Chapter 1880


    Old Mr. Jarvis retreated to the study at the back of the house; upon entering the room, he was greeted


    by Old Mr. Quintin''s smug expression, which denoted he had clearly enjoyed the spectacle.


    Huffing with frustration, Mr. Jarvis grumbled, "The Macin family really is a disappointment!"


    Mr. Quintin couldn''t help but revel in his dismay, "It serves you right for going!"


    Mr. Jarvis shook his head, his voice growing serious, "Estelle can be a bit prickly, and to folks who don''t


    know her well, she mighte off as, well, standoffish. I thought if the Macins had some


    misunderstandings with her, maybe I could smooth things over. Estelle grew up without a mother; how


    could she not long for a mother’s affection?"


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    But after seeing Simone, the ever obsequious Bet, and Terrence, whose eyes only saw dor


    signs, he knew it was a pipe dream.


    Quintin''s expression softened, "Sometimes we just can''t force things to happen. Our love for her is


    enough!"


    Catherine chimed in with augh, "From now on, I''m Estelle''s mother. I''ll make sure to give her all the


    love she''s missed out on!"


    Geoffrey added warmly, "Our whole family will dote on Estelle!"


    Mr. Jarvis nodded, "Perhaps I''m overthinking it. Let''s drop it!"


    After spending the afternoon at Old Mr. Quintin''s, they didn''t leave until after dinner.


    When it was time to part ways, Magdalen held Estelle''s hand and asked, "You''re heading back to C


    City with grandpa tomorrow?"


    Estelle replied with a warm smile, "Yes!"


    Magdalen''s face showed her reluctance, "Well,e back soon. I''ll miss you! But I know you won''t


    stay away long—Jonathan will drag you back himself if he must!"


    Estelle''s soft face was hidden in the shadow of the trees, her gaze deep and knowing, "Will you even


    have time to miss me? Aren’t you and Morrison setting off for your honeymoon in France tomorrow?"


    Magdalen''s eyes sparkled, "Even if my body will be with Morrison, my heart will be with you. I hope


    you''ll be back when we return!"


    Estelle nodded, "Sure!"


    "If only grandpa would move to J City," Magdalen joked with a wide grin. "Then we could see him every


    day."


    Jonathan had already pulled the car around. Estelle paused, "Now that you''re married, remember to


    treat Morrison right!"


    Magdalen pouted, "You should be worried about me! My folks called this morning, and the first thing


    they asked was how Morrison was doing. If I dare treat him poorly, they might disown me!"


    Estelle chuckled, "They love him by association!"


    After a few more chats, Estelle hugged Magdalen, "I should get going. Have a smooth trip and a joyous


    honeymoon."


    Magdalen snorted, "It’s the first time you''ve hugged me like this. It''s not like we''re parting forever. Don''t


    be so melodramatic. Do you need me to see you off tomorrow?"


    "No need. Our flights are around the same time. Let''s not see each other off," Estelle said while patting


    her shoulder. "Just enjoy that honeymoon you''ve been dreaming of."


    "See you in a month!"


    "Sure!"


    Letting go of her friend, Estelle walked towards Jonathan''s car while the others said their goodbyes and


    drove off into the night.


    At ten o''clock, J City was aze with life, its towering buildings adorned with neon lights. Despite the


    chill, the city''s energy was undeterred.


    Jonathan drove with one hand, the other intertwined with Estelle''s. He smiled softly, "Even after we''re


    married, I''ll make sure we visit C City for the holidays. Don’t worry; my folks will agree."


    Bathed in the glow of the streetlights, Estelle felt a gentle ripple of emotion as she nodded, "I know."


    Jonathan continued with a warm smile, "Mom even suggested that if the weather''s nice, they might join


    us in C City for the holidays."


    "Really?" Estelle was surprised. "Auntie said that?"


    "Yes," Jonathan affirmed, "I think it''s a great idea!"


    "That would be lovely. Grandpa and I would wee your whole family!" Estelle beamed.


    "What do you mean ''your whole family''?" Jonathan teased while ncing at her. "Seems like we need


    to get hitched soon, or you''ll forget you''re a Lamont."


    Estelle pursed her lips, a guilty smile creeping across her face.