Chapter 13: Riven doesn’t Love You

Riven Ashford seemed to be deep in thought, but he did not say anything. Mr. Vale continued, "If the Vale family accepts these projects, in the eyes of the public, it would seem like we are selling women for glory. Thus, I didn't accept them. Not only will I refuse now, but I will also refuse in the future. I'm doing this to tell everyone that the Vale family will not rely on the Ashford family, that we will only accept as many projects as we can handle. We would also like to convey to the Ashford family that we will not use their reputation to receive any benefits. Please don't think of this marriage as business, and treat Rhea as an equal."

Riven Ashford had never imagined that things would turn out this way. Mr. Vale's words made him feel somewhat ashamed.

So, it turned out that the Vale family had not married off their daughter for the sake of glory and wealth. In fact, because they had agreed to let their daughter marry him, they had to deliberately avoid certain things.

"Dad, you love Rhea so much. Why did you agree to let her marry me?" After hearing Mr. Vale's words, Riven Ashford no longer suspected that the Vale family had ulterior motives. The doubts in his heart grew even more pronounced. His instincts told him that this was not a simple arrangement.

After all, the two had never met before. The age difference was not insignificant, and they did not have a romantic foundation. In other words, Riven Ashford understood why Old Master Ashford would force him to marry Kristy Cole.

Mr. Vale said, "Rhea hasn't told you about this yet?"

Riven Ashford shook his head. Just as Mr. Vale was about to speak, Rhea Vale came over and shouted, "Dad, hubby, come and eat."

...

After the meal, Riven Ashford patiently waited for Rhea Vale to finish chatting with her parents. It was not until the afternoon that he left with the reluctant Rhea.

When they left, Rhea Vale sat in the passenger seat. She opened the window and looked at her parents as the car started moving. They gradually drove further and further away. Rhea Vale's eyes were moist, and tears began to flow uncontrollably. Riven Ashford sped up. He only slowed down when Rhea could no longer see the Vale family's villa in the rearview mirror.

Rhea Vale's eyes were red. She did not say a word as she stared blankly out the window.

Riven Ashford asked, "Do you usually talk that much when you're at home?"

"No! This is your first time visiting. It's also my parents' first time meeting their son-in-law. I'm a wife and daughter now. I was afraid that if I didn't make conversation, you and my parents would feel embarrassed," Rhea Vale said without hesitation.

...

This was the first time Riven Ashford heard a girl call herself "wife." It was like a child calling himself an adult. He found it very interesting.

On second thought, Rhea Vale's words were not wrong. She was indeed his wife.

"Riven, thank you for today." 'Thank you for being willing to help me put on an act in front of my parents,' Rhea Vale said the last sentence in her heart. After being married for three days, this was the first time they had a peaceful conversation.

Today, Riven Ashford was worthy of Rhea Vale retracting her fangs and revealing her true colors.

"I will find out for myself." It was not clear whether Riven Ashford was saying this to Rhea Vale or to himself. Today, his relationship with Rhea and the Vale family had completely changed.

They drove all the way to the Ashford family's residence. The husband and wife were quite cordial, but as soon as they entered, they saw someone who should not have been there — Kristy Cole.

Rhea Vale spoke just loud enough for Riven Ashford to hear her. "Don't worry. You've helped me so much today. I'll definitely help you."

Riven Ashford cocked his head and looked down at Rhea Vale. At this moment, Rhea was also looking up at him. She blinked. "Don't worry. Watch me."

Then, Rhea Vale walked to Old Master Ashford's side with a smile and said, "Dad, we're back."

Old Master Ashford instantly understood and pretended to yawn. "It just so happens that I'm also tired. Rhea, you're the hostess of the house now. You should handle the guests!"

When Old Master Ashford mentioned the word 'hostess,' Kristy Cole's expression changed. She understood that Old Master Ashford was saying these words so that she would hear them. He was trying to tell her that it was impossible for her to be with Riven.

"Got it, Dad. I'll bring you upstairs first," Rhea Vale said with a nod.

"No need. I can walk on my own." Old Master Ashford went upstairs with the help of the housekeeper.

Rhea Vale made no move to hide that she was sizing Kristy Cole up. She was not bad-looking, but she wore too much makeup. The branded bag she was carrying looked brand new, as if she had literally just bought it. The perfume she wore was a little too pungent.

Noticing Rhea Vale sizing her up, Kristy Cole got up angrily. "Rhea, Riven doesn't love you."

"I know!" They had not even met before they got married, so this was something Rhea Vale already knew.