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    Chapter 157 Turning Down The Proposal


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    After Javier had finished speaking, his gaze shifted to Scarlett, filled with a deep and affectionate


    look that seemed to speak volumes. Javier was well aware of Scarlett’s deepest desires and


    aspirations


    Scarlett’s early life had been marked by loss and longing, she had lost her father when she was


    very young and had been raised by her mother in her maternal grandfather’s home. In that


    household, a significant preference was given to male children, and her mother was exceedingly


    committed to supporting her younger brothers. This left Scarlett in a situation where love was


    scarce, and she often felt neglected. Living in such conditions where boys were valued more highly,


    she felt persistent pressure and constraint, dreaming frequently of freedom and escape. Yet, bound


    by a deep moral obligation to her family, she often felt trapped, her sense of helplessness palpable.


    During her time with Javier, Scarlett had once opened up about her innermost wishes. She


    expressed no desire for a wealthy husband; rather, her dreams were of a simple, warm, and loving


    home. She longed for a life partner who would offer genuine love and respect, apanion who


    would stand by her side. Moreover, she harbored dreams of motherhood, envisioning herself


    providing a nurturing and joyful environment for her future children.


    When Scarlett had shared these desires with Javier, it required a tremendous amount of bravery on


    her part. She hoped to convey to him that she wasn’t like the typical actresses he might know; she


    was ready to embrace marital life at a young stage, primarily motivated by love rather than the glitz


    of stardom financial gains.


    Javier, however, tactfully avoided delving deep into these topics during their discussions. His


    interest in Scarlett stemmed partly from her naivety regarding romantic matters; he felt secure


    knowing that even if she stumbled upon his darker secrets, she wouldn’t expose him, thus


    safeguarding his interests. He recognized her willingness to financially support him as well,


    although he did harbor genuine affection for her. Despite this, he was not yet prepared to fully


    commit to a rtionship.


    Unexpectedly, when Scarlett discovered his gambling habits, she decisively ended their


    rtionship.


    Initially, Javier dismissively assumed Scarlett was primarily motivated by financial concerns. The


    realization that she genuinely sought a loving partnership with him seemed imusible to him at


    first.


    It was only when he was cornered by circumstances that he recognized Scarlett’spassionate


    nature. which might be hisst refuge. He then extended an offer to Scarlett, one he believed she


    couldn’t refuse, confident in his maniption.


    Scarlett, holding strong family values, would likely strive to resolve any debts once married,


    indicating her deepmitment and willingness tobor tirelessly for family stability.


    As Javier pondered over these thoughts, he gazed intently at a bewildered Scarlett, preparing to put


    the ring on her.


    However, in a swift and decisive movement, Scarlett withdrew her hand, leaving Javier momentarily


    unbnced and visibly shocked.


    Her expression, usually gentle, now turned into a frown filled with indignation.


    The silence that enveloped the surrounding crowd was palpable.


    Isabe pinched herself in an effort to stifle herughter in the serene hall.


    Turning arrsund, she noticed both Christonher and Roglie attempting to do the same while Danielle


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    Chapter 157 Turning Down The Proposal.


    looked on with a raised eyebrow, evidently intrigued by the unfolding drama.


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    The live streamments exploded into a flurry of confusion and spection about Scarlett’s


    rejection.


    What’s going on!


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Was Javier rejected?


    I thought everything was falling into ce earlier


    Is Scarlett feeling shy? Or maybe she wants to say something!


    Scarlett’s voice then cut through the murmurs, clear and resolute, “What on earth are you doing? I


    thought I made it crystal clear, we’ve already broken up.”


    Javier’s smile faltered as he responded, his voice strained, “Lettie, are you still mad at me? Did you


    not understand what I just said?”


    “I understand,” Scarlett replied sharply, but it has nothing to do with me. We’ve already broken up.”


    Stunned by her response, Javier tried to appeal to her desire for a stable home. “You… Didn’t you


    want a home? I’m willing to give you one.”


