Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 3

Seline and her parents were sitting on the couch at home, creating a picturesque family scene.

Seline admired her freshly done nails, her mood cheerful as she spoke up, "Mom, Dad, look at my nails! Aren't they gorgeous?"

Henry Yates and Mandy Larson both glanced at her delicate hands, their eyes filled with affection as they nodded.

"Beautiful. My daughter always looks perfect," Henry said with pride.

Seline pouted playfully. "Dad, you're not even really looking! You're just humoring me!"

Henry burst into laughter. "What do you mean I'm not looking?"

But as he spoke, his expression darkened slightly. "If that ungrateful girl were half as good as you, I wouldn't be so worried."

Seline exchanged a glance with Mandy before Mandy responded gently, "Why bring this up now? Suzanne is a good kid."

"Good?" Henry let out a cold snort. "If she were truly good, she'd agree to the marriage alliance with the Lloyd family."

The Lloyd family was a powerful force, and a partnership with them would be beneficial for the Yates family. Seline and Mandy had known about the proposed alliance for months now.

However, the proposed groom was nearly 40 years old and had a terrible reputation. He was far from an ideal husband. Seline had been terrified the responsibility would fall on her.

She looked nervously at Henry. "But Dad, isn't Suzanne still with Jenson?"

"They haven't spoken in three months. That's as good as a breakup," Henry replied, patting Seline's hand reassuringly. "Besides, I'd much rather see you marry Jenson."

Seline's cheeks turned pink as she exhaled in relief.

"You two need to figure out a way to convince that girl," Henry said, his tone firm.

Mandy hesitated, concern evident in her voice. "But Henry, wouldn't that be unfair to her?"

"Unfair?" Henry's voice turned icy. "She'll be helping the entire Yates family by marrying into the Lloyd family. What's so unfair about that? Or would you prefer we send Seline instead?"

Mandy's and Seline's faces paled at the suggestion. Before either could respond, Henry's voice hardened further. "Someone has to marry into the Lloyd family. Figure out how to make her do it."

sound of the front door opening echoed through the

as though she hadn't noticed them. Without saying a word, she

is what happens when you spoil her. I told you not to spoil her

had

younger, she was always blamed for Seline's mistakes. They would hit or scold her or even send her to

had been allowed to stay in the Yates household was because her father needed the support

them, Suzanne continued toward

snapped out sharply. "Stop right

in with her usual

the stairs, turning back to look at Henry with an indifferent expression. "If this is about the marriage with the Lloyd family, save your breath. It's not happening. I won't agree

and the others froze

a secret between the

so what's the problem with marrying into the Lloyd family?"

they had already

family, so they schemed to have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her breakup with him. That way, Suzanne would have no choice but to take

overhearing it during

She also knew Seline was the

that message about marriage yesterday, it had been an impulsive attempt to escape this fate. But Jenson hadn't shown up; he had chosen

never understand how the sweet, innocent Seline he adored had systematically made Suzanne's life

She refused to be forced into an arranged marriage with the Lloyd family. If she was going to marry someone, it

sweet expression and said gently, "Suzanne, you should

as he looked

so sensible, why

Seline's smile faltered.

his hand down on the table. "Suzanne, why should Seline marry into the Lloyd family?

anyone to like me. And if marrying into

head turn. The force of the blow made it clear he hadn't held

hit her!"

her lips in a bitter smile. Mandy was always quick to play the doting mother when it suited her, but her

won't have to suffer. In a few days, you'll meet with the Lloyd family,

touch her swollen cheek, her eyes clouding over with bitterness. She should have known better. Her father would never care

said coldly, "I won't marry into the Lloyd family. You can think

she turned and headed