Chapter 208 The Wedding Is Finalized
Throughout the entire afternoon, Robert'sclever negotiations finally settled the matter of the couple's wedding ceremony.
The wedding was set for a month after New Year's, less than three months away.
With just one look from Robert, Charlie immediately presented the engagement settlement list he'd prepared in advance, delivering copies to both Luna's and Ruby's hands.
Robert was truly wise—he'd prepared identical copies, treating the White family and the Jackson family with equal respect.
When the small booklet opened, it stretched over three feet long, demonstrating the Harrison family's financial power—truly befitting the wealthiest family in the country.
Luna nodded with satisfaction. "Mr. Harrison, you've been so thoughtful. As long as the children are happy, I can rest easy as a mother."
Ruby looked at the settlement list without much joy. After a long pause, she finally spoke.
"Mr. Harrison, may I exchange this settlement list for a promise from you?"
Robert's face showed surprise. "Mrs. Jackson, please go ahead."
"If Emma is ever unhappy, if she truly regrets this marriage, I hope you'll let her go."
"I hope you'll give her the freedom of choice, without interference from anyone."
This was a mother's truest love for her daughter.
Because Nicholas had done many things to hurt Emma in the past, and life was long—who could guarantee a marriage would never encounter problems?
Marrying into a wealthy family meant losing one's freedom, as divorce from a CEO could affect the company's stock price, forcing many women to endure in silence for their entire lives.
But she didn't want this marriage to become Emma's lifelong shackle.
This promise she was asking for Emma was worth far more than the settlement list valued at billions of dollars.
Robert considered for a few seconds, then nodded solemnly.
"Mrs. Jackson, please rest assured. I promise here and now that if such a day ever comes, whatever choice Emma makes, I won't interfere, nor will I allow anyone else to interfere."
Then he turned to Charlie. "Have the lawyers draft a related agreement. If Nicholas ever wrongs Emma, he'll forfeit everything. If Emma ever initiates divorce, she'll unconditionally receive half of his assets."
"Understood." Charlie nodded, quickly noting it down.
Ruby's burden finally lifted. "Mr. Harrison, thank you for your magnanimity. Please take this settlement back."
Robert laughed, waving his hand. "Mrs. Jackson, keep it. Consider it Emma's spending money. The Jackson family has raised her so excellently all these years—that's the real contribution worthy of reward."
The old man's way of handling things was truly wise on all fronts.
Ruby smiled brightly. "Then I'll graciously accept."
She now felt perfectly comfortable keeping this settlement list.
Luna silently watched this scene, feeling guilty in her heart. Ruby had truly fulfilled the role of a mother.
No wonder Olivia would hug her affectionately and call her "Mom."
Because she really was a wonderful mother!
Luna's eyes unknowingly moistened...
That evening in the White family dining room, the table had two unfamiliar faces.
One was Luke's cousin, Jasper White.
He'd just returned from abroad at twenty-two years old.
Dressed in a trendy black leather jacket, his left ear sported three piercings with diamond silver studs forming a line that caught the light.
This appearance looked particularly out of place in the White family's traditional setting.
The other was Zoey Cooper, daughter of Luna's close friend.
She'd arrived that evening and had been accompanying Luna in the side parlor playing piano, her demeanor elegant and appearance striking.
Luna looked at her like she was viewing her future daughter-in-law, her affection practically overflowing from her eyes.
She'd deliberately arranged Zoey's seat next to Luke's.
Halfway through dinner, she spoke gently.
"Luke, take good care of Zoey, help her with the serving dishes, don't let her go hungry."
Anyone could see Luna was trying to set up Luke with his future girlfriend.
Ruby and Daryl exchanged glances, feeling relieved—as long as Luke stopped focusing on their Evelyn, they'd be grateful.
"Alright." Luke nodded in agreement.
He picked up the serving spoon and truly began continuously adding food to Zoey's plate.
Soon, the ceramic plate before Zoey had accumulated a "food mountain."
Zoey's expression shifted from delight to surprise, and finally she quickly reached out to protect her plate.
"Mr. White, that's enough, really enough—I couldn't possibly eat all this."
