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.

murmurs began

car is that?" someone whispered, leaning toward

from a top family of

heard the Anderson family is attending tonight," a woman said, tilting her

head. "That insignia... it’s not from

the Allen family’s insignia," someone else suggested, his voice low but edged

"Allen family?"

taking over, do you think he’d even have time to attend

"Isn’t that Ethan stepping out?

unless

must

"Likely."

beautiful. Do

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

a business deal with

Santiagos secure theirs,"

the invitation was sent for

"Otherwise?"

he’s married

scoff followed. "Married as a

stepped forward and opened the

polished black shoe stepped down first, the leather shining under the

he buttoned his suit

catch her breath and gather her dress. When he was sure she was ready, he held

placed her soft hand in his, and she stepped down

at that moment, lifting a strand of her hair and brushing it against her cheek in soft caress. Her eyes fluttered

felt cool and calm on her skin, as though welcoming her home, a sigh of relief

noting the slight fluttering of her

"Are you okay?"

lightly and gave a faint nod.

a curt

stepped on the red carpet, with Ethan following

occupants of the car alight, some of the guests’ eyes lit up. One sentence echoing across their minds: "A dashing man,

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

really is Davis...

tonight. That would have

"They look... perfect together."