QT: Against My Will-Chapter 590 - 10.02 - Introduction - Rebirth Of The Heart
Daniel sat alone in his cramped studio apartment, textbooks and legal pads strewn about the room.
His jet-black hair that was always neatly combed, added to his disciplined demeanor. The stark contrast between his dark hair and fair skin drew attention to his blue eyes, which held a resolute intensity.
"I’ve met someone else, Daniel. Someone who can offer me a life that you simply can’t," Seraphine said through the phone, her voice tinged with a coldness he’d never heard before, "He just bought me a ring worth more than your entire year’s salary."
"So it’s about money?" Daniel felt hurt, not believing his own ears.
"Among other things, yes. You’re just not enough, Daniel. Not ambitious enough, not wealthy enough, just not enough," Seraphine’s words were like a gut punch, each one landing with a devastating blow. Without waiting for a response, she added, "I wish you the best," and ended the call.
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After Isabelle released the video of the cheating duo to ease Daniel’s past regrets, some other rumors spread like wildfire across campus too. They engulfed lecture halls, dormitories, and even the library.
Hushed conversations buzzed about Seraphine and Edward’s new relationship, and the word ’scandalous’ was on the tip of everyone’s tongue.
Both were known to be committed to other people—Seraphine to Daniel, and Edward to Isabelle—making the revelation all the more shocking.
"Apparently, Seraphine broke up with Daniel out of the blue, and a day later, she was seen with Edward at the graduation ceremony."
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The grand hall of Edward’s family estate was adorned with opulent chandeliers and intricate tapestries that told stories of wealth and privilege.
Servants scurried around, making final adjustments for the evening’s gathering.
Edward, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, guided Seraphine through the enormous wooden doors.
Edward’s family, around ten people, sat around a marble fireplace, turned their eyes towards them.
His mother, an imposing figure in haute couture, broke the silence. "Edward, you didn’t mention you’d be bringing a...guest."
"This is Seraphine," Edward said, introducing her. "I love her and it’d be in everyone’s best interest to give us your blessing."
His mother’s eyes narrowed as she exchanged a knowing glance with Edward’s father.
"Love is such a strong word, darling," she said, dripping with insincerity. "Perhaps you’re confusing love with infatuation."
His father chimed in, "Edward, we raised you to understand the importance of family reputation and legacy. And she—" He gestured vaguely at Seraphine, "—isn’t part of that vision."
"Actually," Edward began, pulling out a few documents and raising both their hands to show their wedding bands. "I’ve already asked for her hand in marriage."
The look on Edward’s family’s faces was priceless—like they had just bitten into a lemon thinking it was an apple.
Edward’s gaze swept the room, meeting each disapproving stare, "And as for confusing love with infatuation, I assure you, my feelings are as genuine as the shock on your faces right now."
Everyone stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words. Edward, who was dependent on his parents, had never spoken out like this before. He used to view women from humble backgrounds as good mistresses, not as wives to be presented in high society. He also used to count on a strategic marriage to bolster his chances of inheritance.
Unlike his younger brother, who boosted his prospects by dating a politician’s daughter, Edward jeopardized his by announcing his engagement to a commoner.
"..." Seraphine facepalmed herself internally, |"I can already picture the army of hitmen your family will be sending my way soon,"| she mused quietly, |"Could you, for once, make your parents accept me without them wanting to disown you?"|
|"Why? Breaking ties with everyone suits me just fine. I don’t want to play some twisted version of family unity. But if that’s what you want..."|
That’s exactly why Bing Shi chose an orphan’s body to occupy! Him, choosing a body with such strict family traditions, was unexpected to say the least.
|"Just forget that I said anything. If setting the whole world against you is easier for you than be it."|
Joining her husband on the path of no return, Seraphine let out a nervous smile then offered a respectful bow to his family, "I’m Seraphine Blackwood. If my joining your family is such an issue, then perhaps Edward can take my surname instead."
The Ashtor family took great offense at the apparent disregard for their prestigious name. Her words, intended or not, were a clear message: she was not there to meekly fit into their world but to be a part of Edward’s life on her own terms.
Edward’s eyes narrowed at a disapproving look from his mother, "Stare at her like that again, and we’ll have a problem."
Just as Edward was about to take out his pocketknife, Seraphine deftly caught his hand, stopping a possible bloodbath, "Um yes...I stand by what Edward said, whathever it was," she said, offering Edward’s mother a disarmingly sweet smile.