Luke's voice was unusually gentle, even carrying a hint of amusement.
"Miss Cooper, don't be shy, eat more."
"The White family's cuisine is quite special—it would be a shame to waste it."
Zoey smiled gracefully, pulling the mountainous plate toward herself.
"Thank you, Mr. White."
She lowered her head and began attacking the "food mountain" in small bites—clearly it would take at least half an hour to finish.
Evelyn couldn't help laughing at the sight of that "food mountain."
Nina immediately glanced at her, then silently lowered her head without daring to speak—the trauma of that enormous steak platter from lunch still hadn't fully digested.
Luke's gaze shifted over. He gently placed some salad and a small piece of deboned grilled fish on Evelyn's plate with his fork—just the right portion.
All her favorites.
She hadn't been experiencing much nausea lately, and her physical condition was good, which put him at ease.
"Luke, take Ms. Cooper for a walk outside to digest."
He agreed and actually led her out, their figures disappearing into the garden's night.
Evelyn's gaze casually swept over, catching sight of those two figures walking side by side as they vanished around the garden path's corner.
She withdrew her gaze expressionlessly and headed in the opposite direction.
There was no snow today, but the night wind was strong, carrying winter's characteristic bite.
Several strands of hair blew against her cheek, tickling and cooling.
She wore only a not-too-thick white cotton coat, cold air sneaking in through the collar.
A thought emerged without warning.
Would Luke remove that thick, warm-looking coat of his and drape it over Zoey's shoulders, and then...
Evelyn suddenly stopped. What was she thinking about?
Luke—whoever wanted him could have him. She certainly didn't.
Evelyn slowly walked along the garden path, one hand gently stroking her belly.
Her lower abdomen was already slightly rounded.
Not yet eleven weeks, but the baby seemed to be growing a bit fast.
Had she eaten too much and gotten fat, becoming unattractive?
Men all liked thin women. Luke's aesthetic preferences should be...
Why was she thinking about him again? She annoyed patted her own head twice.
"Gone crazy? Starting to abuse yourself?" A familiar, teasing male voice sounded behind her.
She stiffened, whipping around.
Who else could it be but Luke?
Seeing his coat still on him, her heart inexplicably bubbled with a tiny bit of unclear joy, though her mouth remained cold. "Weren't you strolling the garden with Miss Cooper?"
Luke smiled, approaching step by step, his tall figure carrying an overwhelming presence.
"With you standing here like a third wheel, I couldn't very well do anything improper, so I sent her away."
Evelyn retorted, "What does that have to do with me? It's your own lack of charm."
He curved his lips, those deep eyes locking on her. "Is that so? Don't I attract you even a little?"
She laughed coldly, chin slightly raised like a proud peacock.
"My baby's father leaves you in the dust."
Luke froze. When he looked at her again, the tenderness in his eyes could practically drip water.
The baby's father! He absolutely loved that title.
His voice instantly dropped to a low, magnetically seductive tone. "Evelyn, want to try again with me?"
Her heart skipped a beat. "Try what?"
He said, "Try liking me."
She laughed with a hint of mockery. "Mr. White, is it ethical for you to seduce a pregnant woman?"
He paused, then smiled too, his eyes holding undisguised mischief.
"It is somewhat unethical."
"Since it's already unethical, might as well do something properly bad."
As soon as the words fell, he suddenly bent down and swept her up in his arms amid her startled cry.
Evelyn panicked, struggling with hands and feet. "Ah! Luke, put me down! Where are you taking me?"
He ignored her protests, tightening his arms and holding her securely as he strode out of the brightly lit garden toward a darker patch of woods.
This was a small path with trees so dense they blocked out light on both sides, only a dim streetlamp visible in the distance.
Wind swept through the forest, lifting the hair around her ears as leaves rustled with a "shushing" sound.
Evelyn's earlier bravado was instantly swallowed by the darkness.
"Luke, please put me down, wah, I was wrong, I won't insult you anymore, please take me back."
She was afraid of the dark, her voice carrying a crying tone.
She clung tightly to his neck, eyes squeezed shut, her whole body trembling.
After about three minutes of walking, Luke's footsteps stopped.
