Chapter 1440 I Don't Believe in God
Selena showed no surprise at the announcement, though murmurs rippled through the other Smith family members.
It was well known that marriages in the Smith family proceeded only with the priest's blessing of compatibility. Jason and Octavia's relationship had ended precisely because they were deemed incompatible.
Tatum folded her hands over her chest, her voice dispassionate. "Therefore, Selena, you cannot remain with your boyfriend. We advise you to end the relationship."
Selena's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but her voice remained resolute. "Grandmother, I don't believe in God."
Her words plunged the room into silence.
Richard wanted to signal Selena a warning, but reconsidered. He understood both her and Raymond's temperaments well enough. After overcoming so many obstacles to be together, they wouldn't separate over mere words. He chose to remain silent.
Nolan's voice cut through the silence. "In the Smith family, belief is not optional."
Raymond immediately positioned himself in front of Selena, a forced smile on his face. "Perhaps Selena doesn't need to be part of the Smith family."
"Is that so? But Smith blood runs through her veins," Nolan replied coldly. "Unless you drain every drop of Smith blood from her, we will continue to have a say in her life."
The thinly veiled threat hung in the air.
Raymond's expression darkened as he shielded Selena completely behind him. "Mr. Smith, are you threatening Selena's life?"
Nolan set down his teacup, his tone softening. "You're the threat to her life, not us. If she leaves you, the entire Smith fortune will be hers, and she'll be my most cherished granddaughter. Mr. Montague, you have enough troubles of your own without entangling yourself in Smith family matters."
Selena gripped Raymond's hand and stepped to the side, making herself visible to everyone. "I'm afraid that's impossible. I'm carrying his child. We'll be together for life."
Another hush fell over the hall, followed by hushed whispers among the family members.
Nolan's brow furrowed deeply, and the whispers instantly ceased. His expression turned razor-sharp.
"Not only are you and Raymond incompatible, but the priest has warned that any child from your union would bring calamity to the entire Smith family. This pregnancy cannot continue."
Raymond's eyes flashed with fury, but before he could speak, Selena squeezed his wrist.
"Very well, Grandfather, Grandmother. But this is a significant matter. Could I have two days to process this?"
Nolan seemed surprised by her response but nodded slowly.
Tatum interjected, "Selena, you've suffered enough. Please believe that we all love you."
Selena offered a faint smile, took Raymond's hand, and walked toward the exit.
The hall remained eerily quiet, with only the faintest whispers following their departure.
Richard hurried after them. Once they were in the car, he exhaled sharply.
"Have you lost your mind? You're not actually considering terminating the pregnancy, are you?" He turned to Raymond. "Say something, damn it! I always knew you were bad news. Selena's talking about aborting your child, and you're just sitting there silent!"
Despite Richard's persistent pleas, Selena remained silent until their car stopped outside an underground fighting arena. They proceeded to the seventh level.
With unspoken coordination, Selena and Raymond both showered and had their clothes incinerated. They replaced their phones and underwent full-body scans. Richard was subjected to the same security measures before being allowed into the master bedroom on the seventh floor.
Richard was bewildered. "What's going on here?"
He saw Selena sitting by the window, her brow deeply furrowed.
Raymond massaged her shoulders. "You're so tense. Did you discover something significant?"
Selena's expression shifted as she nodded slowly.
Richard moved closer, eager for answers. "What secret? Tell me."
Selena took a deep breath, first giving Raymond a grateful look. Despite her troubling words at the Smith estate and her silence during their journey, he hadn't questioned her once they reached the arena. He had simply followed her lead, complying with the clothing change and phone replacement without hesitation. His unwavering trust filled her with both comfort and a bittersweet ache.
"The current Grandfather and Grandmother are imposters," she finally declared.
Richard slammed his hand on the table. "Impossible! Selena, don't talk nonsense."
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