Chapter 63 : The Groom Is Underage
Allison thought, the next time I go to the Lopez mansion, I will have to return the scarf.
Sherrie was prone to jealousy. The way she had looked at the scarf earlier made it seem as if she wanted to set it on fire. I had to be careful not to give Sherrie a chance to damage it.
As she folded the scarf, Allison noticed a fish at the edge. It reminded her of the fish in Jackson’s yard.
It was common knowledge that Jackson loved fish. The ones in his pond were specially bred Platinum Arowana, each worth millions.
If the scarf had a fish embroidered on it, could it really belong to Mr. Jackson?
After some thought, Allison still could not decide where to put the scarf.
It was too big and too conspicuous.
I had no privacy in the Rogers mansion, and Ella often rummaged through my things.
With that in mind, Allison simply wrapped the scarf around her neck again. Keeping it with me was the safest option.
Her cell phone buzzed against her lower back.
Allison hopped off the stool and checked her phone, turning her back to the surveillance camera.
Another message from Joe: “Ms. Rogers, can you come to the hospital? I’m begging you!”
Joe had been a doctor for too long. Why was he always telling things halfway?
He did not explain what was wrong or what he wanted me to do. He just asked me to go to the hospital.
Thinking it briefly, Allison decided to go. I had nothing else to do, and Joe had helped me before. This could be a way to return the favor.
Gathering her things and adjusting her scarf, Allison left the Rogers mansion and hailed a cab.
“Kansas Hospital,” she said as she got in.
The driver grunted in acknowledgment, locked the doors, and started driving.
Allison noticed something odd. The driver had not turned on the meter.
She looked at him suspiciously and reminded him, “Sir, you forgot to start the meter.”
The driver let out an “Oh” and fumbled with the device.
Allison frowned and asked, “Are you new to this job?”
The driver turned his head and grinned. “Yeah, just started a few days ago. Still figuring it out. Please stay seated.”
Only then did Allison release her grip on the door handle.
Half an hour later, the cab pulled up near the hospital.
Allison tossed the driver a hundred-dollar bill and got out.
“Ugh!”
The moment her feet touched the ground, a bag was thrown over her head. Before she could make a sound, a hand clamped over her mouth, and she was shoved into another car.
Back at the Rogers mansion, everyone was still in high spirit, discussing Sherrie’s marriage.
It was not until dinner that Nigel realized Allison wasn't home. He set his tableware down in a huff.
Ruth reassured him, “Allison probably has her own friends. Maybe she lost track of time while she was having fun.”
Nigel scowled. “I hope they’re not some shady characters, or I’ll break their legs.”
Then he turned to Sherrie. “Did you finish discussing it with Ronan?”
Sherrie blushed and nodded. “We agreed to go to City Hall tomorrow.”
Nigel smiled in approval. “You’re always so reliable.”
Unlike Allison, who never did anything to my satisfaction.
That night, no one realized Allison hadn't come home.
The next morning, Sherrie took her time getting dressed before going downstairs.
Ruth was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, looking at her with full admiration. To her, Sherrie was her proudest achievement.
“Mom,” Sherrie called out shyly.
Ruth’s eyes turned red as she reached out to straighten the collar of Sherrie’s white blouse. Her voice trembled. “Just thinking about you going to another family… I can’t bear it.”
Nigel teased her, “Mom, Sherrie will live well with the Lopez family. This is a happy occasion.”
Sherrie glanced around and asked, “Where’s Allison? Is she upset that I’m getting married?”
Only then did they realize someone was missing. Nigel brushed it off quickly. “It’s better if she doesn’t show up. Less chance of her to cause trouble. I’ll make sure your marriage to Ronan goes smoothly.”
Sherrie smiled gently and nodded.
At City Hall, Ronan flipped through the household register in his hands, clearly distracted.
This had been Nigel’s idea, to take the household register and have Ronan marry Sherrie without the Lopez family’s consent.
By the time his father and grandfather found out, it would already be too late for them to object.
Ronan had not slept all night. He didn't know why he felt so restless. Marrying Sherrie had always been my ultimate goal, hadn’t it?
Now that it was happening earlier than planned, I should have been overjoyed.
While he was still lost in thought, Sherrie and her family walked over.
Sherrie twisted her fingers shyly, stealing glances at Ronan.
Nigel chuckled at his sister’s innocence and gave Ronan a firm pat on the back. “I’m entrusting Sherrie to you. If I ever find out you’ve treated her badly, I won’t let you get away with it!”
Ruth smiled brightly. “Go on. It’s your turn now.”
Sherrie happily held Ronan’s hand as they stood in line to apply for the marriage license.
Ronan’s eyes, however, kept drifting past the three people behind them. Allison was not there.
Aside from Toby, who was still out of the country, Allison was the only member of the Rogers family missing.
Why hadn't she come?
Did she still have feelings for me? Was that why she could not bear to see Sherrie and me get married?
Ronan’s thoughts kept swirling until he finally shifted his focus back to Sherrie.
For the official photo today, Sherrie wore light makeup and looked especially pure and lovely. Ronan still felt his heart flutter when he looked at her.
He calmed himself. There was no point in dwelling on the past with Allison. After all, I could never marry her.
Soon, it was their turn. Hand in hand, they smiled and handed over their household registries and ID cards.
But the clerk pushed the documents back and said plainly, “The groom isn’t twenty-two yet. I can’t process this.”
“What?”
Sherrie and Ronan exclaimed together.