His gentle voice sounded by her ear, warm breath tickling.
"Evelyn, open your eyes—it's not dark ahead."
She refused, burying her head deeper.
He spoke again, his tone full of indulgence and patience.
"Evelyn, trust me."
Evelyn hesitated, then slowly, slowly opened her eyes.
Suddenly.
The dark space before them lit up beam by beam—lights in the trees came on, flower beds brightened, the lawn illuminated.
Not far away stood a castle glowing with crystalline light—a small ice castle carved entirely from ice, brilliant as daylight under countless lights.
Darkness retreated, leaving only brilliant radiance.
Evelyn stared in amazement, sliding down from his embrace and walking step by step toward the ice castle.
As she entered, a wave of cool air hit her face. The castle interior was filled with colored lights casting rainbow hues.
Yes, this was what Luke had specially built for her.
She stood in the play of light and shadow, her eyes suddenly growing hot.
Hawk had once told her that Luminous City had heavy snow, and after it passed, they could carve the snow into an ice castle—extremely beautiful.
And now she was seeing an ice castle with her own eyes, the shock in her heart beyond words.
"You made this?" She turned to look at him, her voice trembling slightly.
He stood there, gazing at her with deep affection.
"Evelyn, the darkest times are over. There's light ahead—can you step out of the darkness?"
Evelyn's heart lurched violently, as if burned by something.
He stepped forward, cupping her face in both hands and kissing her directly.
The kiss was scorching, carrying irresistible dominance, warming her cold heart inch by inch.
Tears slid down her cheeks.
But she didn't push him away.
He was the one who dispelled all her darkness.
He invaded her defenses inch by inch, and she gradually fell into his world...
They kissed for an unknown length of time until sounds from outside reached them—it seemed like a large group of people was approaching.
Luke reluctantly left her lips, gently pressing her head against his broad shoulder and holding her trembling body as if she were a precious treasure.
The butler led over twenty servants in a grand procession toward their location.
The formation looked like they were preparing for battle.
Some carried barbecue grills, others folding tables and chairs, and more held platters arranged with premium wagyu beef, freshly caught seafood, and fresh vegetables and fruits.
Indeed, an outdoor barbecue feast was about to begin.
This was to entertain the honored guests from the Jackson and Harrison families, and also to create opportunities for Emma and the White family to bond and grow closer.
The servants moved efficiently, and everything was ready in moments.
Evelyn had just emerged from the ice castle when she saw Nina and Jasper approaching.
Nina rushed forward like a little rabbit, diving straight into the nearby ice castle.
Among the flowers, warm music drifted through the air.
The path they'd taken earlier was now fully lit—not scary at all.
Soon after, Daryl and Ruby arrived with happy smiles on their faces.
Finally, Nina pulled her to sit by the barbecue grill, wanting to grill the food herself as aromatic scents began filling the air.
But two figures never appeared.
In the spacious princess suite, pink curtains hung down, the air thick with sweet fragrance.
Emma was completely cornered by Nicholas against the wall, with nowhere to retreat.
She pressed both hands against his solid chest, pushing hard.
"Let me go."
"I want to go barbecue with Nina and the others. I heard there's an ice castle there—it must be beautiful."
The man's arms were like iron clamps, unmovable.
Nicholas held her tightly in his embrace, chin resting on top of her head, his voice low and magnetic.
"We'll go later. The fire isn't even lit yet."
As he spoke, warm breath sprayed against her ear, tickling.
She was about to say something more when the man suddenly lowered his head, his burning lips finding hers with precision.
This kiss carried irrefutable dominance, crushing and sucking.
Emma's breath was instantly stolen, her whole body shivering as something in her mind went "buzz" and snapped taut.
She jerked her head away, gasping. "Nicholas, what are you trying to do!"
Nicholas pressed his forehead against hers, dark eyes churning with waves she couldn't understand, his voice hoarse beyond recognition.
"Today is a good day. Don't reject me anymore."
Emma's cheeks reddened as if they might bleed, her heartbeat like thunder drums, shaking her eardrums with pain.
He wanted to...
She felt somewhat panicked, with nowhere to escape.