Private Marriage, Secret Love-Chapter 64: He’s Getting Married

「The next day.」

Raina Reddington walked into the Lynch family home on Ethan Lancaster’s arm. It was a family dinner, so there weren’t many guests.

Ethan Lancaster had waited for Raina Reddington to finish work before they headed over, so they were the last to arrive.

The living room was filled with people. Raina’s eyes immediately fell on Hannah Lynch, who was standing beside Frederick Lynch. She wore a dazzling evening gown, her hair swept into an updo and adorned with a decorative band.

Ethan Lancaster led Raina into the crowd just as Frederick Lynch was speaking, arriving right at a crucial moment.

"You know what they say, you can’t keep a daughter at home forever. My Hannah has been my treasure since she was little..." Murmurs from the crowd drifted to Raina’s ears, and though she couldn’t catch every word, she heard, "...Once spring arrives, she’ll be getting married..."

Raina’s gaze cut through the crowd, and she watched as Miles Hawthorne walked over. Frederick Lynch took his hand and placed Hannah Lynch’s in it.

"Congratulations! This is wonderful news!"

"Have you heard? Miss Lynch is pregnant."

"Really?"

The people nearby were whispering, and it was impossible for Raina not to overhear. "Of course it is. Mrs. Lynch said so herself. She just found out she’s pregnant, which is why they’re in such a rush to get married."

Ethan Lancaster stood rooted to the spot, listening to the gossip. He subtly shifted closer to Raina. "So, by that logic, I guess we have that one day to thank for this, huh?"

Raina had no desire to discuss such a topic with him in public. She pressed her lips together, saying nothing. Her expression was a perfect mask of composure, but inside, the news had sent ripples through her heart.

She watched Miles Hawthorne and Hannah Lynch standing together, the very picture of a perfect couple. Hannah Lynch might have the temper of a spoiled heiress, but with Miles, she was gentle and obedient, showing no trace of arrogance.

A smirk played on Ethan Lancaster’s lips. "In that case, the Lynch family ought to thank me." He leaned closer to Raina again. "Miles Hawthorne is pretty impressive, huh? Speaking of which, we’ve been married for a while now. How come your stomach is showing no signs of activity?"

Raina shot him a sidelong glance. "Yes. He’s more impressive than you."

Ethan Lancaster bristled at her retort and pulled her into his arms. Raina struggled against his hold. "Let go of me."

Miles Hawthorne stood by the Lynch family’s staircase, surrounded by a sea of high-society faces, all wearing fawning smiles and offering blessings. He saw Raina in the crowd. She was so close, yet he couldn’t go to her.

Not wanting to give anyone the wrong idea, Raina started to pull away, but Ethan’s hand came to rest on her shoulder. "Tell me, what are you feeling right now?"

"Happy."

"Don’t be ridiculous."

"I really am." Raina gently pushed his hand away. "See? I’m smiling brightly..."

"That smile is more painful to look at than tears."

’Raina really couldn’t smile. In her entire life, she had only ever loved one boy. In all those years, he was the only one.’

While waiting to be seated for dinner, Raina stepped out into the courtyard for a moment. Ethan Lancaster spotted some friends and went over to greet them.

Raina was famished, so she picked up a plate and headed to the dessert table to get something to tide her over.

She watched as the Lynch family’s heavy front doors were suddenly closed. Someone tried to leave but was stopped and turned away.

A puzzled expression crossed Raina’s face. She saw two men who looked like security guards whispering to each other. Their expressions were grim as they periodically scanned the guests in the courtyard.

A middle-aged man walked up to the doors. "Why are these closed? My friend just arrived, I need to go out and meet him."

The two guards exchanged a look. One of them pulled the man aside and began speaking to him in a low voice.

’Is something wrong?’

"Raina." An urgent male voice called from behind her. She turned, and the man glanced around nervously before speaking again, his voice even more anxious. "It’s me, Felix Finch."

"Felix Finch, what... what are you doing here?"

Felix Finch did his best to hide his unease. "Raina, can you do me a favor?"

"What kind of favor?"

"I need you to get something out of here for me."

Raina thought of the commotion at the door, and a flicker of unease went through her. "What is it?"

"It’s very important. I’m working for Hawthorne now. I don’t have time to explain everything, but you’re the only one I can ask for help."

Hearing this, Raina instinctively took a step back. "I can’t help you, Felix. He and I have nothing to do with each other anymore. I don’t want to get dragged into your affairs."

Felix fell silent for a few seconds. He knew time was running out. Once the Lynch family caught on, they would inevitably begin a large-scale search.

"Raina, please, just do it for Hawthorne’s sake. If we can’t secure this item, all of his efforts will be for nothing."

Fear gripped Raina’s heart as she listened, and she couldn’t help but clutch her plate tighter. "What... what exactly is he involved in?"

"The less you know, the better."

In the distance, several security guards were called inside. Felix’s face went white with panic. "Raina, please help me."

He wouldn’t have approached Raina if he hadn’t been absolutely desperate. Felix glanced over and saw the Lynch family’s butler searching for someone—most likely him.

He quickly thrust the object he’d been clutching in his palm into Raina’s hand. "Please, you have to get this letter out of here!"

Fortunately, with so many people around and everyone’s attention scattered, no one paid them any special mind.

Felix Finch ducked his head and hurried away. Raina clenched her hand, the sharp corner of the folded envelope digging painfully into her palm.

"What are you doing standing here all by yourself in a daze?" Ethan Lancaster strode over. Noticing the half-eaten cake still on her plate, he reached out to wipe her mouth, but Raina instinctively dodged to the side.

"Who’s got you in such a trance?"

Raina set her plate back on the table. "It looks like something’s happening over there."

"Hm. Let’s go see."

Raina followed Ethan Lancaster, and when he wasn’t looking, she quickly stuffed the crumpled envelope into her purse.

Back in the Lynch family’s living room, Raina saw Frederick Lynch pacing back and forth impatiently. Miss Lynch, still unaware of the situation, was holding Miles Hawthorne’s arm and asking him tentatively, "What’s wrong?"

Miles Hawthorne gave a slight shake of his head just as two security guards walked up to Felix Finch and made a move to search him.

Felix Finch feigned confusion, his expression defiant. "What’s the meaning of this? What do you think you’re doing?"

Miles Hawthorne’s expression darkened. "If there’s an issue, let’s discuss it calmly. Everyone is watching."

"Miles," Frederick Lynch began, wringing his hands. "Don’t misunderstand. Something’s gone missing. It’s not particularly valuable, but it’s very important to me. The butler saw this young man coming down from upstairs a moment ago, so we just have to ask a few routine questions."

"He only went upstairs to get something for me from my room. I’m the one who sent him."

Standing beside Ethan Lancaster, Raina’s hand instinctively went to her purse. Her palms were slick with nervous sweat.