QT: Against My Will-Chapter 594 - 10.06 - Welcome To The Family - Rebirth Of The Heart
After that one press conference, Edward and Seraphine deleted their social media and chose to keep a low profile.
Paparazzi and tabloids, hungry for stories, occasionally captured candid photos of them in public. These snapshots were often accompanied by sensational headlines and rumors, keeping the public’s curiosity piqued.
(News): "Are Edward and Seraphine Expecting a New Arrival?"
Seraphine was captured coming out of a boutique specializing in baby goods with Edward. She was holding up a tiny, cute onesie for the camera, leaving onlookers wondering if she was shopping for a baby on the way.
But it was later found out that she bought the baby clothes and food for some patients in the hospital.
· · ─────── · ⊱❈⊰· ─────── · ·
Within a week, invitations had been sent out, and reporters gathered at Edward’s family mansion for a press conference that was as grand as it was unexpected.
His parents took to the podium, their faces showing a mixture of grace and seriousness, far removed from their agitated expressions during their private conversations with Edward.
Edward stood beside them while Seraphine was absent yet again.
"My dear friends and esteemed press members," his father began. "We’ve called this conference to address certain rumors and speculations surrounding our family and, more specifically, our son Edward and his wife Seraphine."
He continued, "We want to clear the air and announce that not only do we fully support Edward in his choices, but we are also thrilled to welcome Seraphine into our family."
The room was thick with anticipation as reporters ’noted’ down every word.
Edward stepped forward and spoke, "Thank you, Mother, Father. I’d like to take this opportunity to say that every family faces challenges. Yes, I have been dedicating my time to the hospital and less to the family business, but it’s for a cause that I deeply believe in."
He looked at his parents, who nodded approvingly, "As a gesture of our unity and support, we’ve made a substantial donation to the hospital to help those in need. I’ve been personally ensuring the funds are well-used. This way, I’d also like to quash any rumors regarding my health. I’m in excellent condition."
He continued, "Furthermore, I assure everyone that the Ashtor family is still thriving. Despite some fluctuations in the market, which are a natural part of the industry, we are doing very well."
This additional clarification seemed to bolster the Astor’s image further, presenting them as not just unified but also transparent and resilient.
To the public, it seemed as though the high-society family had opened their arms to welcome Seraphine from low origin. But behind the walls of their opulent homes, tensions remained.
· · ─────── · ⊱❈⊰· ─────── · ·
The next day, Edward’s parents visited Seraphine in the hotel room, their faces wearing practiced smiles. They came bearing armfuls of opulent gifts, carefully selected to make a show of their acceptance and generosity.
"Seraphine, dear," Edward’s mother cooed, her hands trembling as she handed Seraphine a delicately wrapped package. "We wanted to formally welcome you to our family."
His father nodded in agreement, his smile stiff but convincing. "Indeed, we’ve brought a few small tokens to show our appreciation for making Edward so happy."
To anyone watching, the scene would have seemed heartfelt, if somewhat extravagant, family gathering. The gifts were laid out one by one—a dazzling necklace, designer dresses and purses, a limited-edition vintage car, and even keys to an apartment close to the hospital.
Edward, who had accompanied his parents, watched the exchange with a carefully neutral expression. His eyes met Seraphine’s for a fleeting moment, offering a silent assurance that seemed to say: Trust me.
"..." Seraphine accepted the array of lavish gifts scattered around her, "Ah, I feel so underprepared. I have nothing to give you in return," she thought something didn’t feel right and couldn’t help but wonder what it was, "May I give you both a thank you hug at least?"
His parents, caught off guard, shared a quick, surprised glance before their eyes drifted toward Edward. After a moment’s hesitation, his mother responded, "Oh, dear, that’s very kind of you. But perhaps we should refrain. We wouldn’t want Edward to feel uncomfortable or, heavens forbid, jealous."
Edward chuckled, gesturing with his head for Seraphine to go ahead, "I think I can handle a bit of competition from my own parents."
"囧..." Bing Shi was more shocked by his parent’s reaction than Edward’s. The change was too sudden, too sharp to result from a gentle conversation, |"Did your systems take over their bodies or something?"|
|"Of course not."| Edward’s arms wrapped around Seraphine and his parents simultaneously, "I’m truly sorry for scaring both of you with my recent actions, but If anything ever happened to Seraphine because of my family, it would utterly destroy me."
