A Warm Marriage After Rebirth

Walter Sterling’s expression flickered, but Owen Sterling’s face clearly darkened. It was hard to tell if he was displeased with Faye Sterling or Zion Hale.

"The banquet was winding down, so it wasn’t rude for us to leave. We had planned for the three of us to hang out, but we saw it was getting late and decided to bring her back first!" Wyatt Gallagher was as gentle as ever and perfectly sincere. Unreserved and open, he was the kind of young man elders easily took a liking to.

"Hale boy, you just said ’sister’? What’s this all about?" Walter Sterling looked at Seraphina Sterling. ’How did she get involved with the Hales? Although the Sterling and Hale families have quite a few business partnerships, the younger generation has almost never met. Due to the age gap, the two Sterling kids are still in school, while the Hales are already out in the world. Their paths shouldn’t have crossed.’

’Without a deliberate arrangement, it would be very difficult for them to interact. And yet, Zion Hale was calling Seraphina his sister?’

"I’ve known Seraphina for a long time. We really clicked, so I decided to take her as my little sister! If someone’s going to bully my sister, of course I have to stand up for her!" Zion Hale was still fuming over Faye Sterling’s behavior. Even though he had just witnessed his ’sister’s’ powerful and domineering side, he couldn’t help but worry. He always felt like Seraphina Sterling was going to get picked on.

"And you? Gallagher boy? What are your intentions toward our Seraphina?" Walter Sterling’s worldly-wise eyes glinted sharply. He had seen it all, and he wasn’t about to let some young man just snatch his granddaughter away.

’Huh? Why does that question sound so strange?’ Seraphina looked at Walter Sterling in surprise.

Wyatt Gallagher was also taken aback. ’He thought he’d hidden his intentions so well, but it seems they were obvious all along.’ He reached up and rubbed his nose, slightly embarrassed at having his thoughts laid bare. Then, he looked at Walter Sterling with a forthright expression. "I like Seraphina Sterling! I want to pursue her!"

"What the hell! Wyatt Gallagher, so you’ve been harboring ill intentions toward my sister!" Zion Hale finally realized what was going on and punched Wyatt Gallagher on the shoulder. It was just how guys like them communicated.

Wyatt Gallagher punched him back. "What do you mean, ’ill intentions’? You should use a different phrase, or you’ll make your language arts teacher weep!"

"Liking her is fine! But our Seraphina is still young. You’ll have to wait a while longer!" Walter Sterling was quite pleased. ’His granddaughter truly is exceptional, to have someone interested in her at such a young age!’

Only Seraphina stood frozen in place, a stiff smile on her face. ’Can someone please tell me what is happening? How could Wyatt Gallagher possibly like me? This is completely abnormal; it makes no sense! We’ve only met twice, counting today! We’ve spent less than a day together in total, and he’s claiming he likes me? How is that possible?’

’And Grandpa is actually taking him seriously? I’m only eighteen, for goodness’ sake! As an elder, shouldn’t he be trying to prevent me from dating so young? Why is none of this unfolding logically?’

"Grandpa, Wyatt Gallagher is just joking. You don’t have to take him seriously! He’s just teasing you!" Seraphina explained, feeling a bit awkward.

"Seraphina, I would never dare to joke with an elder about matters of the heart!" Wyatt Gallagher was as gentle as ever. Seraphina had never seen any other expression on his face.

"I don’t believe it!" Seeing that Wyatt Gallagher wasn’t joking, Seraphina instantly grew serious as well. "Compared to ethereal emotions, I put more faith in rational analysis! I’m very self-aware. I’m not some universally adored beauty, nor do I have a breathtaking family background. It’s impossible for a guy who’s only met me twice to develop feelings for me!"

"Then you’re underestimating your own charm! Don’t sell yourself short. Believe me, you have that kind of charm!" Wyatt Gallagher was already incredibly handsome. His soft features and gentle expression could easily draw a person in. Even Seraphina found herself unconsciously getting lost in them.

"Mr. Sterling, Mr. Sterling, Ma’am, it’s getting late. We’ll be leaving now. You all should get some rest too!"

After dropping that bombshell, Wyatt Gallagher immediately pulled Zion Hale away from the Sterling residence.

Hearing Wyatt Gallagher’s public confession, Owen Sterling couldn’t help but see Seraphina Sterling in a new light. ’She’s so young, yet she’s not only connected with the Hale Family but has also attracted the affection of the Gallagher boy! Seraphina Sterling... she’s not simple at all.’ Once he realized Seraphina’s value, Owen Sterling’s attitude toward her shifted.

"Seraphina, get some rest. You just got back, so you might not be used to things yet. It’ll get better in a few days."

"I’ll head back to my room, then!" Seraphina didn’t have the energy to dwell on the shift in Owen Sterling’s attitude. Wyatt Gallagher’s words had shaken her, and she needed time to sort through her feelings. She had to think carefully about how she would face him from now on.

Not long after Seraphina Sterling returned to her room, Kimberly Jennings came over.

"Mom, it’s so late. Why aren’t you resting yet?"

"How could I rest? I was worried about you! You hit Faye Sterling today. Jasmine Faulkner will absolutely not let this go. You need to be careful from now on!" ’Kimberly Jennings knew that woman all too well! She was insidious and cruel to the bone!’

"Don’t worry! I’ll be careful!"

"One more thing. You’re only eighteen. No dating!" This was the real reason Kimberly Jennings had come.

"What are you even thinking about! Don’t worry, I won’t!" Seraphina Sterling rolled her eyes. ’She really wanted to ask, ’Then why were you so quick to agree when Terrence Grant confessed to you?!’’

Only then did Kimberly Jennings leave, relieved.

Seraphina had just snuggled under her covers and turned off the light when a cool breeze suddenly blew in from the window, and a dark figure leaped inside.