    “You’re willing to give, but I don’t want to ept,” Scarlett retorted dismissively.


    Come on, she wants a home, not a crumbling building. What’s the deal with that?


    Christopher and Rosalie continued to stifle theirughter, relieved that Scarlett was not swayed by


    Javier’s superficial gestures.


    Javier’s supposed understanding of young women’s psychology is wed. He hadn’t anticipated


    that their natural sensitivity and timidity, borne from ack of affection, could evolve into powerful


    defense mechanisms. These qualities allow them to maintain a distance from detrimental


    influences, a skill they wouldn’t have mastered if not for their past experiences with individuals like


    Sienna and Bartholomeo.


    Christopher and Rosalie shared a look of understanding and relief; they were d that Scarlett had


    not fallen for Javier’s disingenuous charm.


    Javier, on the other hand, appeared visibly perplexed by Scarlett’s steadfast denials, momentarily


    lost for words.


    Recalling their breakup, Javier had implored Scarlett to keep his gambling issues a secret, a plea to


    which she had agreed. Despite this, the mediater spun tales that she had left him for another


    actor, yet she never exploited his secret to counter these usations,


    Frustrated by the turn of events, Javier wondered, Such a naive woman should be easy to coat and


    deceive! Why did it turn out like this?


    At that moment, two familiar figures stepped forward. Sienna, with her sharp, discerning eyes and a


    stern demeanor, addressed Scarlett reproachfully, “Scarlett, when we forbade you from seeing him,


    you fought us tooth and nail. Now that he’s proposing, you’re refusing out of spite? He’s such a


    catch, if you lose him because of your stubbornness, you’ll regret it.”


    Bartholomeo, with a more robust and imposing presence, added, “Scarlett, it’s fine to have


    asional disagreements with your partner, but it’s inappropriate to embarrass him in public. He’s


    sincerely trying, it


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    Chapter 157 Turning Down The Proposal


    would be inconsiderate of you to make a scene at this juncture.”


    Caught off guard by their sudden advocacy for Javier, Scarlett looked at them incredulously and


    questioned, “You’re okay with me marrying him? Why?”


    Historically, they had always insisted she marry into wealth, yet Javier was not wealthy.


    After exchanging a hesitant look, Sienna responded, “Of course, we’re concerned about your


    happiness. You’re an adult now, and as your elders, our primary desire is to see you happy. Nothing


    else matters.”


    Trying to appear conciliatory, Bartholomeo offered a forced smile and assured, “Javier truly cares


    for you. Trusting him with your well–being puts our minds at case.”


    Scarlett eyed them warily, as if seeing strangers where her family stood. Their sudden disy of


    concern was unexpected, especially considering the silent conflicts that had arisen from her recent


    defiance.


    Scarlett, rarely on the receiving end of genuine familial support, hesitated slightly, her expression


    softening, yet her determination remained firm. “L… I’m not right for him,” she stated definitively.


    She attempted to leave, only to be gently restrained by her family, each holding one of her arms.


    “Darling, think it over again,” implored Sienna.


    “We all think highly of Javier and believe in your rtionship,” added Bartholomeo, echoing the


    sentiment.


    Isabe and herpanions watched the drama unfold with astonishment.


    Danielle voiced her suspicions candidly, “Would they still be so supportive if they knew that Javier


    had swindled ten million? It feels like they don’t truly desire Scarlett’s happiness.”


    That’s quite unsettling,” Rosalie remarked.


    Christopher, with a scornful chuckle, added, “Their concern is feigned. They’re just underestimating


    Scarlett.”


    Isabe inwardly scoffed at the situation,


    Driven by their own interests, her rtives had always prioritized profit over her well–being.


    However, as Scarlett began to assert her financial independence and resist their control, they


    became desperate. Javier’s timely proposal, promising not only to forego a dowry but also to offer a


    betrothal gift, appeared as a solution to them. He also assured them that marrying Scarlett would


    restore her to the obedient dutiful daughter she had once been, aligning perfectly with their ulterior


    motives.


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