Episode two
1292 Words
Selene looked confused, “Who’s Dean Horton? Is he really important?”
Lyra was also curious and listened.
She had some connections in Oceanion, but she had never heard that name.
Noah said, “It’s normal for you not to know him because he’s a mystery. Even I have never met him. He is Nathaniel Horton’s young uncle. He’s only 28 years old and is now the real power holder in the Horton family!”
Hannah gasped, “Doesn’t that make him a better match for Selene than Nathaniel?”
The one in power is much better than any legitimate grandson of the first branch!
Noah snapped, “Nonsense, Mr. Horton is married!”
Lyra narrowed her eyes.
Married…
If he really was the man in the marriage certificate, then it would seem that Dean should know what’s going on.
Hannah seemed disappointed, “Who’s his wife? She’s even luckier than Selene.”
Lyra quickly looked at Noah and heard him say, “I don’t know. It’s said that he and his wife aren’t fond of social engagements.”
Noah frowned in deep thought. “I’m not sure why he suddenly decided to come here today…”
The Horton family is the top family in Oceanion, and the one in control has a very prestigious status.
The Olsen family is just slightly above average in terms of wealth. This marriage was viewed as Selene marrying up. It was impressive enough if the one in power could attend the wedding. Why would he personally show up for the betrothal?Hannah interrupted. “Selene must be so outstanding that she has caught the Horton family’s attention! Selene, this diamond necklace isn’t grand enough for such important guests. Let’s find something more extravagant!”
She stuffed the printout back into Lyra’s hand and anxiously led Selene away to pick out new jewelry.
She seemed to care more about Selene than Mrs. Olsen, Selene’s own mother.
Lyra gave a mocking smile.
“Sir, the Horton family is almost here.”
The butler reminded Noah. As he passed by Lyra to go downstairs, he casually said, “You haven’t been home in a long time. Have a celebratory drink and then go.”
Lyra nodded.
She wanted to stay and see who Dean Horton really was!
Inside, Hannah helped Selene pick out her jewelry and put it on for her.
Looking at the bright girl in front of her, Hannah couldn’t hide her joy and satisfaction.
Over twenty years ago, if it hadn’t been for Elizabeth Groom, aka Mrs. Olsen, she would have married Noah Olsen!
She despised Elizabeth, so purposely made a scene and gave birth on the same day before switching their children in the hospital.
Now, her daughter was getting married in a grand way, and Elizabeth was even going to prepare an extravagant dowry for her!
As for Lyra, who had been turned into an illegitimate daughter, she was penniless and had to marry a little punk!!
How the tables have turned. Hannah believed that Mrs. Olsen deserved it!
Downstairs.
Lyra lazily stood in the shadow of the staircase, staring at the entrance and waiting quietly for the Horton family to arrive.
After some time, Mrs. Olsen slowly walked downstairs with help from a servant. She wore a purple dress, looking slightly emaciated. She was full of scholarly spirit and seemed unapproachable.
The servant said softly, “Ma’am, you’re not well. It’s better if you don’t come down.”
Mrs. Olsen shook her head and spoke while coughing, “No… I can’t… miss Selene’s… important day…”
They didn’t notice Lyra and headed toward the entrance.
Lyra watched Mrs. Olsen from behind, her eyes filled with admiration.
It was funny. Mrs. Olsen, who should have the right to hate Keira the most, was the only kind person she met in the Olsen family.
Hannah didn’t act like a mother at all and often forgot to feed Lyra when she was young.
As a child, Lyra was so skinny and malnourished that she dug around in trash cans for food as soon as she learned to walk.
One day Mrs. Olsen found her doing that, and started leaving food for her in the garden every day.
She kept up this routine for twelve years.
If it weren’t for Mrs. Olsen’s kindness, Lyra probably would have died of hunger a long time ago.
Watching Mrs. Olsen getting farther away and hearing the sound of her coughing from time to time, Lyra frowned with worry.
At that moment, there was a commotion at the entrance. The Horton family had arrived!
Noah and Mrs. Olsen greeted them at the entrance. They exchanged a few words before stepping aside to let a group of people stream in.
Lyra caught sight of Dean Horton at once.
He was wearing a well-tailored bespoke black suit and walking at the front like a moon surrounded by stars. His features were more distinct than in the photos, with a firm profile and strong jawline.
His deep-set eyes were brooding, his thin lips were stern-looking, and his every move exuded an air of sophistication.
Perhaps sensing her gaze, the man suddenly looked back at her.
For a moment, their eyes met.
His sharp gaze made Lyra’s heart flutter. Just as she was trying to observe the emotions in his eyes, he shifted his gaze elsewhere.
This left Lyra somewhat confused.
From his attitude, she couldn’t tell if he recognized her.
Noah asked with a smile, “Mr. Horton, where’s your wife? Didn’t she come with you?”
At the question, Lyra felt Lewis Horton glance at her again. He casually replied, “She couldn’t make it.”
They chatted while walking to the living room.
Nathaniel Horton, who had pursued Lyra for four years, followed behind the elders. Dressed in a suit, he seemed more mature and stable than in college. He didn’t notice Lyra and was whispering to Selene absent-mindedly.
Everyone seated Dean at the main seat and began to discuss the marriage arrangements.
Only then did Lyra step out of the shadows.
She stood quietly there, watching the lively scene in the living room.
Suddenly, her arm was grabbed by Hannah, who hissed at her, “Lyra, what are you still doing here? Can’t you give up on Nathaniel? Let me tell you. He’s your brother-in-law now!”
Lyra freed herself from her grip and smirked. “Don’t worry. I’m not interested in being a mistress. It was Mr. Olsen who asked me to stay for a celebratory drink.”
Since she was old enough to understand the situation, she had always addressed Noah Olsen as “Mr. Olsen”.
Hannah gritted her teeth. “That’s just his polite way of speaking. You actually take it seriously? Do you really not know your place? In a gathering like this, even I can’t embarrass the Olsens, let alone you, an illegitimate daughter. Are you worthy of having a seat at the table? You better leave now.”
Lyra thought, ‘Does she ever stop? It’s so annoying!’
Lyra frowned impatiently, about to reply, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Dean Horton standing up. He pointed to his phone and then walked toward the balcony, probably to take a call.
Lyra’s eyes lit up. “Fine, I’ll go.”
She brushed off Hannah and walked out of the living room, but didn’t leave. Instead, she turned toward the direction of the balcony.
The balcony on the first floor was connected to the small garden outside.
As Lyra got closer, the man on the phone quickly hung up before fixing his ice-cold gaze on her.
Lyra paused.
Meeting his dangerous gaze, she suddenly smiled and asked tentatively, “Honey?”
- Writer
