Chapter 4 Calm before the storm

Rosemary continued venting and venting until her husband, Edward Thompson, couldn't take it anymore and snapped.

"If it weren't for your precious daughter, things wouldn't have come to this! And don't forget, the marriage contract was signed years ago. No matter what, we have to cooperate."

"Yes, Diane didn't handle the situation well, but you can't blame her entirely. She's getting married to the oldest grandson of the Wallington family-isn't that more beneficial to our company's development?"

He paused, rubbing his temple in frustration. "He seems more capable than his younger brother. Now that things have turned out this way, let's not dwell on the unpleasantness and focus on celebrating the moment. After all, the company is about to soar to a higher level."

Rosemary retorted, "Are you saying you're in support of the chaos Diane caused and found no reason to discipline her?"

Edward felt a headache coming. "I never said I support what happened. I'm saying we shouldn't get worked up over it. There's already a solution. It doesn't matter who she marries. Anabel can be with Nathaniel now that the damage has been done, and Diane is already moving on with his cousin."

Rosemary wasn't having it. "I can't believe you're bringing Anabel into this. I was talking about Diane, and now you're blaming Anabel?"

She scoffed. "The kid is still young and acted out of character. Why make it a big deal?" she argued in displeasure.

Edward sighed. "Darling, you don't have to worry, okay? I'll send Diane out of the house as punishment. What do you say?"

"Ooh... Is that so?"

The voice came from the door, and everyone turned to see Diane standing there with her arms folded across her chest.

Rosemary huffed and stormed out of the living room in a foul mood upon seeing her.

Anabel was the first to act. "Sister, you're back," she said as she approached Diane with a pitiful expression on her face.

Diane, not interested in her fake vibes, walked away dismissively.

Anabel called out, "Sis, I'm sorry for making you unhappy. Please, can you find a place in your heart-" She choked on a sob and turned to Edward.

"Dad, can you help me tell big sis that I really didn't mean to hurt her? I had no option. Nathaniel and I have loved each other for a while now, and I couldn't let him go ahead with the marriage. That's why I acted so impulsively. You can punish me if-"

"Shut up! Nobody is going to punish you," Edward interrupted. "I know your sister won't take it to heart. I'll speak to her. Don't worry-go get some rest." He ruffled Anabel's hair affectionately before heading to his study.

---

Diane collapsed on the bed immediately after entering her room and shutting the door.

Why was reality being so harsh on her?

Those ladies who married for love and were living in fairy tales-were they born with three heads or tails?

Why was her life so dramatic and cruel?

She took a deep breath and got to her feet, starting to pack the necessary items. Just as she finished and was about to go talk to her dad, her phone started ringing.

Display: "BFF ♾️❤️‍🔥"

"Hey girl, I'm sorry it took a while," came Sonia Parker's voice from the other end.

Diane: "It's okay. Let's hear what you've got."

Sonia: "Well, I won't beat around the bush. According to my investigation, it's all your little sister's doing. She hired an online paparazzi to take photos of you getting into the hotel-and they took more than enough to stir up traffic."

Diane: "Thanks, babe. I owe you a meal for this."

Sonia: "Are you trying to bribe me now?"

Diane: "Don't get too cocky. My generosity is limited."

Sonia: "Alright, alright, I agree. My mind, body-everything is yours."

Diane: "Ew, get off my phone with your filthy thoughts."

Sonia laughed on the other end, raising an eyebrow even Diane couldn't see.

Sonia: "You don't want me anymore? Is it because of First Young Master Wallington that you suddenly lost interest in my body? I'm heartbroken."

Diane: "GET LOST! I'm hanging up if you don't stop being gross."

Sonia: "Okay, fine!"

Beat.

"Sooo... tell me honestly. How do you feel about everything? Are you doing this just to benefit the Thompson family, or do you have some plans?"

Diane: "I want to get this marriage over with-and my father's constant nagging. I won't allow myself to regret it in the future. Whatever it is, I'm willing to go for it. And as for how I feel? Sometimes I just don't know. I don't know whether to feel sad that my dad can't wait to get me out... or happy that I didn't end up with that jerk, Nathaniel."

Sonia went quiet for a bit before saying, "Congrats, girl. I'm happy for you."

Diane: "Thanks, babe. Gotta go."

Sonia: "Alright. See you later then."

Diane: "What later? I didn't say I'm treating you today."

Sonia: "I want to be treated to a meal today, and there's no room for negotiation. See you soon. Love youuu baby."

She hung up before Diane could say a word.

---

Knock, knock.

"Coming," came Edward's voice.

Diane pushed the door open and walked into the study. Sure enough, her dad was buried in paperwork.

Edward pushed the files aside and gestured for her to sit. "Is there something you want to discuss with Dad? I was just about to send for you."

"Can I have a look at the contract?" Diane asked calmly.

Edward narrowed his eyes, trying to read her expression. "Why do you want to see it all of a sudden?"

"Well, I figured since I'm the one getting married, it's only natural for me to have a look. Don't you think so?"

Edward said, "You don't need to do any of that. Just get married and be good. Everything else will fall into place naturally. Trust Dad on this. If you get married and don't feel like coming back to the Thompson family, that's fine. I won't force anything on you. You're doing well for this family by not refusing the marriage, and I won't bother you after this one."

Diane listened to her father and felt like crying. Was he always this caring? Or had all of this started because of the marriage?

She couldn't tell for sure. He had always treated her like air-only acknowledging her when things went south. Yet now he sounded reasonable.

But the more he tried to dodge the topic, the more her curiosity grew.

"Dad, I just want to have a look and nothing more. Why go through all the speeches when you can just hand me the papers?"

Edward had no choice but to hand Diane the file. "Here you go."

Diane flipped through the papers and felt herself go numb. She sat there motionless for five minutes before silently standing up and leaving the study.

Edward watched her leave and felt a strange stir in his heart.

He sighed and returned to what he was doing.