When Justin called her “Mom,” Edith couldn’t help but feel a little
embarrassed.
She thought to herself, He really does have a thick skin.
Still, she had to admit–they were getting married tomorrow.
That thought stirred a thousand emotions in her chest.
In less than half a year, as spring in Northcrest turned to full summer, her life had been turned completely upside down.
But change wasn’t always a bad thing.
At the very least, she’d finally seen through a terrible man and broken free from a place that had felt like a prison.
Just as Jayne had said: if you’re going to marry, marry someone who is a truly good person.
After all, over fifty years, people rarely change at their core–a good person remains good.
Edith had a hunch that, whether Justin loved her in the future or not, he was at least fundamentally a decent man.
After she finished trying on her wedding dress, Edith walked Justin out of the Sumner house.
She looked up, surprised, “Why did you park so far away?”
She was sure there had been plenty of parking spots right in front of the house.
The truth was, Justin had already considered this on his way over. He knew Edith would probably walk him out to his car.
Even though there had been open spots out front, he’d deliberately parked much farther away.
All for the sake of these few extra steps–a few more minutes just to talk
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with Edith.
But of course, he’d never admit that to her face. Instead, he played it off with a casual excuse. “There weren’t any spots left when I arrived.”
Edith nodded, though she mumbled, “That’s strange. There’s never been a full lot here.”
Justin pretended not to hear her and quickly changed the subject. “Get a good night’s rest, okay? Don’t be too nervous. The wedding tomorrow will be private–just close relatives from the Hawksley family, and a few of my friends.”
He paused, then added, “If you think my friends might make you uncomfortable, I can ask them not to come.”
Edith waved her hands. “No, no, not at all! They wouldn’t make me uncomfortable. Besides, a wedding’s a big deal–friends and family are supposed to be there.”
Then, a new thought struck her, and she wondered if she’d been too blunt. What if Justin didn’t want his friends to see her? Or maybe… he was
embarrassed to introduce her?
Quickly, she backpedaled. “Actually, Justin, it’s up to you. I really don’t mind either way.”
Justin frowned in confusion. Usually, people tried to figure out what he wanted. Now he was the one second–guessing Edith, and honestly… she wasn’t easy to read.
“So… should they come or not?” he asked uncertainly, his tone gentle but hesitant.
Edith did her best to sound indifferent. “Whatever you want…”
Justin gave up on figuring her out. Maybe he needed some outside advice for once.
After saying goodbye and watching Edith walk safely back inside, he
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Chapter 102
didn’t drive off right away. Instead, he pulled out his phone and dialed his friend–a man York always bragged about, the CEO of CatAl Group.
Henson Sheffield.
“I hear you’ve got an irreplaceable tech genius working for you?” Justin asked when Henson picked up.
Henson was more than a little curious. Justin was always busy, rarely calling just to chat. Even his wedding invitation had been a brief text–just a location and a date.
Henson could scroll up in their chat and still see it: just the name of the reception hall and the day.
“Well, well, which tech genius has Mr. Hawksley so worried he actually picked up the phone to call me?”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.