Chapter 349
Stephen also used to think that he was a paragon among men, but now, he did not dare to perceive himself as such. After all, he knew about Ethan. They were similar in age, but Ethan’s accomplishments far exceeded his own.
Stephen only had the position he had now thanks to the Quinns.
What about Ethan?
He was an orphan that the Grand Marshal adopted for only three years, but he was on his own from then on. However, he stabilized Riveria, drove out foreign forces, and turned Riveria into the top province in the country.
George could tell that Stephen still did not have enough confidence.
“You should understand now,” George said. “Neither you nor I have a way out. We must manage Riveria well.”
Stephen knew that too.
This time, George was going to jail to shield him. What about next time?
Stephen would be alone in the future.
George said, “Prepare yourself. We’ll fly back to the capital in the evening.” Then, he left.
Stephen fell silent. He did not want to marry, not yet, at least. Furthermore, the person he truly loved was not Rachel but Snow. Now, Simon and George were forcing him to marry a woman he did not love.
However, he could not refuse them. He owed George and the Lowes. This was the only way to protect the Lowes.
For a moment, Stephen was caught in a dilemma.
In reality, having Stephen marry Rachel was Simon and George’s last resort. It was the best solution they could think of.
George was going to prison to protect Stephen. Without him, only Stephen could be the Lowes‘ pillar and defend them.
Furthermore, Stephen’s spirit had been crushed, and he lost all his self–confidence.
Simon and George planned to make Stephen grow into a real man by making him get married. With a family, he would have no choice but to assume responsibility. Even if he wanted to flee, he had nowhere to hide since he had a family, so he would have to face any problems head–on.
In the evening, Stephen boarded a flight back to the capital.
7/2
Chapter 349
+25 BONUS
When he arrived at the Lowes‘ residence, Simon and George were already there. Rachel sat by the side with a small smile as if she was delighted to marry Stephen.
Simon called Stephen over when he saw him. “We’ve discussed it with Rachel. The wedding will be held in three days. Do you have any objections?”
Stephen shook his head. Even if he had objections, he could not utter them now. He sighed to himself, ‘I’ll be getting married in three days. It’s really sudden.‘
Before he came to Riveria, he frequented nightclubs and met different women. Now, he was getting married in less than half a year. Furthermore, it was to a woman he did not love.
“Good,” said Simon. “I’ll have the wedding invitations prepared, and I’ll send them to your friends from Metropolis.”
The thought of his friends from Metropolis made Stephen feel even more upset.
When he came to Riveria, he had confidently declared that he would join the cabinet within a year. However, he did not manage Riveria well, and problems arose in several cities. Many people died because of him, and George was even going to prison for him. He did not know how to tell his friends what happened.
“You guys can handle everything,” Stephen said. “I’m rather tired, so I’ll go rest in my room now.”
After he left, Rachel also said, “I’ll also retire to my room.”
They entered separate rooms, much to Simon’s confusion. “They’re already engaged. Why are they sleeping in different rooms?”
George smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to answer that question. The two stopped sharing a room after what happened with Snow.
Rachel went back to her room and collapsed on her bed.
“I’m really getting married…”
She did not want to get married because she no longer liked Stephen.
