Chapter 14
Josiah slapped a hand against his thigh, realizing too late that he had dug himself into a hole. “B-Bro… Fredric, you’ve got to help me!” he grimaced. “I never meant to steal Z’s woman! Besides, my type isn’t pure, innocent women like Cordelia. Z must have something wrong with him to actually fall for someone like her…” Fredric took a sip of tea, his lips curling into a cryptic smile. He had never imagined that the cold, ruthless third heir of the Hamertons, who had always kept his distance from women, had not only become Marcus Grist but had actually worked hard to win over a woman like Cordelia Jenner.
“Didn’t Z say that he’s not bothered by the marriage? That it’s just a cover for his identity?” Josiah suggested.
Fredric rolled his eyes. “And you believe that? Just wait and see. Things aren’t as simple as they seem with Cordelia. Who knows, Z might even want to go back to Centrolis when the time comes!”
…
After lunch, Marcus left, informing Cordelia that he was heading out. The village wasn’t large, and before Cordelia had come, Marcus would often climb the hill along a narrow path. It was a peaceful spot with few people, where he could enjoy the fresh air and be alone with his thoughts. He often needed the solitude to plan for the future.
But today, he couldn’t clear his mind. The nasty words Yelena had spewed over the phone kept echoing in his head. Marcus exhaled deeply, deciding to head to the hilltop for some peace, when a voice suddenly called out from behind. “Hey, Marcus!”
A young man waved his arm as he jogged up the path toward him.
Marcus paused and frowned slightly.
“I thought that was you from down there! Didn’t expect you to be so fast. Had to run to catch up!”
“Oh, by the way, you’re all healed up, right? Do you need me to get you more meds?”
Marcus nodded, replying without much emotion, “Thanks, I’m fine now. All healed up. Appreciate it, though.”
“We’re bros, don’t mention it!” The man clapped Marcus on the shoulder, and they continued up the hill together.
Marcus felt a sense of gratitude toward the man. Seth Stafford, from a well-off family, was one of the few wealthy villagers. He was also the only university graduate in the area, having finished medical school. When he returned home after graduation, he met Marcus, who was recovering from an injury. Seth was warm and kind, checking on Marcus regularly and even bringing him prescribed medicine—something no one else had bothered to do, as the rest of the village found Marcus too eccentric and difficult to approach.
Their unexpected friendship had brought Marcus comfort during a tough time, but it had soon become a burden. Somehow, Seth had discovered the connection between the Grists and the Jenners and broadcasted the marriage pact between the two families. The entire village of Jangasas had waited eagerly to laugh at the Jenners. If they refused to marry their daughter just because the Grists had fallen, it would have been a juicy piece of gossip in the business world, further ruining the Jenners’ credibility. In the end, the Jenners had been forced to make Cordelia marry Marcus in Yelena’s place.
“Oh, right, I haven’t asked you about married life!” Seth grinned as he looked Marcus up and down. “You look happy. Having a good time with your wife, huh? When are you bringing her to meet me?”
Marcus tried to force a smile, but it came across as unnatural. Back when Seth had come to nurse his injury, Marcus had taken on this new identity after discovering that the Grists were gone and Marcus Grist, from his ID, looked strikingly similar to him. He had concealed his true identity to prepare for his plan. Getting married hadn’t been part of it.
It was becoming a bit difficult to deal with Seth’s overly friendly nature.
“Oh, I heard the Jenner heiress doesn’t have the best temper?” Seth asked, his tone turning concerned as he looked at Marcus. “She was probably spoiled growing up, so it’s no surprise she’s got a bit of a tantrum. Try not to get on her bad side, alright? Don’t try to get even with a woman!”
“Mm, got it,” Marcus responded flatly.
Though the marriage had been unexpected, he was at least fortunate that his wife wasn’t Yelena Jenner. If it had been her, he might have been tempted to strangle Seth for all his unwelcome advice.
The two men hadn’t met for a while, and Seth invited Marcus to have a drink at his place. Just as Marcus was about to politely decline, a few older women came hurrying up the path.
“Marcus, you’re here? Hurry back home!” one called out.
“Your dear wife will fall apart if you don’t!” another added, chuckling.
The older women loved gossiping.
“Goodness, your wife is so beautiful. All the men are staring at her. And you’re still out here wandering around? You better get back, or things will go south for you!”
Marcus seemed startled, quickly turning to rush back home.