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."

with a bright smile. "Alright, it's about time! Let's have dinner-tonight, we've

everyone headed to the dining room in

dinner, Lindy brought up the wedding. Effie didn't mind; she was already content with how things were. But Lindy insisted she shouldn't worry about a thing -all she needed to do was be a

she would handle everything. She was determined to throw a grand wedding-after all, a wedding in the Etheridge

around at everyone gathered at the table, Effie felt a surge of warmth in

never imagined she'd be welcomed like this, treated

felt like a different world—no coldness, no disdain; just open

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

beaming. "That's more like it! From now on, you're our daughter. If you need

side, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he saw how adored Effie

his arm around her shoulders and murmured in her ear, "See? I

Etheridge home, Effie still

silently vowed to

...