SWNOVELS Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Arthur was Albert’s fourth child and the youngest, and Arthur had two brothers and a sister. All of them were married. Even Arthur’s eldest brother, Hendrix’s son, was a year older than him.
So, Jenkins family had dozens of family members, not to mention those relatives they had.
Adriane roughly counted the number of people around the huge table. It seemed that almost everyone was at dinner that evening.
She had to sit beside Albert obediently since that old man had insisted. The maids prepared new cutleries for her.
“Didn’t Arthur come with you?” asked Albert with an amiable smile on his face.
“He is taking a nap because he isn’t feeling well,” Adriane answered honestly. She saw a flash of sadness in Albert’s gaze.
The middle–aged man sitting to his right noticed that too and comforted him earnestly, “Father, don’t be too sad about it. The doctor said that Arthur had injured too many parts of his body in the accident. It will take some time for him to recover.”
A graceful and well–maintained woman beside the man said, “Yes, father. Now that Arthur has a fiance, I’m sure he will get better soon. His fiance seems to be a kind and obedient girl. She will help Arthur get through this tough moment of his life.”
Adriane knew who those two people were, of course. They were Alexander’s parents. Other than Albert, they were the ones with the highest status in
Jenkins‘ manor.
Albert felt better after hearing what the couple said to comfort him. Then he looked at Adriane amiably as he said, “Thank you very much, dear. This old man appreciates the sacrifice you made for my son.”
Adriane shook her head and spoke with a sweet smile on her face, “Uncle Albert, it’s my duty as Arthur’s fiance to stay by his side when he needs me. I’m happy as long as Arthur can get well soon.”
Albert nodded his head, satisfied with the daughter–in–law he chose for his son. No one, including Albert’s pet dog, had the guts to make any noise when he was speaking. Neither one of them dared to start eating either. All of them sat obediently by the table and listened attentively.
Adriane was as calm as ever because she had decided to go with the flow before she stepped into Albert’s mansion.
However, she did not expect Albert to talk about Josie, the maid who abused and insulted her during dinner. He apologized to her, “Adriane, I’m so sorry to let you endure such humiliation and insult before even getting engaged to Arthur.”
Adriane could not bear to look at an elder in his seventies apologizing to her. She quickly stood up and said, “Uncle, I know that the maid has deceived everyone. It isn’t your fault. Besides, my eldest nephew has apologized to Arthur and me.”
Alexander, who had planned to muddle through the dinner, was startled. He could believe Adriane would address him as her nephew in front of the
family.
The children at the table were all trying not to laugh. His parent’s faces were blushing out of embarrassment. After all, Adriane was only 18 years old this year, and their son was already 26 years old..
Albert’s second daughter was on a business trip abroad and could not make it back. His third son, George, a chubby man, laughed out loud. But he stopped laughing as soon as he saw the deadly gaze from his brother and his sister–in–law.
Adriane glanced at everyone innocently, “Did I say something wrong?”
Alexander clenched his teeth and plastered a smile as he said, “No, please continue, Aunt Adriane.”
Albert looked at Adriane with tears rolling in his wrinkled eyes, “Thank you for understanding and not holding a grudge on us because of that. That maid doesn’t know who she is insulting. I believe Arthur will recover soon. Don’t worry, dear. I’ll not let anyone insult you and Arthur as long as I’m alive.”
Adriane was not silly. She knew it was a warning from Albert to those who tried to harm Arthur and those who joined the dinner that night.
With him supporting Arthur and Adriane, those who had thoughts of harming Arthur would have to think twice before planning anything.
11:24 Tue, 27 Jun
Chapter 13
“Thank you, Uncle Albert,” Adriane was grateful to have Albert backing her and Arthur up.
After her mother died when she was ten years old, there was no one in the world to protect her sincerely except Tiana Sanders, her best friend. Although she knew Albert did all that because she was the fiance of his beloved son, she could feel the warmth of family from him. That was something she swore
she would not forget.
