Forgotten Love: Mr. President, Mrs. Fordham Has Rejected You!-Chapter 208: The Wedding Is Set

The entire afternoon, with Steven Fordham’s strategic wisdom, they finally settled on the details of the couple’s wedding ceremony.

The wedding was set for a month after the new year, less than three months away from now.

With just a glance from him, Keegan Lindsey delivered the prepared dowry lists to both Mrs. Whitman and Mrs. Sterling.

This old man is indeed wise, having prepared identical copies, treating the Whitman and Sterling families equally.

The small booklet opened, over a meter long, showcasing the wealth and grandeur of the Fordham Family, worthy of being the wealthiest clan.

Mrs. Whitman nodded in satisfaction, "Elder Fordham, you’ve truly put in the effort. As long as the children can be happy, I can be at ease as a mother."

Mrs. Sterling looked at the gift list, not feeling much joy. After a while, she finally said,

"Sir, can I exchange this gift list for a promise from you?"

Steven Fordham showed a hint of surprise on his face, "Mrs. Sterling, please speak."

"If one day, Stella is unhappy, if she truly regrets it, I hope you’ll let her go."

"I hope you can give her the right to choose, without anyone imposing."

This is a mother’s most genuine love for her daughter.

Because Aiden Fordham had a record, life is long, and who can guarantee a marriage without issues?

Entering a wealthy family is like the deep sea. Because a CEO’s divorce can affect the company’s stock prices, many women endure it silently for a lifetime.

But she doesn’t want this marriage to become her daughter’s lifelong shackle.

The promise she seeks for her daughter is beyond the value of this multi-billion gift list.

Steven Fordham considered for a few seconds and solemnly nodded.

"Mrs. Sterling, rest assured. I guarantee that if such a day comes, no matter what choice Stella makes, I will not hinder her and will not allow anyone else to."

Then he turned to Keegan Lindsey and said, "Let the lawyer draft a relevant agreement. If Aiden wrongs Stella, he will leave with only what he came with. If one day, Stella files for divorce, she should be able to get half of his assets unconditionally."

"Okay." Keegan Lindsey nodded and quickly took note.

Mrs. Sterling finally felt the heavy burden lifted from her heart, "Thank you, sir, for your understanding and generosity. Please take back this dowry."

Steven Fordham laughed and waved his hand, "Mrs. Sterling, keep it; consider it as spare change for Stella. These years, the Sterling Family has raised her to be so outstanding, which is truly deserving of credit."

This old man’s way of handling matters, both wise inside and out.

Mrs. Sterling smiled brightly, "Then I graciously accept."

This gift list, she now accepted with a clear conscience.

Mrs. Whitman silently observed this scene, suddenly feeling ashamed. Mrs. Sterling truly fulfilled the role of a mother.

No wonder Sierra clung to her affectionately, calling her mom.

Because she truly is a good mother!

Tears welled unknowingly in the corners of Mrs. Whitman’s eyes...

In the evening, at the Whitman Family dining room, there were two unfamiliar faces at the table.

One was Hector Whitman, the second son of the Whitman’s second household.

Just returned from abroad, he was only twenty-two years old this year.

He wore a trendy, tailored black leather jacket, with three piercings in his left ear, diamond-studded silver earrings forming a line, dazzling under the light.

This look made him particularly conspicuous in the traditional setting of the Whitman Family.

The other was Joelle Lockwood, the daughter of Mrs. Whitman’s close friend.

She had arrived in the evening, accompanying Mrs. Whitman in playing the piano in the side hall, her demeanor elegant and exceptionally beautiful.

Mrs. Whitman’s gaze at her was like that of a future daughter-in-law, affection almost overflowing from her eyes.

She specifically arranged Joelle Lockwood’s seat next to Hugh Whitman.

Halfway through the meal, she gently spoke again.

"Hugh, take care of Joelle and serve her some dishes."

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Mrs. Whitman was seeking a future daughter-in-law for her eldest son.

Mr. and Mrs. Sterling exchanged a glance, feeling slightly relieved, just thankful that Hugh wasn’t constantly eyeing their Vivi.

Anyone interested in this "impossible" man, feel free to take him.

"Okay." Hugh nodded once and responded.

He picked up the communal chopsticks and began serving dishes into Joelle’s bowl.

Crystal shrimp, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, crab tofu, Kyoto ribs...

Soon, a small mountain of food piled up in the bone china bowl in front of Joelle Lockwood.

Joelle’s expression shifted from delight to fright, finally hurriedly reaching out to protect her own bowl.

"Eldest Master, enough, enough, I really can’t eat anymore."

Hugh’s voice was unusually gentle, even with a hint of amusement.

