Chapter 145
Chapter 145
It was no wonder that Alice was so sure she wouldn’t fall in love with Ethan even after they had both gotten a marriage certificate together.
“What does the Knight Family mean by doing so? And Ethan—what does he take you for? Who gives them the right to treat you like this?” The more Cecilia voiced her opinions, the angrier she got. “What? They expect you to dedicate your whole life to them after rescuing their kin?”
“Is Ethan truly getting that marriage certificate with you solely because of Caroline?” Even Lydia, who was uproarious, completely calmed down at this moment.
Right then and there, Ethan, who was outside the room, wanted to enter and explained that Caroline was never why he married Alice. I have many means to take Caroline back to the Knight Family. Marriage is undoubtedly not the path I will choose. I applied for the marriage certificate with Alice because I wanted to marry her. And there is only one reason—because I want to!
However, Alice’s voice sounded just when Ethan was about to open the door. “I myself agreed to take that marriage certificate with him.”
Alice was touched when she saw her two best friends defend her against unfair treatment. She was well aware Ethan agreeing to get a marriage certificate with her was, indeed, because of Caroline. However, she dared not to reveal this to Lydia and Cecilia, for she feared they would risk their lives and fight Ethan. I have no problem if they want to fight Ethan, but the main point is they are not his match at all. Moreover, although Ethan was indeed the one who suggested and forced us to get the marriage certificate, I still have ways to stop it if I really disagreed in the first place. The only reason I agreed to it at that time was that I remembered some incidents that took place when I rescued Caroline.
In the meantime, Ethan’s eyes flickered subtly with excitement. Was that her confession? She consented to get that marriage certificate with me!? She actually consented!?
The mere sentence that escaped Alice’s lips was enough to dispel the slight gloom Ethan had in his heart when he heard her say she wouldn’t fall in love with him earlier. She agrees! So, does it mean, deep down, Alice is willing to marry me? If so, then…
“Why did you agree? You don’t need to get a marriage certificate with Ethan even if you want Caroline to return to the Knight Family. Do you know that you will end up having a second marriage if you get married again after divorcing Ethan?! Why would you make yourself end up as a remarried woman?” It was clear that Cecilia was enraged, and her mood obviously had gotten agitated too.
“Hold your horses. Alice has yet to divorce Ethan. Why do you suddenly talk about a second marriage?” Lydia felt that Cecilia seemed a little too hasty in making a statement.
“Divorce him then. Divorce him, this instance, and find a better man!” Cecilia had well and truly blown a gasket. Why should a brilliant and kind young lady like Alice suffer such unfairness!?
Lydia was startled. Here I am, thinking that I am impulsive enough in my actions. I never thought the usually calm and collected Cecilia would be even more rash than I am. “How about we hear from Alice why she agreed to get the marriage certificate with Ethan first—” Halfway through her sentence, Lydia was met with Cecilia’s glare. Therefore, she hurriedly added, “After that, we will discuss the divorce.”
At this juncture, Ethan, who was outside the room, was nearly infuriated to death. I can’t believe they are Alice’s best friends! Why are they anticipating our divorce!? Seeing as I have married Alice, I will never divorce her! No way! Not in this life!
Ethan withdrew his intention of pushing open the door when he heard the conversation taking such a turn. He, too, wanted to find out why Alice agreed to get the marriage certificate with him in the first place.
“Caroline’s parents died in a car accident when I picked her up in the past. I wanted to help Caroline to locate her other relatives, so I went to the police station. However, I encountered a group of men when
I arrived at the police station to inquire about the news. One look was all it took for me to know they were malicious and ruthless. They were looking for Caroline too. They intended to leave no survivors of the car accident. I could tell that those men weren’t mediocre and were powerful. I was worried they would find out and harm Caroline if I allowed her to return to the Knight Family just like that. Although the Knight Family is formidable, I couldn’t guarantee Caroline would be perfectly safe there. Just like Catherine back then. I had raised Caroline as my own for several years, so I would never be in any form of danger as long as I have the means to prevent it. I couldn’t afford to take the risk, and getting a marriage certificate with Ethan was the best way to conceal Caroline’s real identity.” Alice announced the reason behind her agreement to marry Ethan. It was all for Caroline’s sake.
Then, Alice looked at Cecilia and added, “In conclusion, my marriage with Ethan is built on the same foundation, which is protecting Caroline.”
Ethan felt frustration building in his chest. So, it turns out I’m not the main reason for her agreeing to get that marriage certificate? In fact, not even my persecution at that time could make her give in. It was entirely because of Caroline. I’m starting to feel slightly jealous of Caroline now. Nevertheless, she would never agree to marry me if I hadn’t forced her using Caroline’s misfortune back then. Therefore, I will still choose the same route if I am given the options now. No matter what, I have to make her my wife first.
“It’s not as bad as you say, right? After all, the Knight Family is powerful.” Since Cecilia was also involved in Caroline’s life, she naturally didn’t want Caroline to suffer from any harm. However, unlike Alice, she felt that the Knight Family was powerful and would definitely be able to protect Caroline.
“The group of men you’ve mentioned. They are from the Wallace Family, aren’t they? If they are from the Wallace Family, then you are right. We have to stay on guard.” Lydia’s expression turned solemn. Although the Knight Family kept hiding the truth regarding the incident back then from her, Lydia lived in the same compound as them, and thus she still knew a thing or two.
“Members of the Wallace Family?” Alice frowned slightly. Is it the Wallace Family I had heard of? Although I am living with the Knight Family now, I didn’t specifically inquire about things related to Caroline.
“Yes. Catherine got married to one of the members of the Wallace Family all those years ago. The Wallace Family is influential. They are even more influential than the Knight Family in some aspects. However, the Wallace Family motto is basically the survival of the fittest. The old head of the Wallace Family has nine legitimate sons. Since the Wallace Family strongly believes that legitimacy belongs to the victor, the fights among their family members are extremely bloody. They have no regard for human life and will practically do whatever it takes for the sake of rights. Caroline married Felix, the fourth heir of the Wallace Family. Even though Felix announced his withdrawal from fighting for the inheritance rights, the people from the Wallace Family still refused to spare him and even went as far as killing Catherine.”
“What do you and Ethan have in mind then? You don’t love him. A marriage without love…” Cecilia obviously became moody as she thought of her parents’ marriage.
Each and every word Cecilia uttered truly stabbed Ethan right through his heart.
“It’s fine if she doesn’t love him. It’s no big deal. There are plenty of men in the world. Ethan isn’t the only fine man. Take your time to choose your Mr. Right.” Lydia instantly changed her stance. I have to admit that Ethan is outstanding, but Alice is far more important to me than him. I will support Alice in whatever decision she makes. If she says she doesn’t like him, then so be it. If she says she isn’t in love with him, then so be it. If she says she doesn’t think her marriage with Ethan is important, then so be it. No worries, we can find a better man for her.
At this rate, Ethan wanted to ask someone to come and teach Lydia a proper lesson so badly. Alice and I have yet to divorce, and I am still alive and well, yet Lydia is keen to find another man for Alice!? A better man, huh? I don’t believe there is another man who is better than me!