2#02

2

Kendra extended her arm, creating a protective barrier as she positioned herself in front of Elliot. Her eyes gleamed with an expression that seemed to anticipate the next move.

As time passed, I remained motionless, my quiet demeanor serving as an unspoken challenge.

Kendra's expression shifted, a flicker of astonishment crossing her face before she let out a harsh chuckle, tinged with resentment.

"Well, it seems you've matured a bit. No outbursts this time, I see?"

Following the dinner event, as we were heading home, she abruptly stopped me with a gesture.

"It's getting late, and it's not safe out. Allow me to drive you."

I couldn't decline the proposal, given the late hour and lack of valid reasons to object.

I moved towards the vehicle's rear door, but Kendra intercepted me, her gaze intense.

"You'll sit in the back," she stated firmly, guiding Elliot into the passenger seat as if she were already accustomed to making such decisions.

"I apologize, Brother Wyatt," Elliot said, sounding regretful. "Kendra was just concerned I might get motion sickness..."

I remained silent, sliding into the back seat as I had initially intended.

The journey was filled with casual conversation and giggles between Kendra and Elliot in the front, their voices sounding unusually familiar.

As the vehicle paused at a traffic light, Elliot leaned in playfully, offering to assist Kendra with her makeup.

Their eyes met, faces close together. The atmosphere between them grew heavy, their breathing intensifying with unspoken tension.

Just as the moment lingered, Kendra suddenly turned towards the back, her gaze meeting mine as if she'd just remembered my presence.

Noticing me gazing out the window, uninterested, her expression faltered, her mood shifting abruptly. Her face darkened, and she quickly resumed driving, leaving the awkward moment behind.

Upon reaching our destination, I barely had time to exit the car before Kendra grabbed my arm forcefully.

She thrust a bracelet into my hand, her tone dripping with disdain.

"Enough with the act of indifference. It's pitiful," she sneered.

Her words continued, more like an order than a gift. "Consider this bracelet my engagement present to you. If you play along, I'll give you the wedding you desire."

"At least everyone in Cavendale will believe you're my spouse."

I lifted my gaze to meet hers and inquired, "So who are you actually marrying? Is it Elliot?"

Her anger flared, but there was something else in her expression—a subtle, almost smug satisfaction.

"I knew you were just pretending!" she hissed, her voice laced with venom. "Let me make this clear—don't you dare mention this to our families!"

"My connection with Elliot is something beyond your comprehension. He's compassionate, authentic—everything you're not. If you harm him, don't expect the wedding to proceed!"

I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. It was evident that her own fear—fear of challenging the Jewett family—prevented her from speaking her true thoughts. Yet, here she was, attempting to shift the blame onto me.

I remained silent, turning to walk away towards home.

As soon as I entered, my phone alerted me to an incoming video from Elliot.

In the footage, Kendra carefully helped him secure a wristwatch. The brand was unmistakable, and I suddenly recalled the bracelet she had given me earlier—an afterthought. This complimentary gift accompanied the watch.

Their gazes intertwined, a tender, affectionate exchange before they kissed—passionate and uninhibited. The moist, smacking sounds from the car were almost overwhelming, too intimate for my liking.

[Brother Wyatt, I'm certain Kendra informed you... Once the wedding with you is complete, she's going to officially marry me!]

[You realize, a marriage without legal recognition doesn't grant you any inheritance rights. It's time for me to claim my position as the husband of Cavendale's wealthiest woman!]

So, Elliot had also been reborn.

It explained why, despite having no connection in our previous lives, they were already engaged in intimate gestures mere days after meeting. It was as if their hearts had already synchronized in this new life, their bond rekindling before they could fully acknowledge it.

I lowered my gaze, my thoughts drifting to my past life. After I officially joined the Jewett family through marriage, the Jewett Corporation was inundated with an unexpected surge of partnership proposals.

Prospects emerged, agreements were finalized, and their wealth grew to unprecedented levels. It wasn't long before they claimed the title of Cavendale's most affluent family.