"Miss Lockwood, don’t be shy; eat more."

"The dishes at the Whitmans are rare, so don’t waste them."

Joelle Lockwood gently smiled, took back the bowl piled into a small mountain, and began tackling it with small bites.

It looked like it would take at least half an hour to finish.

Vivi couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of that food mountain.

Beside her, Claire glanced at her and then silently lowered her head, not daring to gesture at anything, still haunted by the shadow of that large bowl of rice at noon.

Hugh’s gaze shifted over, and his chopsticks reached for Vivi’s bowl.

But this time, the portion was just right.

A bit of her favorite broccoli and a piece of fish without bones.

Recently, she hadn’t been vomiting as much, and her physical condition was good, much to his relief.

Following Joelle’s example, she softly said,

"Thank you, Eldest Master."

Hugh looked at her, the corners of his eyes forming a very slight curve.

In the warm light, his handsome face looked even softer, a virtual lady-killer.

Vivi’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head to eat, not daring to look at him again.

At the other end of the table, Abel Whitman and Elder Fordham sipped and chatted slowly, appearing very congenial.

Meanwhile, Aiden Fordham was attentively taking care of Stella, occasionally whispering something that made her giggle, the atmosphere surprisingly good.

Finally, after finishing the meal, the sky had completely darkened.

Stella was taken away by Aiden Fordham.

Mrs. Whitman looked at Hugh, then at the quiet Joelle beside her.

"Hugh, take Miss Lockwood out for a walk to ease off the meal."

He agreed and indeed led her out, their figures disappearing into the garden’s night.

Vivi’s gaze unintentionally swept over, seeing those two silhouettes disappearing around the corner of the garden path.

She expressionlessly withdrew her gaze and turned to walk in the opposite direction.

It hadn’t snowed today, but the night wind was strong, carrying the typical chill of winter.

A few strands of hair blew against her cheek, slightly itchy and cool.

She only wore a not-so-thick white cotton jacket, the chill seeping persistently through the collar.

A thought emerged without warning.

Would Hugh take off his warm-looking thick coat and drape it over Miss Lockwood?

And then...

Damn.

Vivi suddenly stopped; what was she letting her mind wander to?

Hugh, whoever wants him can have him; she certainly doesn’t.

Vivi slowly walked along the garden path, gently stroking her belly with one hand.

At this point, her belly was slightly rounded.

Not yet 11 weeks, but the baby seemed to be growing quickly.

Could it be that she’d eaten too much, gotten fat, and lost her looks?

Men like thin women, Hugh’s taste should...

Oh, phooey!

Why was she thinking about him again?

She frustratedly tapped her own head twice.

"Gone dumb? Started self-abuse?" A familiar, teasing male voice sounded from behind her.

Her body stiffened, and she turned around sharply.

If it wasn’t Hugh Whitman, then who could it be.

Seeing his coat still on, a trace of indescribable joy unexpectedly arose in her heart, but she coldly asked, "Weren’t you strolling through the garden with that Miss Lockwood?"

Hugh laughed and stepped closer, his tall figure exuding a strong sense of pressure.

"With you here acting as a third wheel, I couldn’t do anything bad, so I sent her off first."

Vivi retorted, "What’s that to do with me? It’s just that you, Eldest Master Whitman, lack charm."

He smirked, his deep eyes locked onto her, "Is that so? Not even a little attracted to me?"

She sneered, her chin slightly raised like a proud peacock.

"The father of my child leaves you in the dust."

Hugh was dumbfounded.

When he looked at her again, his gaze was so tender it seemed it could melt the air.

The father of the child! He loved this title immensely.

His voice instantly lowered, taking on a magnetic allure, "Vivi, do you want to try again with me?"

Her heartbeat skipped a beat, "Try what?"

He said, "Try to like me."

She laughed, with a bit of mockery, "Eldest Master Whitman, is it ethical for you to seduce a pregnant woman?"

He paused for a moment, then laughed too, his eyes hiding a trace of mischief.

"A bit unethical indeed."

"Since it’s already unethical, might as well do something naughty."

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly bent down and, amidst her startled cry, scooped her up around the waist.

Vivi was terrified, struggling with both hands and feet, "Ah! Hugh Whitman, put me down! Where are you taking me?"

He ignored her, tightening his grip and steadily carrying her, striding away from the brightly lit garden into a darker wooded area.

This was a small path, flanked by dense trees impenetrable by light, with only a dim street lamp visible in the distance.

The wind whistled through the woods, lifting the stray strands of hair by her ear, while leaves rustled in the breeze.

The darkness instantly swallowed Vivi’s earlier bravado.

