Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 372: A consolation for her loss...

The Santiagos’ estate, bathed with the golden hue of the setting sun, stood elegantly amongst the lush green grass and trees.

The flowers, with their colourful petals, danced wildly in the evening breeze, gracing the air with their sweet fragrance.

The large white gates stood wide open, welcoming the guests and their companions.

The Santiagos’ security team dressed in sharp black suits were well stationed at every corner of the estate.

Tiny earpieces tucked into their ears, their eyes focused as they scanned the surroundings with trained eyes they oversee the arrival of the guests as well as their comfort.

In the wide open courtyard, rows of tables and chairs had been arranged with meticulous care.

Each table was draped in crisp white linen and decorated with silver platters filled with delicate pastries, exotic fruits, and tiny finger sandwiches so artfully arranged that they looked like works of art.

The first wave of guests had already arrived, they moved in small groups, exchanging greetings, laughing, and sipping on the chilled drinks offered by waiters.

At the corner, a string quartet played a gentle melody, its notes drifting through the air like the echo of a joyful heartbeat, both welcoming and embracing.

A red carpet stretched from the courtyard to the double doors leading into the inner living area, guiding the way for honoured guests.

Inside the grand hall, the Santiagos had spared no effort in their preparations. Bathed in the chandeliers’ soft light, the polished marble floor gleamed.

The hall smelled faintly of fresh flowers. Round tables were set around the room, each surrounded by high-backed chairs. The arrangement was purposeful.

With the consideration of the presence of business elites, it was arranged close enough for conversation but leaving space for easy movement.

Waiters in white shirts and black waistcoats moved gracefully between the tables, arranging glasses, pouring drinks, and making sure everything stayed perfect.

A raised stage at one end of the hall was adorned with fresh flowers and a rich velvet backdrop, clearly meant for speeches and special announcements later in the evening.

The arrangement was both grand and welcoming no matter where you choose to be...in the courtyard or inside the hall.

Outside, the low hum of conversation in the courtyard suddenly paused briefly as a sleek black car rolled into the compound stopping right beside the red carpet.

With some of the guests already in the courtyard, their heads turned, eyes narrowing in curiosity.

Murmurs erupted as they stared intently at the car while waiting for the occupants to alight.

But then it was Ethan who alighted. His charcoal suit pristine, his wristwatch catching the light of the sun as he glanced at it.

His face cold and expressionless as he stood at the side.

began

someone whispered,

powerful. Definitely from a top family

is attending tonight," a woman said, tilting her head for a

man shook his head. "That insignia... it’s not

Allen family’s insignia," someone else

"Allen family?"

you think he’d

"Isn’t that Ethan stepping out? Davis’s right-hand

never comes unless

must be

"Likely."

his wife is quite beautiful. Do you think she’s with

you after his wife or the partnership?" someone teased, earning a few

in. "I hope to secure a business deal

would be after the Santiagos secure theirs," came

invitation

"Otherwise?"

you think... he’s married to

followed. "Married as

stepped forward and

shoe stepped down first, the leather shining under the setting

scanned the surroundings as he buttoned his suit and

dress. When he was sure she

hand in his, and she

a strand of her hair and brushing it against her cheek in soft caress. Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment as

cool and calm on her skin, as though welcoming her home,

the slight fluttering of her

"Are you okay?"

faint

a curt

stepped on the red

the car alight, some of the guests’ eyes lit up. One sentence echoing across their minds:

crowd grew louder now, some guests trying to whisper, others not bothering to hide

Davis... and

the Santiagos banned photographs tonight. That would

"They look... perfect together."