His parent’s eyes began to glisten. All the recent events had shaken them to the core — Edward’s behavior was too terrible, too frightening to share with anyone. He may have appeared composed on the surface, but they knew he was a ticking time bomb inside. One wrong move would set him off.
They thought they would be repulsed by being touched by a hateful commoner of lowly origin — the woman that entrapped their son and changed him beyond belief, but Seraphine’s embrace felt surprisingly comforting.
Pulling away, Seraphine looked into their eyes, noting the fear that seemed to shimmer there, as if they might be burned alive at any moment, "You’ve both raised an incredible son, and your generosity today is truly overwhelming. I can’t match these amazing gifts, but I hope a lifetime of love and support for Edward will come close."
· · ─────── · ⊱❈⊰· ─────── · ·
"It’s a bit cramped in here," Seraphine said after a while, breaking the awkward silence. "Would you all like to join me for some coffee at the nearby coffee shop? I’m not sure if it will be to your taste, but it could be a more comfortable place for us to stay."
"Sure, let’s go," Edward said as Seraphine immediately pulled out the elegant red cloak she received from his parents and put it on.
"I wasn’t asking you but your parents," Seraphine said. As she felt the fabric settle around her, she couldn’t help but admire the cloak’s design. "Whoever picked this out has excellent taste in fashion," she mused.
His mother smiled, "I’m glad you like the cloak, dear. It’s actually quite special. It was handmade by a local artisan who uses only the finest materials. The embroidery you see there? That pattern has been in Ashtor’s family for generations."
Seraphine looked down at the intricate embroidery, now appreciating it even more.
As they walked toward the elevator, Bing Shi gently patted Edward’s head, "Thank you," she said, her fingers lightly caressing his styled hair. As she did, she couldn’t help but think about how he’d been putting in the social effort for both of them, attending events and smoothing over relations, all while she chilled around.
Xuan Mu reached for her hand, their fingers interlocking naturally. |"Do you have any idea how long it took me to perfect that hairstyle?"|
She chuckled, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. |"Well, it certainly paid off. You’re looking quite dashing today."|
· · ─────── · ⊱❈⊰· ─────── · ·
The coffee shop’s atmosphere was cozy, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the low murmur of conversations.
Seraphine, Edward, and his parents had just settled into a comfortable booth when the door opened, and William walked in.
Spotting the group, William headed over with a warm smile. "So, what’s been going on?" he inquired, eager to catch up.
As they continued to chat, it wasn’t long before the other patrons in the coffee shop began to take notice of their presence.
Whispers spread, and soon enough, people started subtly flocking around their booth, trying to catch a glimpse or perhaps even engage in conversation with the nobles.
Each member of the Ashtor family would occasionally acknowledge the gathering crowd with polite nods and smiles — a practiced facade of gentleness and diplomacy.
"We couldn’t help but notice your presence here," said a middle-aged man with a crooked smile. "Is there a reason for this visit, or is it a mere spectacle?"
Edward’s father maintained his composure. "We’re here to enjoy a simple outing, just like anyone else. Is there something on your mind?"
"..." If William didn’t know better, he’d have thought that his family’s smiles were genuine, their laughter heartfelt, and their interest sincere.
"Mr. Ashtor," another woman gushed, her eyes darting briefly to the gold trimmings on Edward’s clothing."Would you be interested in a little investment, perhaps? We have a business proposition that could help the country’s economy."
Edward caught the glint in her eyes, responding, "We appreciate the enthusiasm, but official matters like that are better discussed in a formal setting."
She leaned in a little closer as if sharing a secret. "Mr. Ashtor. You could change our lives with just a flick of your pen. A small donation could go a long way."
Edward raised his hands to stop her from getting closer, telling her to keep a respectful distance.
The woman let out a high-pitched scream and dramatically fell to the floor, clutching her chest. "He pushed me! Edward Ashtor has pushed me!" she shouted, drawing immediate attention from everyone in the coffee shop.
People activated their cameras to record the situation, as some establishments prohibited the use of some neural functions to maintain a sense of privacy and decorum.
"Absolutely, I saw it too!" said one man, eyeing Edward accusingly.
"Yes, it was clear as day," another woman added, feigning outrage. "Such entitled behavior is unacceptable!"
