Forsaking the Years of Longing

Chapter 28 As soon as we landed, Callan took me to his family home.

To my surprise, Callan's parents were nothing like Jason's.

Despite knowing our marriage was purely transactional and devoid of any emotional foundation, they didn't scrutinize me with distant or calculating gazes. Instead, the moment I stepped out of the car, a glamorous woman rushed over and hooked her arm through mine.

"Oh my, oh my! Caroline is even more beautiful in person than in the news! Come here, give Mom a hug!"

Startled, I froze, while Callan rolled his eyes at her.

"Mom, can you be a little more reserved?"

Only then did the woman ease up slightly, though she still held my hand as she led me into the villa.

"You must be so tired after the trip! Just sit for a bit, dinner will be ready soon. I cooked so many delicious dishes today! Caroline, you have to eat lots later!"

I nodded, overwhelmed by her sudden enthusiasm.

Inside the villa, even Callan's father turned out to have an unexpectedly cheerful demeanor.

With a beaming grin, he clapped Callan on the shoulder repeatedly. "My boy finally succeeded, ha! So this is the girl you were -"

Callan immediately cut him off with an elbow to the chest, making his father cough several times.

I glanced over, intrigued, only to see the two whispering furiously. When Callan's father noticed me watching, he quickly smiled at me, instantly transforming back into the image of a refined gentleman. Me:..

This family felt... surreal. Their personalities seemed to shift constantly.

Just like Callan.

After dinner, we unanimously agreed

to hold a wedding in Seattle first with plans to host another in New

York once my father bed.

That night, Callan and I stayed at his family's old mansion.

Sharing a room, I watched as Callan reluctantly grabbed a set of bedding to make himself a spot on the floor.

Feigning a pitiful look, he began spreading it out.

I stopped him with a grin. "What, do you think I'm dirty?"

"Of course not!"

Callan shot up immediately,

flustered, before hesitantly asking if

we were going to follow through

with the "duties" of marriage

I lightly kicked his shin. "What else? Did our prenuptial agreement say I'd have to become a nun after getting married?"

Callan looked at me, and for once, his face turned red.

The lights went off, and we kissed. In the darkness, he leaned over me, his movements gentle and restrained.

But just as things were about to progress, he stopped.

He asked, "When you're with me, do you think of Jason?"

I froze, falling into silence.

What kind of question was that?

Seeing my hesitation, Callan also grew quiet. After a long pause, he abruptly got up.

"Forget it. can't do this." His

trembling, heated hand brushed lightly over my hair. "Let's.. waita bit

QUMS

longer. I'll go to the bathroom"

And with that, he left the room.