Chapter 19
Desmond’s voice was thick with frustration as he held out the custom-made diamond ring. “If you hadn’t run away, we’d be on our honeymoon by now.” But Daisy didn’t react as he’d hoped. She didn’t even glance at the ring, her face betraying no emotion. Instead, she simply took Gordon’s hand and started walking toward the gates of the Davis Family estate.
Desmond’s smile faltered, his confidence slowly crumbling. It dawned on him that Daisy wasn’t just upset, she truly didn’t want him anymore. Panic gripped him, icy and immediate.
“Daisy!” His voice cracked with disbelief as he watched her step past the gates, her figure fading from view. His usual composure evaporated in an instant. Without thinking, he lunged forward, desperate to stop her. But this was Portland. Before he could even reach the gates, the Davis Family’s guards blocked his path.
“Move!” Desmond’s voice was cold and sharp.
At the sound of the commotion, Daisy paused. She stopped, then slowly turned around. Hope surged in Desmond’s chest, his hand outstretched.
“Daisy, come back with me.”
But Daisy didn’t flinch. She reached into Gordon’s pocket and pulled out a red booklet, opening it without hesitation.
“Desmond, I’m married now. It’s time we both moved on and left the past behind.”
Desmond’s gaze fixed on the marriage certificate in her hand, and a wave of rage surged through him. He couldn’t believe she had made this decision without him. His heart stopped as he saw the date on the certificate, a chilling realization setting in. A month ago, on the very day he had abandoned her, she had already moved on. The pain struck him like a knife, and a soft cry of her name escaped him.
“Daisy…”
Daisy continued, her voice steady, “And when you proposed to annul our engagement that day, I agreed. We don’t have any connection anymore.”
Desmond shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. “That doesn’t count. Daisy, I never truly wanted to separate from you.”
Daisy didn’t even spare him a glance. She turned and walked away, leaving him standing in the dust of his regret.
As Desmond stood frozen, unable to stop her, Samuel’s voice rang out, low and commanding. “I don’t approve of this marriage.” Every eye turned toward him, drawn by the weight of his authority.
From several meters away, Samuel locked eyes with Gordon, his gaze like a sharpened knife. “I’m Samuel, her father. I oppose her marrying into the Davis family.” He then turned to Daisy, his tone softening with a plea. “Come back home with me, now.”
Before Daisy could speak, a mocking laugh echoed from behind. Gordon’s mother, elegantly dressed, stepped forward with a half-amused smile.
“It’s the twenty-first century. First time I’ve heard that a daughter can’t marry because her parents don’t approve.”
Daisy sized Samuel up with disdain, clicking her tongue in mockery. “Where did this leftover feudal mentality come from?” A ripple of quiet laughter spread through the crowd.
Samuel’s face twisted with rage, his expression trembling. “The orders of parents and the matchmaker’s arrangement are the natural way of things! Don’t spout nonsense!”
Heather stepped in. “Sister, a marriage without the blessing of parents won’t be happy. Besides, even if your in-laws treat you well, it can never compare to your own flesh and blood.” She softened her tone, her words turning into a plea. “What will you do if they turn on you in the future? Can’t you come back with us? If it’s because of me that you don’t want to return home, I’ll sever all ties with the Johnson family.”
Before Daisy could respond, her mother’s face tightened with alarm. She immediately reached out to pull Heather back.
“Heather, what are you saying? If I have to choose between you and Daisy, I’ll choose you!”
