Chapter 111
Ashley's body shook when she heard that. "Married? Are you insane! What is she? A surrogate who gave birth for money, a walking disaster who's turned the Sharp family upside down! Have you forgotten how she came into this family? Have you forgotten everything David did for you?"
"I haven't forgotten. That's exactly why I know how badly I screwed up. What David gave to the Sharp family—it's more than any of us could imagine. And you? You used him. Even killed his family. I'm going to get to the bottom of all of it and give David the answers he deserves."
Ashley went white. She never expected Lucas to be this blunt.
She gasped for breath, pointing at Juliana, then at herself. "Fine! Fine! So now you're going to defy me for this woman? Lucas, listen to me carefully—the Sharp family, everything we have, my life, or this woman. You can only choose one!"
Lucas didn't hesitate for a second. He squeezed Juliana's hand tighter, his gaze unwavering. "I choose Juliana."
The living room fell dead silent.
Ashley's eyes went wide. Her body swayed backward, nearly toppling off the couch.
"You... you're going to regret this!"
"I won't," Lucas said.
……
Once outside, Juliana gently tugged at Lucas's sleeve. "Maybe we should... take it slow?"
She knew Ashley's temper. Pushing her now would only make things worse.
Lucas turned to her. "The more we back down, the more she'll push. Besides, I'm not just her son anymore. I'm your husband. The kids' father. None of this can wait any longer."
Juliana looked at him, warmth flooding her eyes.
That day, they went to the marriage bureau and registered.
Matthew was so excited he literally bounced around.
Damian wasn't as outwardly enthusiastic as his brother, but a rare smile tugged at his lips.
"Mommy, we really have a daddy now!"
Damian walked over too, softly calling out, "Daddy."
Lucas crouched down and pulled both boys into his arms.
The family of four went to a restaurant to celebrate.
……
Outside, night had fallen.
Chloe had just been discharged from the hospital. Her face was still pale, but there was more life in her eyes now.
They passed a restaurant, and through the floor-to-ceiling windows, David saw a scene inside.
Lucas, Juliana, and the two kids, all sitting together, completely content. Lucas's face wore an expression of tenderness David had never seen before.
David stopped walking.
He watched that family of four, watched the happy smiles on their faces. Once, he'd thought he'd be part of that—Lucas's brother, the Sharp family's "son." But now, none of it had anything to do with him anymore.
He unconsciously touched his pocket, where the torn pieces of that old photo of him and Lucas were kept. He pulled them out, looked at his own ripped smile in the picture, then silently threw the pieces into a trash can on the street.
David looked away, squeezed Chloe's hand tighter, and kept walking.
……
The night was gentle.
Lucas wrapped his arms around Juliana from behind. They were looking at landscape photos on a tablet, discussing honeymoon destinations.
"How about this one? An island. Quiet."
Juliana tilted her head to look at him. "Don't you prefer cities with history?"
"With you, anywhere's perfect."
He kissed the top of her head. Juliana smiled. "Then I want to go to Europe. See those old buildings, the art museums."
"Whatever you want." Lucas tightened his arms, holding her closer.
After a soft rustling sound, the bedroom door was pushed open. Two small figures peeked their heads in and tiptoed inside.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Matthew whispered.
Damian followed close behind, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Juliana and Lucas turned their heads at the same time. The two boys were already climbing onto the bed, squeezing between them.
"What are you guys doing here?" Juliana asked with a laugh.
Matthew burrowed into Juliana's arms, his voice drowsy. "We want to sleep with Mommy and Daddy."
Damian went straight into Lucas's embrace, resting his little head on his chest. "Are you guys going somewhere without us?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Little man, you've got good ears."
"Of course!" Matthew jumped in. "We're your sons! Wherever you go, we want to go too!"
Lucas looked at the two lively boys in his arms, helpless. "How could I leave you behind?"
Juliana watched the scene, leaning against Lucas, feeling his warmth, listening to the kids' steady breathing. All the anxiety and shadows from the past melted away in this moment.
……
The next afternoon, the Sharp Estate. Ashley sat in the living room, her fingertips tapping the teacup, her expression dark.
She'd thought Lucas and Juliana's marriage was just an impulsive decision. With a little pressure, she figured Lucas would come to his senses.
Instead, what she got were photos of wedding guests and phone calls congratulating Lucas on his marriage.
"Ridiculous!" Ashley suddenly threw the teacup to the floor, shattering it.
The servants nearby froze in terror.
"A wedding reception? He actually dares to throw a reception! Without me, his mother, what is he?" Ashley's chest heaved violently with anger. "Go! Get my clothes ready! I'm going to see just how grand his wedding is!"
The servants didn't dare delay. They hurried off to prepare.
Ashley steadied herself against the couch and stood. Her body still hadn't fully recovered, but right now, fury kept her upright, radiating a reckless determination.
She would make sure everyone knew—this marriage would never have her blessing as the matriarch of the Sharp family!
……
At the wedding venue, Juliana was in the dressing room touching up her makeup.
She looked at herself in the mirror, feeling a bit surreal.
Lucas pushed the door open and walked over, gently embracing her from behind.
"Beautiful," his voice was low and warm.
Juliana leaned back into his arms, savoring the quiet moment.
"Any news about David?" she asked.
Lucas's embrace tightened. "I've used every connection I have. It's like he vanished off the face of the earth. Won't answer calls, won't reply to texts. Every lead just goes cold."
He paused. "He blocked me. I can't even send him a message."