Chapter 8

With these thoughts in mind, Melanie reached out to clear the plates, but Edward quickly stopped her. "I'll handle this. You should take Nellie and get some rest. You've had a tiring day." Sophie had been waiting for Melanie to do the chores. But when she saw Edward step in to stop her, she huffed in frustration. Melanie was just a woman from the countryside who couldn't earn a living. If she didn't do the dishes or cooking, how else could she possibly contribute? "Edward, Mom can't wash all these dishes by herself. If Melanie's willing to help, just let her!" She wanted to call Melanie a country bumpkin, but she feared being scolded, so she reluctantly changed her attitude. Edward ignored her and continued clearing the dishes. "Why don't you help out?" Sophie's breath caught in her throat. She was used to being treated as a princess in their home and didn't know how to wash dishes. "I don't know how!" "Then learn how to do it." Edward wasn't giving Sophie any leeway today. After being scolded repeatedly, Sophie didn't dare to argue further and stomped off to her room. Yaeger felt he couldn't just stand by while Edward was helping, so he joined in as well. Meanwhile, as Melanie returned to her room, she couldn't help but glance at Edward. She hadn't expected much from their marriage, but she was glad that he had been protecting her ever since he had decided to marry her. If he had been irresponsible, it would have made things much more difficult for her. It seemed she had made a good choice. Edward was quite reliable. After getting ready for bed, Nellie quickly fell asleep. Melanie, feeling resigned to her situation, decided not to worry too much about the future. Soon, she drifted off as well. However, her sleep was restless. She was haunted by the same recurring dream. She was in an inn but couldn't see the man's face. Suddenly, the lights turned on, revealing that the man was Edward. Startled, Melanie woke up covered in a cold sweat. Even though she was unsure why she had dreamt of Edward, she calmed her breathing and fell asleep again. Unfortunately, the dream recurred several times during the night, leaving her with dark circles under her eyes in the morning. When she came out of her room, Sapphire had already prepared breakfast. There was oatmeal, bacon, and eggs. "Hurry up and eat. We've got a lot to do today. We'll be setting up the house and going to buy anything we're still missing," Sapphire said briskly. With only two days left until the wedding, they were tight on time. However, the Grayson family didn't want to make the wedding too simple, as it would show a lack of respect for Melanie. After all, they were an influential family and didn't want to appear stingy, especially since Melanie was pregnant with twins. Edward had already informed his superiors and taken a couple of days off work. They understood, knowing he had been working hard all year. Edward hadn't mentioned that Melanie was his bride, preferring to keep his personal life private. After breakfast, a small crowd of family and friends gathered to help with wedding preparations. Some were hanging decorations, while others were putting up balloons. Everyone was bustling around, getting everything ready for the big day. Gabrielle, having heard about the wedding, came by and peered through the gate. Seeing how busy the Grayson family was, she couldn't help but feel envious. When Edward left the house, Gabrielle immediately followed him. Watching from upstairs, Melanie caught sight of Gabrielle, and her eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed Gabrielle still hadn't given up on Edward. It wasn't surprising, as Edward was exceptional and likely had many admirers. After marrying him, she would have to get used to situations like this. Thankfully, they weren't a real couple. Otherwise, she might just go crazy with jealousy. Edward looked at Gabrielle, who was crying, with a serious expression. "What are you doing? You need to remember your place." Though they had grown up in the same neighborhood and were practically childhood friends, Edward had always been polite with everyone. He had never crossed any boundaries. Hearing his words, Gabrielle became even more upset. "Edward, are you out of your mind? You're going to marry a woman from the countryside? Even if that was all, she's your brother's widow, and she has a child! "You've always been the most outstanding person in our neighborhood, excelling in your studies and career. I've liked you for so many years. If you had chosen someone better than me, I could have understood. "But why did you choose this woman? Don't be foolish anymore. You still have time to call this off. Otherwise, you'll become a laughingstock!" Gabrielle looked genuinely anxious. It was clear she truly cared about Edward, but it was all just her wishful thinking. Edward knew he had to make it clear, or Gabrielle wouldn't understand. He sighed and said, "I've already made my decision. You know me well. Once I make a decision, I won't change it easily. As for what others think, that's none of my concern. "I don't need a woman's help to succeed. Only the incompetent would think that way. No one is forcing me to marry her. It's entirely my choice. Have I made myself clear? Don't bring this up again. Gabrielle, you've crossed the line." Edward's tone was distant. Gabrielle couldn't accept it. She couldn't understand why he would willingly marry a country bumpkin. "Edward, don't be like this. Marriage is a serious matter. Even if you don't choose me, there are better options out there. I don't want to see you waste your life with a woman like that." Edward cast a cold gaze at Gabrielle, then turned away and headed back to the house. Melanie witnessed the entire scene. It seemed Gabrielle's attempt had failed, and Edward's resolve remained firm. Although Melanie didn't know why Edward wanted to marry her, she could sense that he was an upright person who wouldn't get involved with another woman once he had committed to marriage. Meanwhile, Sophie grew even more frustrated watching everyone so busy preparing for the wedding. She walked over to the phone booth and made a call to Felicia. Felicia was in the middle of something when she got Sophie's call. Her brow furrowed, but she still answered the call. "Sophie, what's the matter? Why are you calling me?" "Felicia, you need to come back now! Edward's about to marry a country bumpkin! I'm so mad! It's bad enough that Edward agreed, but even Mom and Dad are on board with it!" Felicia was so stunned that she nearly dropped the receiver. She had only been away for a few days, and now Edward was getting married? She hadn't heard anything about him having a girlfriend, so how could this happen so suddenly? "How is that possible? Edward is getting married? Who is he marrying? Who is this country bumpkin you're talking about?"