Chapter 959 If You Want to Get Married, It's Better to Choose a Man Who Is Good for You
When the wedding dresses arrived, Violet handed Emily a cup of coffee prepared by the staff and asked, "How's your dad doing lately?"
"It's nothing major. His heart condition flared up, and he was in the hospital for a week. He got discharged yesterday, but he's been feeling weak and wants me to get married soon. He's worried his health might decline again," Emily sighed as she took the coffee. She had never realized how heavy the responsibility of carrying the entire Hart family could be.
This time, after the old condition of her father, Douglas Hart, acted up, she felt immense pressure for the first time.
During the week Douglas was hospitalized, she handled all the company affairs alone while still attending classes, which left her utterly exhausted.
She had to temporarily drop her classes and planned to return to school tomorrow.
It was the week that made her realize she needed someone to rely on, but she wasn't ready to accept Austin just yet.
Even though he was indeed a good guy—honest and kind to her—she didn't feel a strong connection with him, which is why she hadn't taken things further.
"Don't stress too much. Mr. Hart's discharge means it's not too serious. As for the engagement, I don't want you to force yourself. Marriage is a lifelong commitment."
Emily understood the logic, but the situation was different now. Although Douglas was discharged, his health was no longer what it used to be. She couldn't afford to be reckless and carefree anymore; she had to take on responsibilities and couldn't just end things if she didn't like them.
This was Emily's dilemma. "Violet, I just need time to accept Austin. He's really good to me, at least I don't have to chase after him or constantly worry about him."
"Sometimes when we go on dates, he doesn't try to take advantage of me. He just respectfully has dinner with me and leaves, never making me uncomfortable."
"My dad really likes him and encourages me to accept him, but my heart is still thinking about someone else."
Emily's mood dropped as she spoke. She felt unworthy of someone like Austin, who was so gentle with her, while she still harbored feelings for Lucien.
She felt bad about herself for not reciprocating Austin's genuine feelings.
"So, you're still thinking about Lucien?" Violet sighed, looking at her.
She had guessed that Emily's troubles stemmed from not being able to let go of Lucien.
Violet hadn't interacted much with Lucien, but the few times they met because of Darian, she noticed Lucien had a certain charm.
But he didn't like Emily. No matter how charming he was, what could be done?
Violet thought that if it came to marriage, it was better to choose someone who treated you well if you couldn't have the one you loved. Feelings could be cultivated gradually. Austin wasn't a bad choice. Emily just needed time to forget Lucien.
"Yeah," Emily admitted reluctantly.
"Want to hear my honest opinion?"
Emily gave a bitter smile, bracing herself for Violet's advice. "Go ahead. I came to you for a reality check."
"I'm not gonna scold you," Violet said, smiling to ease her tension. "I just want to say that when it comes to marriage, it's better to choose someone who treats you well. If you marry someone who doesn't love you, you might end up really unhappy, maybe not even seeing him often. Is that what you want?"
"I think you shouldn't rush into an engagement with Austin. First, let go of Lucien, and then open your heart to fully accept Austin. The reason you can't accept Austin is that you're still holding onto Lucien. Either let him go completely or don't string Austin along. He seems genuinely interested in marrying you."
"Of course, this is just my suggestion. The choice is ultimately yours."
As Violet finished speaking, Emily's eyes turned red, feeling a pang of sadness. Her best friend had hit the nail on the head, which was why she was so troubled.
Emily sniffled, pressing her eyes to stop herself from crying. She couldn't cry; Violet was about to be a bride, and she didn't want to ruin her happiness. Forcing back her tears, she said, "Violet, you're right. I can't keep stringing Austin along. That's just like being a two-faced jerk."
"I won't think about it anymore. Starting today, I'll try to accept Austin."
Violet hugged her. "I'm glad you understand."
"Don't be sad. Our Emily is always a happy beauty."
Emily couldn't help but laugh at Violet's motherly tone. She just needed to vent a little, and she felt much better. She smiled and said, "Alright, I'll be happy from now on."
Just then, the manager came in with two other staff members, carefully carrying three incredibly expensive wedding dresses. "Mrs. Hall, the dresses are here."
Violet glanced at the dresses, which were indeed masterpieces and very beautiful.
She quickly pulled Emily along. "Come on, help me try on these dresses."
Emily, feeling better, nodded and got up to join her in trying on the wedding dresses.