Chapter 229 The Wedding (1) I'll Give You Everything, Take Care of You for a Lifetime
"That's none of your business. Just focus on being the bride-to-be," Cecilia snapped, keeping her secret about Dashiell's measurements to herself. Deep down, she knew Seraphina'd end up marrying Dashiell.
"Stupid bride-to-be!" Seraphina yelled, slamming the phone down. She collapsed onto her bed, feeling utterly hopeless since agreeing to marry Dashiell yesterday. She hadn't left her room, only getting up to use the bathroom. She even fantasized about dying in bed, imagining Dashiell finding her dried-up corpse and being so scared he'd be impotent for life.
'Wait a minute,' she thought, suddenly excited. Maybe Dashiell's leg injuries affected his lower body too. She didn't know what to feel but was sure she'd never sleep with him or have his kids.
Seraphina stayed bedridden for six days, living in darkness. She wondered if Sebastian would call or if they'd face the challenges together. If he did, she'd refuse to marry Dashiell.
But Sebastian didn't call or message her, and his social media was silent. It felt like he had forgotten her, deepening her despair, even though she knew he was doing it for her own good.
Atticus was discharged on the third day and returned alone to the Everhart Mansion. He and Magnolia were really divorced; Seraphina saw the divorce certificate and agreement. Magnolia left with nothing, though Seraphina didn't know if Atticus would give her anything privately. She just wanted to humiliate Magnolia, hoping she'd push Dashiell to divorce her.
After Atticus's discharge, he and Seraphina didn't communicate. They both hated each other—Seraphina for him abandoning her mother, and Atticus for her breaking up his relationship with Magnolia. Their conflict and estrangement deepened.
On the fifth night, Seraphina couldn't sleep, dreading her wedding to Dashiell the next day. The thought made her feel like her world was collapsing, and she even considered running away but lacked the courage.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. She didn't want to open it or hear anyone's advice. No one understood her suffering.
"Seraphina, it's Dad," Atticus called from outside. She hesitated.
"I just want to say a few words," he added, knowing she wasn't asleep. Reluctantly, she opened the door.
"You're getting married tomorrow," Atticus said.
"I don't need your reminder. I won't back out," she replied, annoyed.
"Once you're married, you'll be an adult," Atticus said, ignoring Seraphina's defiant tone.
"Don't try to convince me to get along with Dashiell or have his kids. That's never happening!" Seraphina snapped.
Since her mom passed away, their relationship had only gotten worse.
"This is our family's heirloom," Atticus said, pulling out a box. Seraphina was surprised; she thought he was there to persuade her on Magnolia's behalf.
"Your grandmother gave it to your mother, and when we divorced, she returned it to me. I've kept it ever since," Atticus explained. "Today, I'm giving it to you."
Seraphina's throat tightened. "Do I still count as part of the Everhart family?"
Despite their conflicts, she thought Atticus wanted her out of the family.
"Silly girl," Atticus said, touching her hair. "You're my daughter, and that won't change."
His firm tone moved Seraphina, though she told herself she was just being soft-hearted.
"Let me help you put it on," Atticus said, taking out a finely carved emerald cross necklace and putting it on her. For once, Seraphina didn't resist.
"It will keep you safe," he said. Seraphina didn't respond but accepted his gesture.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow will be tiring," Atticus added, knowing he couldn't rush things with her. Cecilia had reminded him that Seraphina's issues stemmed from a lack of communication and security. He owed her a lot, especially for not being there during her mother's illness.
As Atticus left, Seraphina noticed his hair had some gray in it. She always thought he was invincible, but seeing him collapse and now with gray hair made her realize he wasn't.
She closed the door and returned to her bed, touching the cold emerald on her neck. She couldn't believe she had accepted his gift. She thought once she married and left the Everhart Mansion, they'd be completely estranged. But Atticus had shown her kindness.
Feeling agitated, she picked up her phone to distract herself. She saw an unread message from Dashiell. She opened it just to delete it but read it first.
Dashiell: [I will do everything I can to take care of you for a lifetime.]
She quickly deleted it, almost urgently, as if the words were unbearable.
She thought, 'Nonsense! Dashiell shouldn't even think about it!'
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