CHAPTER 180: CHAPTER 180: ARE YOU NOT PLANNING TO HAVE ONE YET?

"Dad, this is between Florence and me," Luke said.

Florence stopped.

Father Gardiner glanced at Luke, his usual reckless and unruly nature, turned so dutiful and reserved lately at home.

He hardly believed this was the same Luke.

"So when do you two plan to drag it out till?" Father Gardiner said, "You’ve been married for years, three years, and still don’t plan to have any?"

Old Mr. Gardiner’s expression also became displeased: "I’ve hardly seen you care for him at home, and now that he’s stayed here for a few days, you start to meddle."

"Dad," Father Gardiner sighed, "What I’m saying is the truth, you saw how I married and had a child within a year, under your pressure. Look at these two, it’s been three years."

"And have you noticed what your son is like outside," Old Mr. Gardiner snorted.

Luke stood silently, looking at Florence who hadn’t yet walked away, approached her and said softly, "Go back to the room and rest, I’ll handle this."

"What is there to handle, just speak the truth," Florence replied coldly.

"Don’t be like this," Luke whispered.

Florence glanced at the people around the table, caught a glimpse of Old Mr. Gardiner’s frail figure and swallowed back the words that almost slipped out, looked at Luke and said, "Just tell your dad I can’t, divorce."

Luke’s gaze tightened, "You should just go back to the room and rest."

"What are you two mumbling about," Father Gardiner interrupted, "Luke, Florence, come here, it’s a simple question. Are you having a child this year or not?"

"I..."

"Florence had a car accident in Cloudsea," Luke cut in before she could speak, "She just recovered over a month ago and is still recuperating."

Florence furrowed her brows, puzzled as she looked at Luke.

"A car accident!" Old Mr. Gardiner was shocked, "When did this happen?"

Grace and Father Gardiner were equally shocked.

"It happened in Cloudsea while handling Fuller Family matters," Luke said, gripping Florence’s hand, "Once she’s fully recovered, we’ll have a child."

Old Mr. Gardiner’s complex gaze fell on Luke.

Luke held onto Florence’s hand as they left the dining room.

As soon as they reached the living room, Florence shook off his hand, "Why did you mention my car accident when it could’ve been explained in a word, Luke?"

"I told you, I don’t want a divorce," he looked deeply into her eyes, "I want to make it up to you, win you back."

Florence sneered coldly, "I actually wish you were your old flirtatious self, it’s truly a waste of my time now."

She finished speaking and walked towards the door.

Luke stood alone in the living room, took a deep breath, his breathing trembling.

——

The day before Christopher’s wedding, Florence and Luke landed in Cloudsea.

Luke persistently insisted on staying by her side, so Florence reluctantly brought him along to meet Christopher in the evening.

Tomorrow’s the wedding day, but Christopher didn’t look particularly happy, maintaining a calm demeanor while talking seriously with Florence about work.

"I heard your mother has been looking for you in SJ City."

"Yes," Florence replied, "She’s heard some rumors, wants to sue me."

Christopher sighed, "She didn’t have to end up this desperate, but she’s blindly following her adopted daughter’s words."

Florence said nothing, taking a sip of wine.

"But if it goes to court, legally speaking, she is your direct relative, you indeed have a duty to support her."

"If the court requires me to support her due to blood relations, I can accept that, but she can’t expect to use my money to support Clara, that’s impossible."

But could Laura let go of Clara?

Florence didn’t think so.

So she might as well let them be, if the court orders her to support her, she will, but not with extra money.

Christopher didn’t understand what his aunt was thinking, when Florence arranged the divorce papers, she was supposed to sign them and live comfortably with shares, but because of what Clara said, she refused to divorce.

And he had told this aunt that Clara was on friendly terms with Michael’s illegitimate son, even standing by his side, and Laura was touched.

He thought there really was something wrong with her.

"If at any time you need my help, just call me."

"Understood," Florence raised her glass, "In advance, congratulations on your wedding."

Christopher chuckled.

Wedding it is, but happiness is absent.

It’s just a marriage alliance, nothing more.

He glanced at Luke who had barely spoken since they arrived and then at Florence.

He somewhat empathized with how Florence felt when she was forced into marriage.

——

Ethan also attended the wedding day.

He had received an invitation from Christopher, dressed dapperly, elegantly, and searched quietly for Florence in the venue.

This lawn wedding was hosted by the bride’s side, with few guests but all the notable families of Cloudsea. Luke remained by Florence’s side, drawing plenty of guests around them.

Only when the banquet began did the guests gradually settle down.

Just as Florence sat down, Ethan approached as well.

Luke’s expression turned cold seeing him, "What are you doing here?"

Ethan ignored him, sitting beside Florence, and smiled gently at her.

"Ethan!" Luke clenched his teeth, unfinished words interrupted by Florence, "If you want to be the center of attention today, make a bigger scene."

Luke was speechless, eventually sat down.

The officiant began to preside over the wedding ceremony, Christopher and the bride Miranda entered in turn, and Florence gazed at the bride in her wedding gown, recalling that humiliating wedding of hers.

Luke had completed the ceremony on stage, and after exchanging rings, they exited for her to change into a different dress before the toast.

He never appeared again during the toasts.

She overheard scattered comments about Luke leaving the banquet with another woman, but Florence hadn’t thought much of it at the time.

She knew Luke’s nature as a hedonist, but she expected him not to act recklessly given the occasion was significant to both families.

However, she was mistaken.

The bride toasting alone seemed odd, let alone Luke’s image at the airport with a woman heading abroad making rounds, everyone had understood, and she realized how people looked at her.

Florence carried on through the entire event, seeing off guests with composure.

"What’s wrong, feeling unwell?" A warmth on her hand, Florence met Ethan’s concerned gaze.