The Crime Lord, the Wrong Bride, and My Return Novel

Chapter 9 As the sirens faded into the distance , I slipped an arm around each of my parents and guided them toward our car . Behind us , a calm voice called , " Commander Hill , Mrs. Hill , please wait . " Henson approached at a steady stride , saluted my parents with a sharp , military precision , then took a dark rosewood box from inside his jacket. " I have something to ask the two of you , " he said . " I hope you will consider it . " " This is a jade bracelet my parents passed down to me . It's been set aside for my future wife . " He met their eyes , his gaze open and sincere .

" I know this is sudden , but I'd like to ask for Laura's hand in marriage . " My mother blinked in surprise . " Henson , when you were engaged to Gloria before , why didn't you give her this bracelet ? " Henson answered without hesitation . 24 " To be honest , Mrs. Hill , I assumed that engagement was an arrangement Commander Hill had carefully considered , so I did not dare refuse . Before that , I had only met Gloria once . I did not know what kind of person she was . ) ) = He paused , then turned to me . " But I have admired Laura for a long time .

I kept my distance because I knew I was out of her league and I did not want to overstep . My father spoke up . " Henson , Laura just went through a broken engagement . The gossip won't be kind . If you propose now , are you not worried about what people will say ? " Henson's answer was firm . " Getting the chance to ask for Laura's hand is the greatest fortune I could ever hope for . In my eyes , Laura has always been the brightest jewel , never once tarnished . " A smile finally spread across my father's face . He clapped Henson on the shoulder .

" You brat, I have known what you feel for a long time . But back then Laura had her eyes on Chapter 9 81.82 % someone else , so I stayed out of it . " " I have watched you grow these past years . You are capable , steady , and someone I can trust . " He looked back at me . "Laura , what about you ? " I looked at the man standing straight in front of me , and my face warmed . I lowered my gaze and nodded . Joy flashed in Henson's eyes . He opened the box , took out the jade bracelet , and slipped it onto my wrist . " Laura , thank you . I'll never let you down . " He drove us home himself .

We had barely stepped through the front door of the villa when a figure lunged at us from the side . Rose . The moment she saw us , she let out a shrill , triumphant laugh. " So you really got sent back . I knew it . My son - in - law only has our Gloria in his heart . Look at you , slinking home like this . Now you finally know who the real winner is . " She jabbed a finger at my mother , full of herself . " Move . Get me the best clothes and jewelry , and get the car ready . I am going to my son - in - law's house to enjoy myself . My mother laughed outright . " No need .

You won't be wearing those gaudy things in a holding cell . You helped your daughter drug my child and swap the brides . You can go keep her company for a while . " The blood drained from Rose's face . " What did you say ? What did you do to my daughter ? " She shrieked and tried to throw herself at us . Henson gave a small nod , and the two soldiers with him stepped forward and restrained her in one smooth motion . Her curses and sobs grew faint as they dragged her away , and the house finally went quiet . Chapter 9 81.82 % The whole fiasco dominated New York's front pages for days .

A few sour people whispered about me being dumped on my wedding day . Before those whispers could turn into anything bigger , Henson issued a formal statement announcing our engagement . He also announced that the wedding would take place in a month and invited guests from every circle to attend . Immediately , the society wives and debutantes who had been sitting on the fence rushed to send over invitations , asking me to join their afternoon teas . I accepted one invitation , a luncheon cruise .

I was sipping wine and chatting with a few ladies when a commotion broke out on the far side of the deck . A familiar figure shoved past the waiters , stumbling toward us . Wilson . Editorial Board Editorial Board Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.