Georgia had returned home to share the news of her engagement with Harvey and Scarlett. Despite the arrangement being fake, she felt it necessary to inform her parents about such a significant matter.
After listening to Georgia, Scarlett frowned in disapproval. “A fake engagement?” she asked, her tone sharp.
Georgia nodded. “Yes. I’ve already discussed it with Luther. It’s just a pretense to drive Kayden away. I don’t want him to keep appearing in my life.”
“Nonsense!” Scarlett snapped, her voice rising with irritation. “Marriage is not a game! If you’re going to do it, why not make it real? Georgia, since you’ve already decided to let go of Kayden, it’s clear your fate with him is over.”
She leaned forward, her words gaining intensity. “Now, if Mr. Falcon is willing to help you in this way, it’s obvious he cares for you. Tell me, which unmarried man would do such a thing if he didn’t have feelings for you?”
Scarlett’s tone softened slightly, but her determination remained. “And think about it-Mr. Falcon comes from such a wealthy family. He’s willing to overlook your past marriage. This is an opportunity! Why not grab it? Get engaged for real, bring his parents into the discussion, and not only will you get rid of Kayden, but you’ll also secure a place in a prestigious family. It’s killing two birds with one stone. Georgia, this is your chance to marry into wealth!”
Scarlett’s excitement grew as she spoke, a hint of satisfaction spreading across her face. To her, everything boiled down to benefits. Even though Georgia’s career had started improving recently, Scarlett never forgot the whispers behind their backs. People mocked their family for having a “foolish live-in son-in-law.”
If this engagement became a grand affair, and the entire city knew her daughter was marrying into the powerful Falcon family from the capital, their reputation would soar. In Hiphia, no one would dare say a word against her ever again.
“Mom, I haven’t made up my mind yet,” Georgia protested. “Besides, I don’t even like Luther.”
Scarlett’s expression darkened immediately.
“Like him?” she scoffed. “This isn’t about whether you like him or not. I didn’t like your father when I married him, but look at us now-we’ve managed just fine!”
Harvey, who had been silent, glanced at Scarlett with a mix of helplessness and regret but said nothing.
“Feelings can be developed over time,” Scarlett continued, her voice firm. “Mr. Falcon’s actions prove he’s willing to treat you well. I’m telling you, don’t miss this chance. If you let it slip away, you’ll regret it.”
“Mom!” Georgia exclaimed, frustrated by Scarlett’s stubbornness. “We’ve already agreed-this is just a fake engagement! The only purpose is to get rid of Kayden. Whether or not I agree to be with Luther is something to consider later.”
Scarlett crossed her arms, her tone dripping with disdain. “Daughter, let me ask you-what kind of man would use his lifetime commitment to help you like this? Do you understand what this means? Maybe it doesn’t matter to you because you’ve been married before. But for Luther, this could ruin his reputation. If you don’t end up with him, how do you expect others to see him?”
Scarlett’s reasoning was harsh and relentless, but it wasn’t entirely unfounded. Georgia had thought about these issues before and even discussed them with Luther. But her mind was a tangled mess, and she didn’t want to argue with her mother any further.
Feigning stubbornness, she declared, “I don’t care! This is just a fake engagement. It’s not as serious as you’re making it out to be. Once it’s done, I’ll explain everything to the guests. I won’t let anyone think less of you because of this.”
With that, Georgia stood and walked away from the couch.
“Ah!” Scarlett exclaimed angrily, glaring at her daughter’s retreating figure. “This girl has no sense at all! This is her chance to marry into wealth!”
To Scarlett, if Georgia married Luther, their family’s status in Hiphia would skyrocket. She could even envision herself living in the capital someday.
“Harvey, let’s go find Luther,” Scarlett said, her excitement growing. She was already planning her next move.
Harvey frowned. “What are we going to Luther for?”
Scarlett rolled her eyes. “Are you stupid? They can’t get engaged empty-handed. I need to figure out what kind of bride price to ask for-$1. 88 million in cash should do, stacked high in the living room to blind those sisters-in-law of yours. Then we’ll ask for a house in the capital and a car worth $500, 000. Oh, and a house here in Hiphia too. We’ll need one for Leah as well. Houses in Hiphia aren’t that expensive.”
Hearing this, Harvey grimaced. To him, Scarlett sounded no different from a bloodsucker. Just as he was about to voice his disapproval, he realized how powerless he felt. He snorted in frustration and muttered, “This is absurd.”
He got up and walked out without another word.
Scarlett sneered. “If you won’t go, I’ll go myself.”
Determined, she left the house.
—
Before long, Scarlett was sitting down with Luther and his parents, Hugh and Marie.
Hugh’s face was clouded with anger as he looked at Scarlett. “How could you treat my son’s future like a joke? He’s never been married! If you pull such stunts, how is he supposed to find a wife in the future?”
Hugh’s fury was palpable. Marie, Luther’s mother, was equally upset.
“Exactly!” she snapped. “Your behavior is outrageous! Do you think it’s okay to play with my son’s future like this? Your daughter can afford to be shameless, marrying one man after another, but my son cannot! He’s not some toy for you to manipulate. And you, as adults, should know better!”
Scarlett’s face turned pale. “That’s not what I meant…”
“Not what you meant?” Marie shot back, her voice sharp and unforgiving. “Then what did you mean? My son is a promising young man, admired by countless women in the capital. If he didn’t have feelings for your daughter, do you think he’d be here? This fake engagement is an insult to him! People will think he’s a divorce! Even though my son will never struggle to find a wife, your actions are disgusting.”
Marie’s words were relentless. “If we weren’t distant relatives, I’d have already scolded your daughter myself. Take her home and teach her some decency. Stop letting her wreak havoc on other people’s lives.”
“Mom!” Luther interjected, unable to stay silent any longer. “This was my decision. I’m doing this because I care about Georgia. I’m willing to sacrifice my reputation for her. A fake engagement means nothing to me if it helps her move on from the pain her ex-husband caused. I’m doing this willingly!”
“You foolish child,” Marie said, her tone heavy with anger. “You don’t understand! Marriage is not a game. If you go through with this, how will you find a wife in the future? Do you even want a wife?”