“My dowry has to be inherited by someone. When I entered the Daniels family, this necklace became an heirloom of this family, passed down to each generation’s matriarch. You are Connor’s wife. It is entirely appropriate for you to have it.”
Marissa wanted to confess that she had no claim to the heirloom, but she couldn’t disclose the full truth to Arabella. She turned to Connor, silently pleading for his support in declining the extravagant gift. Noticing her anxious gaze, Connor paused, then did something even more surprising…
Before Marissa could react, Connor had already placed the necklace around her neck. The chill from the diamonds startled her. She tilted her head, looked at Connor, and was about to ask him why he had gone against her wishes. However, Connor smiled and said, “As Grandma said, this necklace is passed on to the hostess of each generation. You are now our family hostess. People will talk if you don’t wear it.”
Marissa wanted to argue that she was not the real hostess. Others didn’t know the truth, but Connor did. He was putting it on her now, but she would have to take it off when they divorced. How troublesome! It seemed Connor ignored her gaze. After making sure she had worn the necklace, he gave her a peck on the neck and complimented, “This necklace suits you well, Mrs. Daniels.” His kiss sent a jolt through Marissa, from her skin to her heart. The spot where his lips had touched felt almost burnt
“Hahaha…” Arabella burst into laughter like a child. “You are absolutely right, Connor. This necklace seems tailor-made for my granddaughter-in-law. Tiffany is beautiful and kind-hearted. She looks divine with it on.”
Thinking that Connor had taken advantage of her repeatedly today, Marissa wanted to warn him, but Arabella’s words distracted her. With many people around, Marissa couldn’t lose her temper. She forced a smile and suppressed her anger. Touching the necklace, she still felt uncomfortable. “Grandma, I…” she started, intending to refuse again
But Arabella didn’t let her finish. “Sweetie, this necklace is special. Once you wear it, it recognizes you as its master. You can’t give it back to me, or it’ll affect my health.”
Marissa was left speechless. Arabella had concocted a lie to make her keep the necklace, even using her health as leverage. Even though Marissa knew it was a lie, she couldn’t say no to Arabella. So, she kept it. Seeing this, Arabella chuckled. “If you think it’s too precious, why don’t you give me a great-grandchild soon? The necklace will be your reward.” She brought up the topic of children again, reminding Marissa of the forced kiss with Connor. Her cheeks flushed. Connor smiled broadly. “Don’t worry, Grandma. We’ll work on it. You’ll have grandsons and granddaughters. Maybe even twins of different genders.”
“Great! Fabulous! I can’t wait to see them,” Arabella exclaimed, clapping her hands as though her wish were already granted
Marissa looked at Connor, at a loss for words. Connor had grown increasingly bold in his declarations. Once she got hold of the Serene Rest Pills, she planned to drag him to the courthouse for a divorce. How would he keep his promises to his grandmother then?
Suddenly, Domenic interrupted, “Mr. Daniels, it’s time for us to leave.”
Connor glanced at his watch and said, “Grandma, they’ll escort you to the car. I’ll help my wife with her hair and then we’ll come down.”
“Okay,” Arabella replied with a cheerful wave, leaving the room
Once they were alone, Marissa let her smile fade and fixed Connor with an icy stare. “What’s gotten into you today?” she asked sharply
Connor’s laughter filled the room. “Miss Nash, your insight never fails. Didn’t you notice I’m trying to woo you?”
Marissa paused for a moment, then responded, “There’s no future for us. Stop wasting your efforts.”
As Connor gently gathered her hair, he remarked, “Don’t make up your mind so hastily. You hardly know me.”
Marissa caught his reflection in the mirror as he twisted her hair into an updo. She responded without warmth, “I can think of ten thousand reasons to end things between us.” Her blunt words caused Connor to stiffen briefly, but he quickly regained his composure
Marissa had to admit that Connor seemed to be blessed by luck itself. Women went out of their way just to be associated with him. Nevertheless, she found no compelling reason to choose him. On the contrary, she could list numerous reasons to turn him away
Even though her blunt words wounded his pride, Marissa was determined not to waver in matters of the heart. It was best she spoke her mind without hesitation. Connor, on the other hand, remained unruffled and self-assured, unaffected by her refusal. His expression remained steady
In a calm tone, he responded, “I’ll make sure you have the ten thousand and first reason to choose me.”
