan is an adult now. He can think for himself, make his own decisions, and choose who he marries. If he wants this, we’ll respect his wishes and refrain from intervening. That has been the Chapman family’s enduring tradition for centuries, after all.”
Having witnessed countless convoluted and cutthroat power struggles within affluent families, Rebecca was utterly floored by such a remarkably distinct family code. “Your family appears… rather different from what the rumors suggest.”
Seeing her unusual expression of shock, Morgan found it rather endearing. He held her hand, his voice softening as he explained, “It’s understandable this is hard to process on your first visit, but once you get to know everyone, you’ll see that they’re not at all like the rumors.
“You see, even though Michael might look tough and unapproachable, he’s actually quite a big softy. It’s so much so that his wife got him completely wrapped around her finger! Then, as for my parents, they’re retired and value tranquility, so they typically kept quiet in noisy social situations.”
Having resided at the Chapman residence for roughly two weeks, Rebecca gradually became at ease with the family’s ambiance. She could sense the Chapmans‘ sincere acceptance of her and their heartfelt blessings for her and Morgan’s union. Her initial apprehension, which had caused her so much worry, gradually faded away.
The weather was steadily growing colder, and with the cold front advancing north, the forecast indicated significant snowfall was expected to hit Gevardia by the end of the month.
Upon hearing the forecast, Morgan immediately set about packing, stating his intention to take Rebecca to witness the season’s first snowfall.
Having grown up in the north, Rebecca was experiencing her first southern winter. She found herself truly enjoying the mild climate, perpetually putting off their departure by saying that she wanted to stay in Shadowbrook a while longer.
Rebecca kept putting it off, and before they knew it, it was the day before their departure. Morgan, after considerable persuasion, finally succeeded in getting her onto the plane.
They had just stepped off the plane when snow began falling in thick, fluttering flakes. Morgan, however, exhibited none of the anticipated excitement. He, instead, pressed her to return to the Green residence immediately.
His hurried manner struck Rebecca as peculiar, thinking that he was the one who had been looking forward to witnessing the first snowfall in the first place. Why then was his reaction so lackluster? She figured that he was once again up to something’she wasn’t privy to, so she purposefully took her time, refusing to rush. Morgan only held out for ten minutes before giving in completely, making a full confession. “You’ve already agreed to marry me, but I still haven’t met your parents, Becks. I’ll be of legal marrying age at the end of next month, so don’t you think it’s high time we pinned down our wedding arrangements?”
It turned out he was still pressing for formal recognition. Rebecca sighed, a helpless expression settling on her features. “You’re really that keen to get married, huh? You know, my divorce case hasn’t even been finalized yet, so getting married now would be against the law, wouldn’t it?”
Morgan took her hand, tucked it into his pocket, and gently led her further into the snow. “Michael mentioned that everything should be resolved by the beginning of next month. Your parents might not be too thrilled about a son–in–law who’s so much younger, so we ought to start preparing them mentally right away.” Rebecca said, “You’ve got a point there. What if they’re against it, though?”
Morgan replied, “You’ll simply have to butter them up for me, then they’ll definitely come around.”
