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Married Before Midnight - Married Before Midnight by Sienna Quinn - Chapter 77
Author: Novels Audio
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Married Before Midnight
Chapter 77: A New Beginning
The morning sun streamed through the lace curtains of the Carter family home, casting delicate patterns across the wooden dining table where everyone had gathered. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls—Olivia’s specialty—and the lingering warmth of last night’s celebration. Eleanor sat at the head of the table, her hands folded neatly in front of her, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips.
The girls—Hannah, Charlotte, Lillian, Emily, and Ava—exchanged curious glances, while Lucas leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Mason, seated beside Olivia, squeezed her hand under the table, his thumb tracing slow circles over her knuckles. “I have an announcement,” Eleanor began, her voice steady but soft, the way it always was when she was about to say something important. Olivia’s breath hitched. “Mom?” Eleanor’s gaze settled on Mason, then back to Olivia. “Last night, after everything was said and done, I did some thinking. Mason, I know you’ve carried a heavy burden, and I don’t want that shadow hanging over your marriage.”
Mason stiffened. “Mrs. Carter—” “Eleanor, please,” she corrected gently. “You’re family now.” He swallowed hard, and Olivia felt his fingers tighten around hers. “I’ve decided to pay off your debt,” Eleanor said. Silence. Then chaos. Hannah’s fork clattered against her plate. “Five hundred thousand dollars? Just like that?” Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Mom, that’s—” “A lot of money,” Lucas finished, his voice tight. He pushed off the doorway and stepped forward. “Are you sure about this?” Eleanor held up a hand. “I’ve already spoken to the bank. The money is there, and I want to do this.” She turned to Mason. “But I need to hear from you—will this truly free you?” Mason’s throat worked. “It will. But I can’t ask you to—” “You’re not asking,” Olivia interrupted, her voice firm. “She’s offering.” Mason looked at her, then at Eleanor, something raw and vulnerable in his eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you.” Eleanor smiled. “Be good to my daughter. That’s all the thanks I need.”
Lillian clapped her hands together. “Does this mean we get to plan a housewarming party?” Emily grinned. “Oh, definitely. Olivia, you’ll need help decorating!” Ava, quieter than usual, toyed with her napkin. “Where will the house be?” Eleanor’s smile widened. “Just a few streets over. Close enough for Olivia to come to the bakery every day, but far enough for… newlywed privacy.” Olivia’s cheeks flamed, and Mason chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. Lucas exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I still have reservations,” he admitted, “but if Mom’s on board, then I’ll support it.” He leveled a look at Mason. “But if you hurt her—” “I won’t,” Mason said, meeting his gaze head-on. “I swear it.”
The tension in the room eased, replaced by the familiar hum of family chatter—talk of paint colors, furniture shopping, and whether the backyard was big enough for a garden. Olivia leaned into Mason’s side, her heart full. Later, as the others dispersed to start their day, Olivia lingered in the kitchen with her mother. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Eleanor cupped her face. “You’ve always put this family first. It’s time someone put you first.” Olivia hugged her tightly, breathing in the comforting scent of vanilla and flour. Outside, the sun shone brighter than ever.