Chapter 81 : Jareth Wasn’t Joking
Ronan’s back stiffened. He turned his head around and saw Jareth and Oliver standing at the door.
Jareth barely glanced at him, his eyes passing over him lazily. “When I run into people like that, I usually rip out their tongues. It makes it easier to shut them up.”
Ronan went rigid, his knees throbbing with phantom pain.
Jareth wasn't joking at all. He would do it.
Ronan’s face was drained of color. He did not dare say another word.
Jareth walked past him and went straight to Allison. He reached out and gently pulled her up.
Allison couldn't even stay on her feet.
Her entire body ached, and most of her weight sank into Jareth’s arms.
Afraid of pulling him down with her, she kept trying to straighten herself on her own.
Jareth looked down at her. “Can you still move your arms?”
Allison tried to stretch out her other arm.
To her surprise, Jareth crouched slightly and slipped his shoulder beneath her arm.
“Hold on to me.”
When she felt his arm slide under the bend of her knee, Allison instinctively tightened her grip around his shoulder.
A moment later, Jareth lifted her effortlessly with one arm.
The entire room was shocked by Jareth’s actions.
They had all assumed Jareth was just a cripple who could not do anything. None of them expected him to pick her up so easily with his strong arm.
Ronan felt something sharp pierce his chest. His eyes flicked to Jareth, then to Allison, who did not resist. In the end, he lowered his eyes and said nothing.
Jareth hadn't come just to visit. He had come to take Allison away.
Luke moved to stop him. “Mr. Taylor, there’s no rush. Let Ms. Rogers get her measurements first so we can get started on the wedding gown.”
Jareth shot him a mocking look. “I know exactly who belongs to me. I’ll protect her myself. You don’t need to meddle.”
My person. Hearing those two words made the mood in the room turn heavy.
Nigel and Ruth still couldn't figure out what Jareth was really thinking.
Sherrie and Ronan, meanwhile, looked utterly miserable, most likely out of jealousy.
After Jareth left, Luke went after him with the tailor.
Only then did Nigel turn to Ronan, worry written all over his face. “What were you trying to say about Jareth earlier?”
Nigel still hoped that if Allison really had to marry Jareth, she could at least find some happiness. If she did, the guilt he carried wouldn't feel heavy.
But Ronan’s earlier tone made it sound like there was something seriously wrong with Jareth, something being deliberately concealed.
Only those inside the Lopez family would really know the truth.
With everyone around him, Ronan looked uncomfortable, as if he didn't want to say it out loud. “He’s… he’s a psychopath.”
Nigel waited, but Ronan didn't say much more.
Then, he forcibly asked him. “And?”
Ronan muttered, “Some things aren’t mine to say. But think about it. Have you ever heard of Jareth having any woman by his side all these years?”
Nigel frowned deeply. He still didn't understand what Ronan was trying to imply.
It might have something to do with secrets inside the Lopez family. Since Ronan refused to explain further, Nigel felt he had no right to force him to share the secrets.
Sherrie had observed Ronan carefully. Seeing how tightly wound he was, she realized something really was wrong with Jareth. If Allison married him, her life would definitely not be easy.
That thought alone was enough to take away Sherrie’s jealousy.
At Kansas Hospital, Joe stood beside the bed, adjusting the IV drip.
“Ms. Rogers,” he said casually, “even if you’re fond of medicine, you can’t keep coming back to the hospital like this.”
She had only left last night, yet she was already here again. It was the third time she had been admitted in a week.
Allison gave a sheepish smile. Truthfully, if Jareth hadn't taken her condition seriously, she wouldn't even have made it past the front desk. Without an ID, she could not even register.
After checking the IV, Joe added, “Since you’re here, stay and rest properly. You’re young, don’t end up with lifelong complications.”
After he left, only a young nurse stayed behind to look after her.
Jareth had dropped her off and hadn't returned yet.
People were saying Jareth had no idea about the wedding. He was probably confronting Mr. Jackson about it right now.
She had never wanted this marriage, and Jareth wanted it even less.
He was at the peak of his career, with daughters from every wealthy family lining up for his attention. Marrying her would be seen as a joke, something that would tarnish his reputation.
But Allison believed that, just like her, Jareth didn't really have a choice.
She had grown up around the Lopez family and knew exactly how Mr. Jackson operated. If he wasn't completely sure, he would never force anyone. But once he made a move, there was no turning back.
Ruth had been right about one thing. Even if the Rogers family refused the marriage, the Lopez family wouldn't let her go.
Even Jareth had been dragged into it.
What chance did she have?
That was why she had eventually agreed.
When she first heard about the engagement, Allison had only one question in mind. Why her?
Luke had told her this was Mr. Jackson settling an old debt. She was supposed to be grateful for it.
Allison thought it probably traced back to that day, when she picked up Jareth’s cane and offended Mr. Jackson in the process. Maybe this marriage was his twisted idea of repayment.
With the blade already at her throat, Allison no longer had the strength to wonder whether she had acted recklessly back then. All she could do was move forward, one step at a time.
Lost in thought, she suddenly heard a noise outside the room. It sounded like people were chasing someone down the hallway.
The young nurse couldn't help but peek outside.
Allison asked, “What’s going on?”
“I’m not sure,” the nurse replied. “It looks like some big shot showed up. Everyone’s rushing over just to catch a glimpse.”