"Hugh Whitman, put me down quickly, sob, I’m sorry, I won’t scold you anymore... take me back."

Afraid of the dark, her voice was tinged with sobs.

She clung tightly to his neck, eyes shut tight, her entire body trembling.

About three minutes later, Hugh’s footsteps stopped.

His gentle voice sounded by her ear, his breath tickling her ear.

"Vivi, open your eyes, it’s not dark ahead."

She refused, burying her head even deeper.

He spoke again, his tone filled with affection and patience.

"Vivi, trust me."

Vivi hesitated, slowly, gradually opening her eyes.

Suddenly.

The dark space in front of her lit up in one beam after another, the lights in the trees came on, the flowerbeds lit up, the grassy area brightened.

In the distance, there was an ice fortress glowing with a crystalline light, a small castle sculpted from ice, shining like daylight under countless lights.

With darkness gone, only a dazzling brightness remained.

Vivi widened her eyes in astonishment, sliding down from his arms, step by step, toward that ice fortress.

As she walked inside, a sensation of cold hit her, the ice fortress filled with colorful lights cast a kaleidoscope of hues.

Indeed, it was something Hugh had someone build specially for her.

She stood amidst the play of light and shadow, feeling her eyes suddenly grow warm.

Zane Zimmerman once told her that the snow in Mardale was heavy, and once it passed, the snow could be carved into an ice fortress, incredibly beautiful.

And now, seeing a real ice fortress, her heart was filled with an indescribable sense of shock.

"Did you do this?" She turned to look at him, her voice trembling slightly.

He stood there, gazing at her with deep affection.

"Vivi, the darkest times are over; ahead lies brightness. Can you step out of the darkness?"

Vivi’s heart trembled violently, as if scalded by something.

He walked forward, taking her face in his hands and kissed her directly.

The kiss was intense, irresistibly dominant, warming her cold heart inch by inch.

Tears slid down her cheeks.

But she didn’t push him away.

He... was the one who dispelled all her darkness.

He infiltrated her defenses inch by inch, and she, little by little, became immersed in his world...

Who knows how long the kiss lasted until a commotion came from outside, sounding like a large group of people approaching.

Only then did Hugh reluctantly leave her lips, her head resting on his broad shoulder, gently cradling her trembling form, precious as jewels.

The butler led over twenty servants grandly toward their location.

Anyone unaware might suspect a brawl was imminent.

Some carried barbecue grills, others brought foldable tables and chairs, and more carried plates, stacked neatly with top-grade wagyu, freshly caught seafood, and fresh vegetables and fruits.

Indeed, an outdoor barbecue feast was about to commence.

It was meant to entertain the guests from the Sterling and Fordham families, as well as to create an opportunity for Eldest Miss Whitman and the Whitman Family to connect and grow closer.

The servants were efficient, setting everything up in no time.

Vivi had just walked out of the ice fortress when Claire and Hector Whitman approached.

Claire, like a little bunny, was the first to rush in, darting straight into the nearby ice fortress.

Amid the flowerbeds, gentle music wafted in the air.

The path they had arrived on was now fully illuminated, not scary at all.

Before long, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, beaming with joy, also came over.

Finally, Claire pulled her over to sit in front of the barbecue grill, eager to grill meat herself, as the aroma gradually spread in the air.

However, two figures were noticeably absent.

In the vast princess room, pink drapes hung low, and the air was filled with a sweet and rich fragrance.

Stella Grant was cornered by Aiden Fordham, leaving her with nowhere to retreat.

She extended her hands against his firm chest, pushing forcefully.

"Let me go."

"I want to join Claire and the others for barbecue. I heard there’s an ice fortress there; it must be beautiful."

The man’s arms were like iron clamps, unmoving.

Aiden held her tightly in his embrace, his chin resting atop her hair, his voice deep and magnetic.

"We can go later. The fire isn’t even lit yet."

As he spoke, warm breath sprayed onto her ear, tickling.

She wanted to say something more, but the man suddenly lowered his head, his hot lips finding hers with precision.

The kiss carried an irrefutable dominance, relentless and devouring.

Stella’s breath was instantly stolen away, her whole body shivering, and a tension in her mind snapped taut with a "buzz."

She quickly turned her head, gasping in surprise, "Aiden Fordham, what are you doing!"

Aiden’s forehead touched hers, his dark eyes roiling with unfathomable ripples, his voice incredibly hoarse.

"Today is a good day; don’t refuse me again."

With a pop.

Stella’s cheeks flushed so red they seemed ready to bleed, her heartbeat pounding like a drum, reverberating in her ears painfully.

This meant... did he want...

She was somewhat flustered, yet there was nowhere to escape.