“You might not care about your own reputation, but have you ever thought about us? How others see us? How people in the capital will mock us? They’ll say, ‘Wasn’t your son already married? Why doesn’t he have a wife now?’ Hearing things like that is humiliating, as if you’ve been abandoned and used.”
“Mom!” Luther said seriously, his tone firm. “I know what you’re thinking, and I know you’re doing this for my sake! But loving someone means being willing to give for them. I love Georgia! Even if she doesn’t love me and is only using me to help her, everything I’m doing is worth it. Giving is also a form of love-it’s even a great form of love!”
“Don’t worry. After the engagement, I’ll disappear on my own. I’ll return to the capital.”
“Mom, please don’t say anything more. Everything I’m doing is voluntary! I want to give to Georgia because I love her. It’s worth it-it’s worth it to give for the person you love!”
Luther’s eyes were resolute, his expression leaving no room for doubt.
Hearing such heartfelt words, Scarlett’s heart couldn’t help but race. If she were a few years younger, she might not have hesitated to choose such a man for herself! Now that her daughter had encountered him, she felt genuinely happy for Georgia. With a soft sigh, her face filled with emotion, she said, “Luther, I actually came here today to discuss the engagement with you. Hearing what you just said touched me deeply, and I’m really happy for Georgia. With someone like you taking care of her, I feel very reassured.”
Then, turning to Hugh and Marie with a gentle expression, she continued, “Actually, I was thinking-couldn’t this fake engagement turn into a real one?”
Hearing Scarlett’s words, the tension and excitement in the room immediately softened.
Scarlett went on, “You see, I’m just like you. I don’t agree with Georgia having a fake engagement either. It reflects poorly on Luther, and it doesn’t look good for my daughter, either. So I was wondering if we could turn this fake engagement into a real one, and make it an official engagement party.”
Marie and Hugh exchanged a glance. Hugh stepped forward and asked, “So, what exactly do you mean?”
“What I mean is this,” Scarlett explained. “We prepare everything that needs to be prepared for the engagement. I’ll invite all my relatives and friends, and you do the same-invite everyone to witness that moment. By then, even if Georgia wants to say it’s a fake engagement, it won’t be possible anymore.”
The two exchanged another glance and nodded simultaneously. “We certainly wouldn’t object to them getting truly engaged. After all, we’ve come to admire your Georgia-she’s beautiful, graceful, and a perfect match for our Luther. The idea of a fake engagement upset us, but since you’re suggesting this, we have no objections.”
“Exactly. But are you sure about this? What if Georgia has second thoughts? Or what if your husband changes his mind?”
Scarlett slapped her chest confidently. “Don’t worry. I’m in charge of my household! Besides, marriage is traditionally decided by parents. If I say so, my daughter wouldn’t dare disobey! And with so many people watching, she won’t act out.”
“As long as you’re certain, we can rest easy.”
Luther frowned slightly and said hesitantly, “Mom, isn’t this a bit too much? Are we really going to manipulate Georgia like this? What I want is her heart, not just her presence.”
“You don’t understand!” Marie shot Luther a sharp look. “If you want her heart, you need to secure her presence first. Once the marriage is finalized, you’ll have plenty of time to win her over.”
“Luther, when you truly like someone, it’s not just about blind sacrifice. It’s about knowing when to secure what you want and then using your actions to bring them happiness. If you really want Georgia to be happy, the only way is to keep her by your side forever. Don’t think our methods are lacking-this is all for Georgia’s own good.”
After hearing Marie’s words, Scarlett sighed and said, “I didn’t expect you to be so sensible.”
“People are all made of flesh and blood,” Marie replied. “Every parent’s child is precious. I understand your deep intentions.”
Scarlett nodded in agreement, and the conversation returned to her original purpose.
“Since we’ve agreed, shouldn’t we start discussing the dowry now?”
This was Scarlett’s true goal-to negotiate the dowry.
Hugh clapped his hands and said, “Of course! The proper arrangements must be made, and they must be grander than anyone else’s. My son’s wedding can’t be careless. I know Georgia has suffered before, but this time, I will make sure she gets her due. Whatever you need, just say it!”
His bold words exuded wealth and confidence, making Scarlett’s face light up with joy. She quickly responded, “Actually, our requirements aren’t high. We know my daughter has been married before, so asking for too much might invite ridicule. But asking for too little would also be embarrassing.”
“My idea is this: $2, 888, 800 in cash, stacked in the hall for everyone to see. A house in the capital, so we can visit our daughter conveniently. It should be a three-bedroom house, preferably a small villa-we’re not fond of high-rises. An $800, 000 car. And lastly, a house for our daughter Leah in Hiphia. That should cover it.”
Not high?
The demands were anything but modest.
The Falcon family froze, stunned. Was Scarlett marrying off her daughter, or selling her?
Scarlett, emboldened by Hugh’s earlier bravado, had raised the stakes. The dowry had gone from $1, 880, 000 to $2, 888, 800. The apartment in the capital had been upgraded to a small villa, and the car’s value had jumped from $500, 000 to $800, 000.
These demands were far from modest.
The Falcon family felt their insides churn, sensing Scarlett’s opportunism.
After a few seconds of silence, Hugh clapped his hands and said, “Fine, agreed! No problem at all. But we must ensure this marriage proceeds smoothly. If we can marry a girl like Georgia, these conditions are nothing for the Falcon family.”
Marie forced a strained smile and chimed in, “Yes, yes. The most important thing is for the children to be happy.”
“Good, good! That’s settled, then. You’re truly a straightforward person!” Scarlett’s face beamed with joy. This dowry would be more than enough to dazzle their relatives and leave them in awe.
Already imagining the pride she’d feel, Scarlett could barely contain her excitement.
“Well then!” Hugh pointed at Scarlett. “We’re all family.”
“Yes, yes, family!” Scarlett grinned, her face radiant.
“I’ll go home and talk to my daughter about this. As for your side, I’ll leave the preparations to you.”
After Scarlett left, Marie’s expression darkened completely.