Chapter 3

Luca was clearly displeased, but he couldn't express it directly in front of Melanie. Melanie couldn't help but glance at Edward a bit longer, surprised by his decisive response. The more she looked at him, the more he seemed oddly familiar, as if they had met somewhere before. But Edward remained indifferent, as if she were a mere stranger and not the woman he had just agreed to marry. "It's getting late. Melanie and Nellie must be hungry by now. We have a reservation at Luxe Restaurant. Let's go eat," Luca said, wanting to shift away from this conversation. Since it hadn't been finalized yet, there was still room to maneuver. They could discuss it more after lunch. Melanie was indeed hungry. Her stingy in-laws had practically celebrated her leaving. Her mother had secretly given her two eggs at the village entrance; she and Nellie had each eaten one in the car. Melanie stood up, with Nellie tightly grasping her hand. Just as they were about to leave, Sophie couldn't hold back and shouted, "Mom, look at what they're wearing! I'm not going to a restaurant with them. People will think they're beggars!" Sapphire turned and realized that Melanie's and Nellie's clothes were indeed too shabby. In her haste earlier, she had forgotten the clothes she had prepared for them beforehand. "Melanie, come with me. Let's change clothes before we go," Sapphire said, leading the mother-daughter duo to a room. The clothes Sapphire had bought weren't a perfect fit, but they were good enough. Melanie thanked her sincerely from the bottom of her heart. As they stepped out of the house, the neighbors recognized the Grayson family and curiously stared at Melanie and Nellie. "Sapphire, is this your eldest son's wife and daughter?" The happenings in the Grayson family had become the talk of the neighborhood. The neighbors couldn't help but sneak glances at Melanie and Nellie. Sapphire nodded and quickly walked away. Since there were too many people to fit in the car, they decided to walk to Luxe Restaurant, which was only a five-minute walk from the neighborhood. Once they arrived at the restaurant, Luca let Melanie order first. She picked three dishes she liked without hesitation. Sophie was furious and glared at Melanie, while Yaeger looked worried, glancing at Melanie and then at Edward. Only Edward remained calm and unaffected, appearing as though marrying a country bumpkin with a child was not beneath him. Just as they were eating, Sophie noticed someone entering the restaurant. It was Gabrielle Graham, a young woman from the neighborhood who worked as an interpreter. Although she had only just started her career, she had a promising future ahead. Gabrielle had harbored feelings for Edward since childhood and was still unmarried. If Edward wouldn't even consider someone like Gabrielle, what made Melanie so special? Disregarding the fact that it was a family gathering, Sophie called out to Gabrielle. "Gabrielle, come join us for lunch." Gabrielle, who was alone, smiled and walked over when Sophie called her. However, her expression changed slightly when she saw Melanie. "Thank you, but I shouldn't intrude on your family gathering." Being perceptive, Gabrielle could tell they were having a welcome lunch with Elijah's wife and daughter. "Oh, don't be shy. You're practically family." Sophie pulled her over, dragging a chair next to Edward and making her sit down. As Gabrielle sat down next to Edward, her smile widened. She turned to Luca and Sapphire and said, "Mr. and Mrs. Grayson, I hope I'm not intruding." Luca and Sapphire simply nodded, not saying much in response. Gabrielle picked up her cutlery and casually took some food, pondering how to strike up a conversation with Edward. However, Edward spoke first. "Dad, we shouldn't delay the wedding. It's best to set it within the next couple of days. I might be called out of town next week." Gabrielle was stunned and looked at Sophie beside her. "Sophie, who's getting married?" With a grimace, Sophie whispered, "Who else could it be? Edward's lost his mind. He's marrying this country bumpkin." Gabrielle was shocked, and her voice involuntarily grew louder. "What?" All eyes turned to Gabrielle, but she was too upset to care. She tugged at Edward's sleeve and asked, "Edward, are you getting married?" Edward subtly dodged her touch and nodded. Gabrielle's face turned pale. She had waited for him all these years. If Edward were marrying a woman more outstanding than her, she could have accepted it. But why this country bumpkin? "You can't do this. You hold a high position, and your superiors value you. You need to choose your wife carefully." Melanie raised her eyebrows. It seemed like the Graysons weren't the only ones who looked down on her; even outsiders dismissed her as well. "Gabrielle, this is our family matter," Edward said with a faint smile, almost as if it were permanently set on his face. His polite tone carried a subtle reminder for Gabrielle not to overstep her boundaries. Gabrielle's face grew increasingly pale, realizing she had crossed the line. "But—" Before she could continue, Edward cut her off. "Mom, could you start preparing for the wedding? I know it's a lot, but please help us arrange it." Edward's words carried an indisputable tone, and Sapphire subconsciously nodded in agreement. When she regained her senses, she looked perplexed. Gabrielle looked at Edward, her eyes brimming with tears. She excused herself and hurried out of the restaurant. Melanie watched the scene unfold with a frown. It seemed her future husband had quite a few admirers. He had run into one even at a simple lunch. Who knew how many more were out there? If that was the case, perhaps it would be better not to marry him at all. "If Edward feels forced, we don't have to marry. I can raise Nellie on my own," Melanie said. She hadn't come to the Grayson family to cling to them. Edward didn't respond to her words and instead asked, "Melanie, how far along are you?" Melanie was taken aback by the random question, but she replied politely, "Three months." Edward's dark eyes flickered as he contemplated her response, becoming more certain of his speculation. "No one's forcing me. As Elijah's brother, I should make sure he rests in peace. Once we're married, I'll take care of you and the children." Melanie nodded, saying nothing more. After lunch, Melanie and Nellie went into the room Sapphire had arranged for them in the Grayson residence. It had a large bed and a bookshelf filled with picture books for children. Everything had clearly been arranged with care. Meanwhile, Edward was summoned by his parents to their room. "Edward, you're being too reckless. I know you want to fulfill Elijah's last wish, but you shouldn't risk your own future," Luca reprimanded. Sapphire also frowned in disapproval. "Edward, why are you insisting on marrying her?"