Marissa pressed her lips together, contemplating her response. She had been confused the night before, and her uncertainty lingered, leaving her to wonder whether Connor’s actions were driven by genuine love or mere desire. It’s a known fact that a man’s pursuit isn’t always guided by heartfelt emotions; often, it’s driven by physical attraction
Connor, with his appeal, had his choice of companions. A mere gesture from him, and women would eagerly respond. Yet, he was discerning, only showing interest in those he truly appreciated. He probably pursued her because he saw something more in her, viewing her as a potential sex partner… Marissa was resolute in not having a sex partner, especially not a man at the pinnacle of social desirability. This thought, echoing through her mind, fortified her resolve to reject Connor
Reading her thoughts, Connor added, “I’m particular about my relationships. I pursue only those I genuinely love. Once I choose someone, my intention is to make her my wife, and I won’t sleep with any other women besides her.” His words stirred something within Marissa, sending ripples across her resolve. She had never expected Connor to actually fall for her
“When did you start having feelings for me? Was it when you found out I was Riss?” she inquired, keeping her voice even
“It was on the night we got married,” he revealed
His admission caught Marissa off guard. Back then, she was a simple village girl running a humble flower shop, her good name smeared by rumors. She struggled to grasp why he would have fallen for her then. As he gently placed a diamond hairpin in her hair, Connor explained, “When a man truly likes a woman, there are no conditions. It’s purely about his feelings. One glance is already enough to fall in love.”
Marissa spun around, her face skeptical. “Tiffany and I look exactly alike. You found Tiffany off-putting, yet you claim to have fallen in love with me at first sight? You expect me to believe that? Stop with the fabrications!”
“Ha ha,” Connor laughed lightly. “You and she may have looked identical, but your expressions, auras, and demeanors are distinct. I knew you were different at just a glance.”
With a dismissive curl of her lips, Marissa retorted, “If your perception were that keen, you wouldn’t have mistakenly abducted me. Mr. Daniels, for a man of your status to stoop to such weak deceptions to win a girl’s heart? Spare me!”
“Ha ha.” Connor chuckled again, his laughter reflecting neither surprise nor annoyance at her disbelief. “Actually, I suspected you weren’t Tiffany the moment I saw you at the flower shop, but my grandma was nearing death and was too anxious and furious. So, I didn’t think much and took you home. It was my recklessness that day that changed everything! That was the first time I acted without thinking. I didn’t confirm your identity and brought you back. If I had stayed calm, none of what followed would have happened.” Had he not done so, he would never have met Riss or Black Snake, nor would he have experienced those wonderful feelings
Marissa didn’t respond this time. Deep down, she was thankful for Connor’s impulsive actions that day. Without them, she would never have known about her real parents and would still be ensnared by false family ties with Korbin, Betty, and Denise. Noticing her silence, Connor added another line
The room descended into a profound silence, with the earlier tension and romance now evaporated. Connor’s voice was slow and deliberate as he spoke. “Marissa, even if you have ten thousand reasons to reject me, I view each one as a step between us. I am determined to close that gap, so just wait.”
Marissa felt an unfamiliar stir within her as she listened. She had always seen Connor as distant and somewhat arrogant, yet here he was, speaking with unexpected warmth. She realized she might not know him as well as she thought. He shared that he only pursued those he genuinely loved and vowed to remain loyal to his wife. He was proving to be a man of good character
Silently, Marissa admired him. Then Connor continued, “Once I’ve bridged those ten thousand steps, I’ll keep drawing nearer until we are entangled with each other.”
Marissa was taken aback by his words. What did he mean by “entangled with each other”? Was he suggesting something? Not only did he use every opportunity to touch her, but he also teased her. What a jerk! She spun around, her gaze sharp with indignation as she confronted him
Expecting to see a smirk on his face, Marissa was surprised to find Connor looking sincerely bewildered and concerned. “What’s wrong? Did I say something to upset you?”
Marissa was momentarily speechless. Had she misunderstood his intentions?
“Nothing,” she managed to say, turning away quickly, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment. As she struggled with her feelings, the man behind her inquired sharply, “Miss Nash, why has your face turned so red?”
“It’s none of your business!” Marissa snapped back, rising abruptly, albeit with a flush of bashfulness. As she stood, she stumbled over the table’s corner, nearly losing her balance. This little stumble was not a big deal for her. Just as she was steadying herself, Connor’s hand was already at her waist, lifting her effortlessly off the floor. Hanging in mid-air, Marissa squirmed, feeling uncomfortable. “Put me down!” she said, her face warm with embarrassment
Ignoring her protest, Connor carried her out of the room. “Mrs. Daniels, it appears your legs are failing you. Allow me to assist you downstairs. We wouldn’t want an injury to rob the world of its most stunning woman.”
“I said, put me down, Connor!” Marissa demanded, her irritation with his presumptuous behavior increasing. But Connor did not heed her plea, continuing to carry her down the stairs. “Stop being difficult. It’s late,” he gently chided. Taking a deep breath, Marissa raised her hand, poised to slap him. However, before she could strike, Connor leaned in and whispered, “Grandma’s watching.”
Marissa’s hand froze in midair. She glanced downstairs and saw Arabella in the living room, observing them with an amused expression. Next to Arabella sat Glenn, settled in a wheelchair. Reluctantly, Marissa lowered her hand
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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