After making his promise, Albert beckoned Adriane to sit down. Then he asked Alexander to introduce everyone at the table to Adriane.
Adriane pretended as though it was her first time meeting everyone and greeted them politely.
After the introduction, they began their dinner. Every married woman at the table had their husband by their side. Probably because he felt sorry for Adriane, Albert ordered the maid to put all the delicious dishes in front of Adriane. It was to compensate Adriane and to express his care for her and
Arthur.
Adriane’s tummy felt so stuffed that she could hardly walk after dinner.
Albert signaled all his grandchildren to leave the dining area. Only both his sons and their wives were still seated at the table with him and Adriane. Then, he looked at Adriane and seemed to hesitate a little before he requested.
“I know it is unfair for me to request anything from you after what happened, but…”
Adriane remained silent and waited for Albert to finish his words.
“Arthur is a young man with pride. He doesn’t like us visiting him, especially when he is vulnerable and ill. But I’m worried about him whenever the thought of Arthur living alone in that mansion struck me. Adriane, can you please stay with him during the holidays? Please take it as doing me a favor.”
Adriane was more than delighted, but she could not express her feelings. She was only engaged to Arthur, after all. They were not officially married, and it would be inappropriate for her to show her eagerness to stay.
Moreover, Adriane was only the adopted child of the Stewarts. It would be bad if rumors spread that she dumped her foster parents after getting a better
place to stay.
So, instead of agreeing, Adriane said sincerely, “Uncle, I’d like to stay in the manor during my holidays and take care of Arthur, but I’ll have to ask my parent’s permission first.”
Albert nodded, satisfied with Adriane’s answer, “You are a filial daughter. So, according to the custom, Arthur has to pay a visit to his future in–laws” house three days after the engagement. However, he is not well enough to go out. So, I, as his father, will visit your family on his behalf.”
Adriane’s eyes widened as she stared at Albert in disbelief. The surprise came so suddenly that she was overwhelmed.
Albert was a reputable man with an extremely high status in Berkton City. Having him visit her foster family was something overwhelming. It made Adriane quite nervous at the thought of someone so reputable visiting her foster parents.
Hendrix and George, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke, “Father, can’t we find someone else to accompany her if Arthur can’t go?”
“It’s inappropriate for an elder like you to visit her family on behalf of Arthur.”
Albert’s smile faded as he tutored his sons sternly, “There is nothing wrong with me visiting Adriane’s parents on behalf of my son.”
Both Hendrix and George were married. Albert had never personally visited their in–laws when they got married. It made them feel jealous when Albert showed more love and care for their youngest brother.
Albert knew what was on his sons‘ minds, but he did not care. Adriane wanted to persuade Albert to forget about that idea, but he was a stubborn elder. None of them could change Albert’s decision. So, Albert would be accompanying her when they visit the Stewarts.
Adriane could imagine the proud look on her foster parents‘ faces and how they would brag about Albert visiting them to their relatives and friends.
The next day at breakfast, Adriane mentioned what happened at dinner last night to Arthur. He did not show any reaction to that matter and only responded with a cold nod.
Adriane waited for him to say more about the matter, but she heard nothing from Arthur after a long wait.
11:24 Tue, 27
Chapter 13
She could not believe that she told Arthur everything and he responded to it with only a nod.
Arthur saw the wrong look on Adriane’s face again. He suppressed his sorry feelings for her and said expressionlessly, “I can’t visit your parents with you even if you expect me to go.”
Adriane was speechless. Of course, she was not expecting Arthur to go back to the Stewarts‘ mansion with her. All Adriane wanted was a better response from him. She thought, “Hey, I’m not expecting that. I’m afraid you’ll pass out in my house if I insist you go back with me.”
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Early in the morning, Adriane departed for the Stewarts‘ mansion in Albert’s car. Jenkins‘ motorcade carried Adriane’s betrothal gifts as they followed behind them.