Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 605 What are Your Thoughts on Marriage?

"You actually have a child? Seriously?"

"Unbelievable! He's out here acting like he's single while being a dad. Someone should strip Brandon of every award he's ever gotten. This guy's got no integrity!"

"Let's see how many are calling for Brandon to leave the entertainment industry for good."

"Does it really matter that he has a child? Real fans care about his music, not his personal life. Plenty of folks have children outside of marriage, and cheating happens all the time." The scandal surrounding Brandon stirred up more buzz than the Spring Gala.

On top of that, his controversy sparked a wave of other scandals in the music industry, including rumors about an A-list singer traveling overseas for surrogacy.

Many singers quickly put out statements to clear their names.

Two weeks later, things finally calmed down.

On New Year's Eve, Violeta went to Frost Residence with Hayden to celebrate New Year. As usual, several families gathered there to play cards, following their tradition.

However, Hayden inviting Violeta to the New Year's Eve dinner held deeper meaning this time.

This year, Hayden's uncle, Lionel, also traveled to Quinston with his entire family to celebrate New Year.

The elders at the Frosts welcomed Violeta warmly. When she casually mentioned her fondness for sweet and sour dishes, they made sure to include more of those in the New Year's Eve dinner.

long-standing political connections,

from their ancestors and the rental income they received each year

for the New Year's Eve dinner

there before, now held Violeta's

patted her thigh and resolved to pick a good day to

tradition, where following customs like an engagement ceremony is essential. Even though they are old friends

the meal, Violeta and Hayden took a stroll

bushes trimmed into neat shapes, and

rubbed her hands together, sat down, and invited Hayden to

tea, and said, "My mom mentioned that, but don't worry about it or feel any pressure." Violeta

and, speaking softly, replied, "The pressure to get

lips curving into a gentle

feeling pressured? Hayden, do you not want to marry me?" She took a sip of her drink. Hayden's throat felt tight, and his voice was edged with a hint of alarm. "Absolutely not, stop saying such things." Their bond was a natural

why their situation remains so stable. Violeta

curious about who Hayden had married in her past life and

family alliance,

either scenario could lead to a happily

she overthinks, a pang of sadness fills her

the feeling that her presence has disrupted the bond between