Chapter 622 Meeting the Parents
Scarlett nodded with satisfaction, immediately slipping the bracelet onto her wrist and caressing it lovingly. "George, check out how thoughtful Wanda is. Way better than some people!"
Wanda feigned confusion. "Who are you talking about?"
Scarlett snorted. "Who else? That wretch Emma! When she married into the Russell family, she didn't even bring a decent gift. Always had that cold look on her face, like we owed her something."
"Emma?" George asked, tilting his head.
"You've finally forgotten about your precious Emma, huh?" Scarlett said sarcastically, making George's frown deepen.
Wanda didn't want George to hear Emma's name again, fearing it might stir up his memories, so she quickly interjected. "Don't be upset. How could someone like her compare to you? She only got into the Russell family because George was momentarily confused."
Scarlett nodded repeatedly. "Exactly! A woman of her lowly background could never be good enough for our George. Wanda, on the other hand, is sensible, beautiful, and well-mannered. She's the daughter-in-law I've always wanted!"
Wanda lowered her head, pretending to be shy. "You're too kind. I just genuinely care for George and want him to be happy."
The more Scarlett looked at her, the more pleased she was, holding onto her hand. "George, look at how considerate Wanda is! You can't let her down!"
George sat nearby, drinking water with a blank expression, seemingly ignoring their conversation.
Seeing that George didn't object, Scarlett felt even happier, thinking he had finally given up on Emma. She continued to add fuel to the fire. "George, it's about time you woke up! What can a woman like Emma do besides play the victim? She always acted so high and mighty, but who knows what shady things she did behind our backs!"
Wanda chimed in. "Yes, I heard she used to flirt with many men. Her reputation is terrible."
Scarlett sneered. "Exactly! The sooner she leaves the Russell family, the better!"
George's fingers paused slightly, and he looked at Scarlett with a deep, unreadable gaze, but still said nothing.
Wanda, seeing this, felt even more triumphant. She leaned closer to Scarlett and whispered, "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, Emma will never get close to George again."
Scarlett patted her hand. "With you saying that, I'm relieved!"
"Now that we've talked about it, George, isn't it time to settle things with Wanda?" Scarlett took a sip of water, her eyes fixed on George.
George's fingers paused again, and he looked at Scarlett. "What do you mean?"
"What else could I mean?" Scarlett glared at him. "Your marriage, of course! Wanda is such a good girl; you can't let her down."
Wanda lowered her head, a blush of shyness on her face, but inside, she was elated. She stole a glance at George, who still looked indifferent, making her a bit uneasy.
"Mom, there's no rush," George said calmly, putting down his cup.
"How can there be no rush?" Scarlett frowned. "You're not getting any younger, and Wanda is so understanding. The sooner you get married, the sooner I can have grandchildren."
Wanda chimed in at the right moment. "George might be too busy with work. I get it." She looked at George with feigned concern. "George, if you think now isn't the right time, we can wait."
Scarlett immediately felt sorry for her and held her hand. "Wanda, you're too considerate. George, look at how much she thinks of you!"
After a moment of silence, George finally spoke. "Alright, we'll get the marriage license tomorrow."
Wanda could hardly believe her ears. She suppressed her inner joy and lowered her head modestly. "George, are you really willing?"
"Yes," George replied flatly, his gaze drifting out the window as if looking at something far away.
Scarlett smiled with satisfaction. "That's more like it! Wanda, go with George tomorrow to get the marriage license. We'll plan the wedding later."
Wanda nodded obediently. "I'll do as you say."
That night, Wanda was so excited she could hardly sleep. She kept imagining the scene the next day and fantasizing about her glamorous life as George's wife. As for Emma, she would never let her off!
Early the next morning, Wanda dressed up meticulously. She wore a white dress and delicate makeup, looking pure and elegant. She held George's arm, constantly scanning their surroundings, afraid Emma might suddenly appear and cause trouble.
"George, do you think Emma will come?" she asked tentatively.
George's steps paused slightly, his eyes growing colder. "She won't."
Wanda breathed a sigh of relief but still felt uneasy. She clung tightly to George's arm, as if that could ensure nothing would go wrong.
They walked into the marriage registry office, where the staff greeted them warmly. Wanda maintained a sweet smile throughout, occasionally glancing at George's expression, afraid he might change his mind at the last minute.
Emma never showed up, and Wanda finally felt completely at ease.
"Please show your IDs," the staff member said with a smile.
Wanda quickly pulled out her passport, proudly handing it over. George also handed over his ID with a blank expression.
The staff member took the passport, frowned slightly while checking the information, then looked up at Wanda and back at the ID. Hesitating, she said, "Miss, your passport photo doesn't quite match your appearance."
Wanda's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself, laughing. "The photo was taken years ago. It's normal for girls to change a lot, right?"
The staff member scrutinized it again and reluctantly nodded. "Maybe it's the makeup."
Wanda breathed a sigh of relief, cursing inwardly. "That damn photo almost ruined everything!"
The staff continued working on the computer, suddenly exclaiming, "That's odd. The system shows Mr. Russell's marital status as 'married.'"
George frowned. "That's impossible."
Wanda panicked. "Is there a system error? George can't be married!"
The staff quickly explained. "It might be a system delay. Let me refresh it."
Wanda clung to George's arm, her nails almost digging into his suit sleeve. She stared at the registry office door, silently praying, "Please, no problems, no problems."
But the next moment, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor echoed from the entrance, each step like a hammer on Wanda's nerves.