Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 274: Announcing the dinner...

~The Santiago family house~

The sun had already begun its gentle ascent into the sky, casting a golden ray of light over the lush gardens.

The morning air was cool and crisp, and a delicate breeze whispered through the blooming flowers, carrying with it a fragrant breath of serenity.

In the large dining hall, a long polished mahogany table stretched with quiet majesty, several members of the Santiago family sat in order of age and seniority.

At the head of the table sat Lady Matilda Santiago, the formidable matriarch of the household. Her presence exuding grace, nobility and silent authority,

Beside her was Donald Santiago, the heir apparent. His composure poised, attentive, and reserved, his expression as usual gentle yet unreadable.

The table was lined with the nuclear and extended Santiago bloodline—sons, daughters, their spouses, and children and all residents of the vast Santiagos’ estate.

"They had all gathered for one purpose—their weekly family gathering. The Santiago family has a long-standing tradition that requires all members to return home for the weekly mealtime."

Maids moved swiftly and quietly between them as they refills glasses, passing trays, and ensuring each person’s’s needs were met.

Immediately the meal was served, they resumed eating and silence filled the hall. It had always being a long-standing rule of the Santiago household and yet still governed the table: no one spoke during meals.

Conversations, disputes, or casual remarks were considered a breach of mealtime discipline. Meals were eaten in silence—a tradition meant to instill mindfulness, reflection, and restraint.

The only sound was the gentle clinking of cutlery against porcelain. Lady Matilda’s hands moved with elegance, her expression unreadable. Her dignified demeanor served as a silent warning that any breach of conduct would not be tolerated.

When the last mouthfuls were taken and the dishes nearly cleared, she placed her cutlery down with a soft but deliberate clink. Like clockwork, the others followed suit—still in silence, waiting.

It was custom after breakfast for announcements, rebukes, or family deliberations to take place and no one left until the matriarch either dismissed them or delivered her word.

over the table, observing the bowed heads and sidelong glances. Then, she cleared her throat softly yet it echoed with

guest

through the room at

tentative, as murmurs bubbled and whispered glances

ever so slightly. Silence returned

"She is not just any guest—she is my benefactor...

The entire room went silent as conversations died on

blinked in disbelief, others exchanged

outright. Expressions of shock, disbelief, and curiosity appeared

sharp and calculating, swept across the table, gauging reactions. Some looked stunned. Others wary. But none dared to interrupt

a pause, she continued, her voice soft

years ago, the Santiago family suffered a great loss. The loss of a daughter, my daughter. Despite every effort,

in a breath, and her fingers lightly

strange mercy, has answered our prayers not with my daughter...

silence swept the room again. Eyes

away from us—unknowing of

words, heavy with

extended my hand in welcome. She will dine with us this evening. You will all be present—and you will treat her with the respect that

face yet he said nothing. Others looked away, barely concealing

around one final time. Her next words were gentle but

is coming home. And I will not tolerate resistance,

on certain individuals longer than others before she finally nodded

you have to return on time for dinner. I

nodded in understanding and after a bit of seconds chairs scraped softly against the floor as members rose slowly. The silence was no longer traditional but