As the guests whispered among themselves, Jason and Emily were happily greeting their friends.
One of their friends spoke with admiration,
“True love always finds a way! You two dated back in college, but Emily’s family didn’t approve, so you had to break up. And now, the Brooks family finally accepts you. It’s like the clouds have parted and the moon shines through. We must drink and celebrate tonight!”
“Emily’s family clearly values this marriage, otherwise they wouldn’t throw such a lavish celebration today.”
“Jason, you’d better treat Emily well from now on. If she suffers even a bit of grievance, none of us will let you off.”
While Jason and Emily were basking in the blessings, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks entered the hall.
Emily quickly pulled Jason over, pouting in mock complaint,
“Mom, Dad, why are you so late? All the guests are here already. Everyone’s been waiting anxiously.”
Mr. Brooks glanced coldly at the two without responding.
Mrs. Brooks said flatly,
“Good things are worth waiting for. What’s the rush?”
Sensing their disapproval, Emily hurriedly explained,
“Mom, Dad, do you still object to Jason? We agreed already—I’m grown up now and have the right to pursue my happiness. You can’t control my marriage like before! Please, not in front of so many guests—don’t embarrass me!”
Jason quickly added,
“Uncle, Aunt, please rest assured. I will devote myself fully to Emily. In my heart, there will never be another woman. I’ll never betray her in this lifetime. If I ever do, may I be struck by lightning—”
Before he could finish his oath, Mrs. Brooks interrupted coldly,
“Jason Miller, I heard you were close with another woman before. Her name was Rachel Evans. Is that true?”
Her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear. All eyes turned curiously toward Jason.
A flash of panic crossed his face, but he forced calmness and said,
“Aunt, Rachel Evans is just like a sister to me. She grew up in a small town in the Midwest, an orphan with no one to rely on. Emily pitied her and treated her like a sister, so naturally, I did too. That’s all.”
Emily jumped in anxiously,
“Mom, did someone feed you lies about Jason? Those are malicious rumors. I can guarantee Jason and Rachel had no relationship. He only cared for her because I did, nothing more. Some people twisted it into gossip—it’s disgusting.”
