Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 44

The atmosphere in the living room suddenly lightened, and Effie found herself starting to relax.

She sat beside Lyman, listening as Lindy and Bancroft chatted about family matters. Every now and then, she answered their questions with poise and warmth, fitting in easily.

The more Lindy watched her, the more pleased she became. In her heart, she thought, This girl isn't just beautiful-she carries herself with such grace, and her gentle, polite nature is truly endearing. The more I see her, the more I like her.

Even Friedman, who usually kept quiet, let the stern look in his eyes soften, the critical edge shifting to approval.

Bancroft beamed at Effie. "Sweetheart, you're family now. If you ever need anything, just ask. Don't be shy."

Effie felt a wave of warmth wash over her. Smiling, she replied, "Thank you, Grandpa. I will."

Lyman watched her blending so naturally with his family and reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. He whispered, "Relax. They're easy to get along with, I promise."

She squeezed his hand back, a soft smile on her lips. "I know. I can feel it."

time! Let's have dinner-tonight, we've got a feast to celebrate the newest member of

to the dining room

she was already content with how things were. But Lindy insisted she

determined to throw a grand wedding-after all, a wedding in the Etheridge family was a

table, Effie felt a

imagined she'd be welcomed like this, treated with such

like a different world—no coldness,

drew in a deep breath, her voice catching. "Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Grandpa... I promise I'll treasure

more like it! From now on, you're our

from the side, a small smile playing at the corners of his

murmured in

they left the Etheridge home, Effie still felt as

vowed to

...