Chapter 30 We Were Married
Chris stood frozen, staring at Tyler, completely thrown off by his words.
He told himself Tyler must’ve been forced into this. But then a thought hit him–Tyler had recently been in Willowtown. And so had Eleanor. Could it be…?
No. Impossible. He quickly brushed the thought off. Tyler would never go for Eleanor. But if not… what did he mean?
Tyler didn’t spare him another glance. He took the mic from the emcee. “I didn’t plan to announce this just yet, but I can’t stand by and watch people I care about be wronged,” he said. “Since it’s my nephew’s big day, why not add a little extra celebration? Come on, let’s all give the newlyweds our best wishes–and we won’t steal the spotlight.”
With that, he tossed the mic back to Chris and led Eleanor off the stage.
“Eleanor, come out here a moment!” As soon as they sat down, Linda called out sharply.
“Mom, I know what you’re going to say,” Eleanor said flatly. “But I’m not changing my mind.”
Linda’s eyes narrowed. “Do you still have feelings for Chris? Is this just payback? Are you out of your mind?” she snapped. “Tyler Mr. Langford–you’re older and wiser. Don‘ t get caught up in this mess with my daughter.”
Tyler’s eyes flickered. “Linda, I’m not here to cause trouble.”
Linda blinked, totally confused. “What… what did you just call me?”
“Linda,” Tyler said calmly. “Since I’m with Eleanor, I’m part of your family, and I should call you by your first name. As for Chris, he can stick to calling his own. No need for you to worry. Also, given everything Serena’s done, do you really think we still need to maintain the same ties with her?”
Linda glared at him. “I know there’re some issues in your family, but do you have to drag Eleanor into this? Do you actually like Eleanor, or is this just because she used to
be with Chris?”
Tyler gave her a slow smile. “That’s a shallow take, don’t you think? You really believe I‘ m that kind of man?”
Linda shot back, “So? Do you like Eleanor?”
Tyler looked at Eleanor. Their eyes met. Her expression was unreadable–calm, steady, giving nothing away.
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mean they won’t grow.”
“Well,” Madam Langford sighed as she approached, joining the conversation. “The kids
can sort this out themselves. It’s not our place as elders to meddle too much. Sure,
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Chapter 30 We Were Married
things got messy, but it started with the Langford family. Tyler is my pride–I’m more than willing to hand him over as an apology for what Chris did.”
Linda waved a hand dismissively. “I’m not saying Tyler isn’t good–he’s excellent. But aren’t you worried about what people will say? Or are you just like Kara, thinking it doesn’t matter because he’s your son?”
“She actually said something like that?” Madam Langford frowned deeply. “Don’t worry, I’ll deal with her once we’re home. I don’t think that way at all. Honestly, I really like. Eleanor. If she marries into our family, that’d be wonderful. No one would dare say at word against her.”
Linda didn’t answer. She sighed and turned to Eleanor. “Come home with me, Eleanor. Your father will stay here to make sure everything’s okay.”
Eleanor tightened her grip on Tyler’s arm. “I’m staying with him.”
“Eleanor!” Linda snapped. “Just go home and cool off for a few days. If you still feel the same after that, I won’t stop you,”
“No, Mom,” Eleanor said calmly. “That’s just your excuse. Tyler’s mature and knows how to take care of people. I followed him to Willowtown. That’s when he finally saw I
was serious.”
Linda’s face went stiff. “You’ve been living with him these days?”
“Yes,” Eleanor replied without hesitation.
Linda’s voice turned sharp. “Have you two already…?”
“No,” Eleanor said firmly. “He’s not like Chris. He respects me.”
“You’re just in a mood,” Linda said with a frown. “You think Tyler’s your way out. But you’ve already made your scene–don’t you think it’s time to let it go?”
Eleanor gave a small smile. “How do you know I don’t actually like him?
“I’m your mother. I know you,” replied Linda.
Really?” Eleanor let out a bitter laugh. “Then why have you always trusted Serenal more than me? Do you know who found that video? It was Tyler. He looked into everything and caught those punks. He’s the only one who believes in me. So why shouldn’t I marry him?”
“Isn’t he just using you?” Linda asked, unsure even of her own words.
“You’re stuck in your own bubble,” Eleanor said quietly. “Chris doesn’t hold a candle to Tyler. Being with Tyler makes me feel secure. Even if there’s no love yet, isn’t it enough that we respect and understand each other?”
Tyler’s gaze dimmed slightly when she mentioned the absence of love. But he didn’t mind. Feelings could come later. Without a word, he took out his marriage certificate.
“Linda, this is my marriage certificate,” he said.
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Linda fell silent, staring at the certificate in his hand, eyes flicking between it and his
face.
“Why are you carrying that around?” Eleanor whispered.
“I was prepared for surprises,” Tyler said lightly, like it was the most normal thing in the world.
“This is official,” he turned to Linda, added. “Stamped and sealed just a few days ago.”
Linda took it with trembling hands, flipped it open, and fell into stunned silence.
“Don’t blame Eleanor for making the decision herself,” Tyler said. “You weren’t paying enough attention to her.”
Linda didn’t respond with joy. “Eleanor… you really went through with this on your own?”
“If you’re worried about the wedding gift,” Eleanor said, handing over a bank card,” everything’s in here. I wasn’t planning to make it public yet, but I guess today’s as good a time as any.”
By now, nearly every guest had heard the news. Some had even seen the post Tyler made, posing the marriage certificate.
“So… Chris’s fiancée’s now his aunt–in–law?” one asked.”
“Honestly, Chris had it coming,” another said.
No one was paying attention to the wedding anymore. All eyes were on Tyler and
Eleanor.
“Don’t you feel like we’re circus animals, Tyler?” Eleanor muttered.
Tyler nodded. He quickly handed the card back to Linda, took back the certificate, and
led Eleanor away. “You guys carry on. We’re stepping out for a bit.”
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