Chapter 7 Call off Next Month's Wedding

After graduating from college, Whitney bought her own place in Coaska Heights. She had used her savings from scholarships and the prize money from winning an architecture design competition for the down payment. Her father, Westley Spencer, didn't want her to tire herself out with the monthly mortgage and offered to pay the full amount, but she refused. She still remembered telling him, "Don't underestimate an architect's salary. If I do well, I'll pay it off early." In the end, not only did she leave the architecture field, but she also worked as Damian's secretary for three years. She even moved out of the apartment. Even though it was empty, Whitney had hired people to clean it regularly. After setting her suitcase down, she made herself a simple meal since she hadn't eaten that afternoon. Once she finished, she curled up on the couch and called Westley. "Dad, I'm going home tomorrow." "That's great! Damian finally has some time to spare?" Westley sounded delighted. "I'll ask Rebecca to make a nice meal for you both. Come back early." In the past, Whitney only visited home when Damian was available to join her, which was rare. As a result, she only visited home a handful of times over the years. "Okay, I will." She didn't correct him. After all, some things were too complicated to explain over the phone. Since Damian wouldn't agree to break off the engagement, she would have to tell Westley and ask him for help. After all, it was their families that had arranged the marriage in the first place. If Westley stepped in, Damian would have to listen. … The following afternoon, as Whitney drove into the Spencer residence, she saw Westley, her stepmother, Rebecca Wright, and her half-siblings, Matthew and Stella Spencer, all waiting at the door. When she stepped out of the car, Westley glanced behind her. "Just you? Where's Damian?" "He's probably busy," Whitney replied. He must be occupied finding and smoothing things over with Rachel. "I prepared an entire feast. You should've given us a heads-up if Damian wasn't coming." Rebecca wasn't pleased. She had been rushing since early in the morning to prepare the meal, only to find out it was all just for Whitney. "You always come with Damian. Why'd you come alone this time?" Stella muttered with disappointment in her eyes. "Why don't you call him?" Whitney sneered. She knew exactly what Stella was up to. Before she got engaged to Damian, Stella had put in plenty of effort to get close to him, but Damian had always kept his distance. If not even Whitney held a place in Damian's heart, then Stella had no chance. "Dad, look at her! I was just curious!" Stella whined to Westley. At that moment, Matthew approached and took the fruits and health supplements from Whitney's hands. "We're really glad you came back, Whit." Although Matthew was also Rebecca's son, his personality was completely different from Rebecca and Stella. Whitney could feel that he genuinely cared for her and treated her like a sister. Without Damian around, lunch passed by much faster than usual. Afterward, In the living room, Westley sipped his coffee. "Whit, how are things with Damian lately? Have you been to see Mr. Howard Senior and Damian's parents? Be sure to give them my regards." "They're all doing well." After saying that, Whitney paused. She gathered her courage before she continued, "Dad, I... don't want to get married so soon…" Fearing his reaction, she didn't want to blurt it out directly, so she chose a softer approach. But Westley, a seasoned businessman, caught the undertone in her words immediately. "Did you and Damian have a fight?" He set his cup down. "Couples have their ups and downs. Plus, he's running the entire Howard Group. He's bound to be busy. You need to be understanding." In everyone's eyes, Damian was doting and gentle with her, and she was wholly devoted to him. No one would think they'd break up. If there was any tension, it would just be a minor disagreement. Whitney clutched the fabric of her shirt. It looked like she'd have to be more straightforward. "I want to call off the wedding next month." At her words, Westley leaned forward in shock. "What did you say?" Likewise, Rebecca and Stella exchanged a glance. Though surprised, a hint of delight appeared on Stella's face. "Can you go to the Howard residence and talk to Damian's grandpa about this? Let's cancel the wedding." Whitney looked up at Westley earnestly. Westley's expression turned solemn. His usual warmth was replaced by a stern expression. "You want to break off an engagement over a trivial argument? Do you think this engagement is a game? When did you become so immature?" Whitney shook her head. "It's not just a disagreement, Dad. There's a serious problem between us. I can't be with him anymore. I—" "What problem? What could be so bad that you can't work it out?" Westley slammed his hand on the table, making everyone in the room jump. Seeing him so furious, Rebecca quickly stepped forward and gently patted his chest to calm him down. "Why are you getting so worked up? Aren't you worried about your health? "If Whitney is saying this, then things must be serious enough between them to cancel the wedding. They just aren't meant to be, so why push it? Just make a trip and—" "What do you know?" Westley snapped, silencing Rebecca. He tried to look at Whitney with as much calm as he could muster. "Whit, you know the Howard family's status. This isn't something you can just cancel on a whim. You can't just ignore our family because of what you want. Do you think we're still what we once were?" The Howard family held a top-tier status in Seabourke's elite circles, a true powerhouse. The Spencer family had also been prestigious once, but over time, their influence had waned. They were no longer on par with the Howards. "You've always been so considerate. Can't you work this out for my sake and for our family's sake?" Westley looked at her earnestly. Whitney hadn't expected Wesley to plead like this. She had assumed he would side with her, no questions asked. "What if… he's the one in the wrong?"