Chapter 2 – Husband!
Isla looked confused, “Who’s Lewis Horton? Is he really important?”
Keira was also curious and listened.
She had some connections in Oceanion, but she had never heard that name.
Taylor said, “It’s normal for you not to know him because he’s a mystery. Even I have never met him. He is Jake Horton’s young uncle. He’s only 28 years old and is now the real power holder in the Horton family!”
Poppy gasped, “Doesn’t that make him a better match for Isla than Jake?”
The one in power is much better than any legitimate grandson of the first branch!
Taylor snapped, “Nonsense, Mr. Horton is married!”
Keira narrowed her eyes.
Married…
If he really was the man in the marriage certificate, then it would seem that Lewis should know what’s going on.
Poppy seemed disappointed, “Who’s his wife? She’s even luckier than Isla.”
Keira quickly looked at Taylor and heard him say, “I don’t know. It’s said that he and his wife aren’t fond of social engagements.”
Taylor frowned in deep thought. “I’m not sure why he suddenly decided to come here today…”
The Horton family is the top family in Oceanion, and the one in control has a very prestigious status.
The Olsen family is just slightly above average in terms of wealth. This marriage was viewed as Isla marrying up. It was impressive enough if the one in power could attend the wedding. Why would he personally show up for the betrothal?
Poppy interrupted. “Isla must be so outstanding that she has caught the Horton family’s attention! Isla, this diamond necklace isn’t grand enough for such important guests. Let’s find something more extravagant!”
She stuffed the printout back into Keira’s hand and anxiously led Isla away to pick out new jewelry.
She seemed to care more about Isla than Mrs. Olsen, Isla’s own mother.
Keira gave a mocking smile.
“Sir, the Horton family is almost here.”
The butler reminded Taylor. As he passed by Keira to go downstairs, he casually said, “You haven’t been home in a long time. Have a celebratory drink and then go.”
Keira nodded.
She wanted to stay and see who Lewis Horton really was!
Inside, Poppy helped Isla pick out her jewelry and put it on for her.
Looking at the bright girl in front of her, Poppy couldn’t hide her joy and satisfaction.
Over twenty years ago, if it hadn’t been for Jodie South, aka Mrs. Olsen, she would have married Taylor Olsen!
She despised Jodie, so purposely made a scene and gave birth on the same day before switching their children in the hospital.
Now, her daughter was getting married in a grand way, and Jodie was even going to prepare an extravagant dowry for her!
As for Keira, who had been turned into an illegitimate daughter, she was penniless and had to marry a little punk!!
How the tables have turned. Poppy believed that Mrs. Olsen deserved it!
Downstairs.
Keira lazily stood in the shadow of the staircase, staring at the entrance and waiting quietly for the Horton family to arrive.
After some time, Mrs. Olsen slowly walked downstairs with help from a servant. She wore a purple dress, looking slightly emaciated. She was full of scholarly spirit and seemed unapproachable.
The servant said softly, “Ma’am, you’re not well. It’s better if you don’t come down.”
Mrs. Olsen shook her head and spoke while coughing, “No… I can’t… miss Isla’s… important day…”
They didn’t notice Keira and headed toward the entrance.
Keira watched Mrs. Olsen from behind, her eyes filled with admiration.
It was funny. Mrs. Olsen, who should have the right to hate Keira the most, was the only kind person she met in the Olsen family.
Poppy didn’t act like a mother at all and often forgot to feed Keira when she was young.
As a child, Keira was so skinny and malnourished that she dug around in trash cans for food as soon as she learned to walk.
One day Mrs. Olsen found her doing that, and started leaving food for her in the garden every day.
She kept up this routine for twelve years.
If it weren’t for Mrs. Olsen’s kindness, Keira probably would have died of hunger a long time ago.
Watching Mrs. Olsen getting farther away and hearing the sound of her coughing from time to time, Keira frowned with worry.
At that moment, there was a commotion at the entrance. The Horton family had arrived!
Taylor and Mrs. Olsen greeted them at the entrance. They exchanged a few words before stepping aside to let a group of people stream in.
Keira caught sight of Lewis Horton at once.
He was wearing a well-tailored bespoke black suit and walking at the front like a moon surrounded by stars. His features were more distinct than in the photos, with a firm profile and strong jawline.
His deep-set eyes were brooding, his thin lips were stern-looking, and his every move exuded an air of sophistication.
Perhaps sensing her gaze, the man suddenly looked back at her.
For a moment, their eyes met.
His sharp gaze made Keira’s heart flutter. Just as she was trying to observe the emotions in his eyes, he shifted his gaze elsewhere.
This left Keira somewhat confused.
From his attitude, she couldn’t tell if he recognized her.
Taylor asked with a smile, “Mr. Horton, where’s your wife? Didn’t she come with you?”
At the question, Keira felt Lewis Horton glance at her again. He casually replied, “She couldn’t make it.”
They chatted while walking to the living room.
Jake Horton, who had pursued Keira for four years, followed behind the elders. Dressed in a suit, he seemed more mature and stable than in college. He didn’t notice Keira and was whispering to Isla absent-mindedly.
Everyone seated Lewis at the main seat and began to discuss the marriage arrangements.
Only then did Keira step out of the shadows.
She stood quietly there, watching the lively scene in the living room.
Suddenly, her arm was grabbed by Poppy, who hissed at her, “Keira, what are you still doing here? Can’t you give up on Jake? Let me tell you. He’s your brother-in-law now!”
Keira freed herself from her grip and smirked. “Don’t worry. I’m not interested in being a mistress. It was Mr. Olsen who asked me to stay for a celebratory drink.”
Since she was old enough to understand the situation, she had always addressed Taylor Olsen as “Mr. Olsen”.
Poppy gritted her teeth. “That’s just his polite way of speaking. You actually take it seriously? Do you really not know your place? In a gathering like this, even I can’t embarrass the Olsens, let alone you, an illegitimate daughter. Are you worthy of having a seat at the table? You better leave now.”
Keira thought, ‘Does she ever stop? It’s so annoying!’
Keira frowned impatiently, about to reply, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Lewis Horton standing up. He pointed to his phone and then walked toward the balcony, probably to take a call.
Keira’s eyes lit up. “Fine, I’ll go.”
She brushed off Poppy and walked out of the living room, but didn’t leave. Instead, she turned toward the direction of the balcony.
The balcony on the first floor was connected to the small garden outside.
As Keira got closer, the man on the phone quickly hung up before fixing his ice-cold gaze on her.
Keira paused.
Meeting his dangerous gaze, she suddenly smiled and asked tentatively, “Honey?”
