I Fled the Wedding and Came Back With a Contract Husband Chapter 03

I Fled the Wedding and Came Back With a Contract Husband Chapter 03

“Quiet.” I looked up, my gaze cold enough to stop her mid-sentence.

Nathan frowned, then put a hand on Sophia’s shoulder. “We’ll be right outside. Call if you need anything.”

They walked out together. Sophia glanced back at me through the doorway, and for a split second, the vulnerability vanished—replaced by pure triumph.

I stayed in the ward all afternoon.

That evening, the Hartwell driver came to take me to the estate for dinner. I knew I couldn’t avoid it. After telling the nurse, I followed him.

Wrought-iron gates. The old oak tree in the courtyard had grown thicker. Inside, nothing had changed.

The long dining table was covered with dishes beneath a chandelier. At the head sat Grandfather Hartwell. To his left were my father, Robert, and Sophia. Nathan sat on the right.

The moment I stepped in, every eye turned to me. Nathan’s gaze locked on me first, laced with worry I refused to acknowledge. I looked away.

“So you finally remember you have a home,” Grandfather said, tapping his cane. “Your mother is dying, and that’s what it takes to get you here? You’ve already forgotten this family exists.”

I didn’t argue. It wouldn’t matter.

“At least you’re back,” my father said, playing peacemaker. His next sentence cut straight to the point.

“You’re twenty-seven now. Five years is long enough. Your grandfather and I have discussed it—James Prescott, the eldest of the Prescotts. You met him as a child. Well-educated, good family, a worthy match. After your mother recovers, we’ll set a date.”

My hand tightened on my fork. So this was the real dinner.

“I’m not marrying him,” I said evenly.

“What did you say?” Grandfather’s face darkened.

“I said I’m not marrying him,” I repeated. “I’ll take care of Mother myself. My marriage is my own business. You don’t need to worry about it.”

“Nonsense!” Grandfather slammed his fork down. “A girl running wild for five years—what has she become? By your sister’s age, she already had a child!”

My gaze flicked to Nathan. He sat with his hands curled, eyes downcast, saying nothing.

I almost laughed.

“Sophia’s marriage worked out,” I said, setting down my fork. “That doesn’t mean I’ll follow your script. I’m not her. I won’t walk the path you lay out for me.”

The air went dead.

Sophia’s eyes immediately welled up. She stared at her lap, the picture of wounded innocence.

“Emily Hartwell!” My father’s voice cracked. “How dare you speak that way? Your sister has spent years taking care of this family, taking care of everything you abandoned, and this is how you repay her?”

“Taking care of my responsibilities?” I laughed. “By marrying Nathan? By having his child?”

“How dare you!” My father’s face turned purple. He raised his hand to strike me.

“Robert.” Nathan stood and stepped between us, his voice low. “Emily just got back. She’s upset. Don’t force this.”

“Don’t defend her!” Sophia’s voice wavered, her eyes reddening further.