Isabella's eyes widened in shock, and her face went deathly pale.
Her voice trembled even more. "No... I can't let that happen. Nicholas is mine!"
"Exactly, Isabella. You must remember that!" Agnes said firmly. "Right now, Mr. Blackwood is your only chance to secure your position in the Lancaster family, and your only chance to change your own fate! You have to hold onto him and marry him!"
Right!
She had to hold on tight to Nicholas.
Nicholas was hers!
That country girl, Serena, loved to take her things!
She would absolutely not let anyone take Nicholas from her!
Isabella hung up and rushed back toward the private room.
Just then, she heard that country girl's cool voice. "Before this, the Lancaster heiress has always been Isabella. According to the engagement, that would mean you and Isabella..."
Childhood engagement?!
Isabella's heart leaped into her throat.
Could it be that they were discussing... the marriage contract between the Lancaster and Blackwood families?
Upon hearing her own name, Isabella stopped in her tracks, her fingers clenching into fists.
Serena couldn't possibly be that kind...
Why would she bring her up in front of Nicholas?
Was she trying to give the engagement to her?
Just as that thought crossed her mind, Nicholas cut Serena off. "There is no 'before.""
Nicholas's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable finality.
At that moment, the usual lazy charm in his roguish eyes was gone. "Before you, I
never once considered this engagement to be a serious matter."
In what should have been a
romantic atmosphere, Old Mr.
Lancaster suddenly seemed to have an epiphany and slammed his hand on the table. "That's right! You
of your
Blackwood boy, on they to
coming of age ceremony, you told your grandfather and mein person that the engagement between our families was off! Your grandfather was fuming at you back then!"
"That's right! You said it was off yourself, so there's no childhood engagement between our families! No way! You stay away from my granddaughter!"
He glared at Nicholas, his expression screaming, *You want to go back on your word now? Not a chance!*
The Lancaster parents exchanged a look and quickly chimed in. "Yes, yes, Nicholas. You clearly stated back then that it was off, so it's still off now!"
"Since you said it yourself, then off means off," Julian said, adjusting his gold- rimmed glasses with a gentle smile.
Facing the united front of three
generations of Lancasters, Nicholas
remained perfectly composed. "M
Lancaster, Mr. and Mrs Lancaster Julian, the reason refused back then was because I, Nicholas Blackwood, will only ever commit to one person."
The curve of his lips deepened as he looked at Serena, his gaze growing more
intense. "I am only willing to fulfill this engagement..... with Serena."
His deep, almond-shaped eyes sparkled with a mesmerizing light, making his already handsome face even more bewitching. "Of course, that sustry intention won't force anyone. The so-called childhood engagement is just a formality; what trúly matters is the heart As long as Serena is willing, the only fiancée I, Nicholas Blackwood, will ever have is her."
He tossed the decision back to Serena. "So, Serena... what's your answer?"
Serena met his burning gaze. Those captivating eyes, shimmering with affection as they locked with hers, looked so incredibly sincere.
Her long, dark lashes fluttered, and her crimson lips parted slightly as she was about to speak-
"Nicholas!"
A delighted voice came from outside the room.
Isabella, dressed in a soft, elegant outfit, walked in, handbag in tow.
Her eyes fell on Nicholas, and she acted as if she had just arrived and heard nothing. Her voice took on a slightly coying tone as she looked at him shyly. "Nicholas, you're here! Are you here specifically to see me?"