Chapter 233
The car door opened, and steady footsteps approached. Cedric walked up to her, his gaze sweeping over her somewhat pale face and body trembling in the cold wind. "What happened?"
"Car broke down." Josephine's voice was hoarse. "Phone's dead too."
Cedric asked no more questions. He walked around to the front, opened the hood, and examined it by the light of his phone's flashlight. He retrieved a toolbox from his own car. "Timing belt snapped. I happen to have a spare part."
He rolled up his sleeves and began replacing it with practiced movements.
Josephine stood to the side. The night wind blew past. She was dressed too lightly and hugged her arms, watching his focused profile.
A few minutes later, Cedric finished the replacement, his hands stained with oil. He pulled out a wet wipe from the toolbox, his gaze settling on Josephine's face. Those deep eyes seemed especially calm in the darkness.
"What were you thinking about just now?" he asked.
Josephine shook her head. Those troubles weren't something she planned to share with Cedric.
But Cedric suddenly spoke. "Let's get married."
Josephine froze, staring at him in shock.
Cedric leaned against the car, wiping his fingers with the wet wipe, speaking flatly. "Grandfather's forcing me into an engagement. You and I are facing the same situation."
"But you're still his grandson..."
David shouldn't be as ruthless with him as he was with her, an outsider.
Cedric laughed self-mockingly, balling up the wipe and stuffing it in his pocket. "You know Grandfather's personality. If one plan doesn't work, there's always a second. He won't give up until he achieves what he wants."
Josephine couldn't argue.
Cedric looked up at her, a glimmer in his eyes. "Actually, Grandfather just wants to make sure you won't have any connection with Gideon. And I... he just wants me married. We can consider it a partnership."
Josephine's heartbeat suddenly quickened.
But after a long silence, she neither agreed nor refused. "I need some time."
Cedric nodded graciously. "Sure. Let me know when you've decided."
After returning home, Josephine kept thinking about it. Her mind hadn't stopped the entire way back.
Undeniably, for that instant, she'd been tempted.
David's actions had left resentment in her heart. The more David tried to keep her away from Cedric, the more she wanted to get close.
In her room, she heard sounds outside. She went out to find her parents in the living room, packing things.
Both had their backs to her.
Gemma held a yellowed piece of paper with crayon-drawn stick figures—childish strokes full of innocence. It was Josephine's artwork from when she was five.
"We still have this one." Gemma said softly, eyes reddening.
Preston gently patted her shoulder. "Don't be sad. As long as we take these things with us, anywhere can be home."
Gemma let out a sob, quickly covering her mouth, whispering, "I just feel like we're so used to living here. This is our home, Jojo's foundation. I don't even know where we'll move to..."
"Don't cry. If Jojo hears, she'll feel pressured too."
Actually, Preston's voice was hoarse too.
Watching this scene, Josephine felt a sudden sourness in her heart. What her parents were packing wasn't just old belongings—it was their family's memories.
Every item in this home carried the weight of time.
"Dad, Mom." She walked over and sat beside her mother. "It's so late. Why aren't you resting?"
Gemma turned her head away, quickly wiping her eyes. "Couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd organize some things. In case... if there really is demolition, we won't be scrambling."
In front of her daughter, Gemma controlled her emotions well.
Preston sighed. "We're old, sentimental. We know every brick and tile in this house. Suddenly having to move—it feels empty inside."
Gemma glared at him, then comforted Josephine. "It's fine, just not used to it. We're actually looking forward to the new place."
Preston touched his nose and also comforted his daughter. "Right, we'll decorate the new place however you want. I have money. We'll buy another house."
Hearing her father's bold declarations and her mother's gentle reassurances, Josephine's heart felt a complicated mix of emotions.
She just smiled. "It's getting late. Get some rest."
After seeing her parents back to their room, Josephine also stood and went to the balcony, looking up at the starry sky.
Then she looked down and opened her phone.
The screen glowed blue, reflecting her face—cold and resolute.
She solemnly typed a few words: [I agree.]
A moment later, the message was answered.
[Good. I'll pick you up tomorrow.]
The next morning at 8:50, Cedric's car stopped punctually downstairs from Josephine's building.
Josephine left five minutes early and saw that familiar black sedan, gripping her bag tightly.
Though she'd mentally prepared herself, seeing Cedric's car still made her nervous.
That nervousness made her heart race.
She was really going to marry Cedric...
But before she could agonize further, Cedric got out. Today he wore a black suit without a tie, looking less distant than usual.
"Did you bring all your documents?" he asked.
Josephine nodded instinctively.
Cedric opened the car door. "Get in."
The drive was silent. The car moved quickly.
Josephine figured he probably had business to attend to and was pressed for time.
Outside City Hall, people were already queuing—mostly young couples with happy smiles on their faces.
Josephine and Cedric walked in side by side, neither showing expression. They didn't look like they were getting married—more like handling bureaucratic business.
Completely out of sync with the surrounding atmosphere.
The clerk took their documents, glanced at them both, and asked routinely, "You're certain this is a voluntary marriage?"
"Yes." Cedric answered.
Josephine hesitated.
The clerk asked again.
This time, Josephine answered solemnly. "Yes."
The procedure went smoothly. In less than twenty minutes, the marriage certificates were in their hands.
Walking out of City Hall, the sunlight was somewhat blinding. Josephine looked at the marriage certificate, still feeling dazed.
Just days ago, she'd been scrambling to divorce Gideon. Now she was already someone else's wife.
Though this marriage was just a partnership—each getting what they needed.
"I'll take you home." Cedric said.
Josephine shook her head. "No need. I'll go myself. You should head to the company."
Cedric glanced at her but didn't insist. "All right. There's a family dinner tonight. Grandfather will be there. Get ready."
Josephine's heart sank. "So soon?"
"If we're going to act, we act completely." Cedric said flatly. "Let Grandfather know it's a done deal."
Josephine nodded. "I understand."
Cedric turned to leave but suddenly turned back, extending his hand toward Josephine. "Give me the marriage certificate."
Josephine didn't think much of it and handed it over.
Cedric naturally put it in his pocket. "I'll keep it."