The family was caught in a limbo of unease, visibly rattled by Edward’s audacious display. He must have been possessed by an evil spirit!
"You have my blessing," someone among the group voiced out their opinion.
Standing next to his father, Edward’s cousin was a contrast to the family’s usual polish. With wavy dark brown hair and lighter eyes, he had a more casual look, wearing a button-down shirt and khakis.
"Huh?" Bing Shi halted mid-step, clearly surprised by the unexpected acceptance.
William winked at her conspiratorially, "Don’t get too comfortable; I can’t speak for everyone," he said, casting a glance toward their still-stunned family members.
"Did you just wink at her?" Edward rolled up his sleeves with a half-amused smirk.
"Excuse us!" Bing Shi looped her arms through Edward’s and quickly led him out. She offered one last apologetic glance back before they exited through the wooden doors.
|"Goodness me! We’ve just gone from ’hello’ to ’I do’ to ’introduce my soulmate’ to ’meet the parents’, and now we’re in the midst of a ’family feud’.|
Xuan Mu laughed all the way to his hover car, "Haha." He pecked her cheek, "Embarrassed?" He turned on the engine, "Well, that’s too bad. I’m not signing any divorce papers just so you know."
Bing Shi hid her face in her hands. "Can we please just go meet XiaoPu’s parents instead?"
The futuristic city was a marvel of technology and design. Skyscrapers made of smart glass reached into the sky, while hover cars and automated sidewalks moved people efficiently.
Vertical gardens added a touch of green, and drones frequently made deliveries. Public transport was advanced, featuring hyperloop trains and autonomous buses.
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Seraphine tightened her grip on Edward’s arm. The hospital ward was modest, lacking the high-tech amenities found elsewhere in the hospital, but it was clean and well-maintained.
Xiao Pu’s parents were regular workers with regular jobs; they didn’t have the kind of money that could afford the more luxurious medical facilities.
Their genes weren’t modified for enhanced health or longevity, making them more susceptible to diseases and life threatening conditions.
Inside the small ward, a young man in his yearly thirties pleaded with a stern-faced nurse. "Please, you have to let them stay. I promise, I’ll pay every cent of the hospital bills. Just give me a little more time to come up with the money."
The nurse crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "I’m sorry, sir. Rules are rules. If you can’t pay, we can’t offer you a bed. We have to make room for those who can."
The man dropped to his knees, his eyes welling up with tears. "I’m begging you, she’s pregnant and unwell. I’ll find a way to pay, I swear."
As the nurse began to call the security personnel, Edward cleared his throat without letting go of Seraphine’s arm. "Excuse me," he interjected, pulling out his device with his free hand to show her a digital receipt. "I’ve already covered their hospital bills. They’re fully paid for."
The nurse looked at the receipt on Edward’s phone, her stern demeanor softening. "It appears everything is in order," she said, nodding in approval.
The man’s eyes widened in disbelief. "I can’t believe this. How can I ever thank you?"
Seraphine squeezed Edward’s arm a bit tighter, "It’s us who can’t thank you enough," she said warmly.
Edward and Seraphine exchanged a meaningful look, then Edward spoke up, "In fact, we would be honored to become the godparents of your child."
Seraphine nodded in agreement.
The couple’s expressions shifted from relief to sheer shock when Edward and Seraphine offered to become godparents.
The woman stammered, "Wait, you... you want to be the godparents for our child? But you’re both so young, and...and we’re just... nobody."
The man’s initial astonishment was replaced with suspiciousness, "Are you sure you don’t want something from us? Like... our organs or something?"
"I just want you to quit your job," said Edward as he arranged for an upgrade to a better room for the expectant woman. He then accompanied Seraphine to buy a few necessities.
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Edward’s family used their extensive connections to block Edward’s access to various exclusive facilities and clubs around the world, hoping to isolate him and make him reconsider his choices.
They also decided to send a few of their imposing bodyguards to scare Seraphine and Edward, hoping that the intimidation would make them break up.
However, their efforts were in vain. Seraphine, though surprised by the intimidating presence, stood her ground and even offered the bodyguards a cup of tea, much to their astonishment.
Whereas, Edward openly threatened to take on Seraphine’s surname, Blackwood if they continued to nag him.
As the last resort, they sent out Wiiliam who offered to give them a helping hand in trying to persuade his cousin.
