Chapter 42
“Effie, how dare you…” Mitchell’s expression darkened instantly.
Suzan looked stricken. “Sis, how could you hit someone?”
“Let’s not waste time. We agreed on this before-just sign,” Effie said, pulling out the papers and handing them over.
“Mitchell, I hope we can part ways peacefully.”
Mitchell pressed his lips together, glanced at the agreement, and signed with
clenched teeth. “Effie, I hope you won’t regret this.”
Effie gave a calm, almost amused smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t-ever.”
Mitchell scrawled his signature furiously.
Suzan, seeing this, finally let out a sigh of relief.
She didn’t want them tangled up any longer. Now, the title of Mrs. Lloyd would finally be hers.
“I expect you to transfer the money within three days and settle everything,” Effie said, her tone icy.
“Effie, don’t push your luck. You’ll regret this someday. You really think you can make it without me?” Mitchell snapped, his voice full of warning.
Effie almost laughed. Mitchell and his endless arrogance.
“Fine. We’ll see, won’t we?” she replied, then started gathering her things.
Her work was already handed over; there was no reason to stay a moment longer.
Mitchell scoffed, shot her a final glare, and stormed out.
Suzan put on her sweetest, most insincere smile. “Good luck, sis.”
With that, she left, gloating.
Effie just smiled faintly. Walking out of this toxic place was a relief. She was almost giddy.
Once she’d packed up, Effie headed straight to visit her grandmother.
…
The weekend arrived before she knew it, and Lyman was taking Effie home to meet his family.
Effie was nervous-finally, the moment had come. The dreaded introduction every fiancée faces.
She carefully wrapped the gifts she’d prepared, her nerves fluttering as she got into the car.
They drove through an upscale neighborhood, and soon pulled up to an impressive manor house.
Effie stepped out, staring at the stately old building before her. The sheer grandeur left her breathless.
“This is your house?” she blurted out before she could stop herself.
The difference between people really could be worlds apart.
She’d visited the Lloyds before and thought their place was impressive-but compared to this, it was nothing.
Lyman just chuckled, easy and reassuring. “This is home. Come on everyone’s
waiting for you. They can’t wait to meet you.”
Effie nodded, her nerves spiking even higher.
She took a steadying breath and followed Lyman inside.
At the door, a graceful woman in a simple, elegant dress greeted them, her warm smile instantly putting Effie a little at ease. She looked Effie up and down, her eyes kind and appraising, then nodded with clear approval.
“You must be Effie?” Lyman’s mother, Lindy, asked, her voice gentle.
Lyman nodded. “Mom, this is Effie. Effie, this is my mother.”
Effie stepped forward quickly and said politely, “Hello, Mrs. Miller. I’m Effie.”
Lindy took her hand warmly. “Oh, sweetheart, you don’t need to be so formal. We’re family now just call me Mom.”
Effie blushed at her kindness but nodded obediently. “Alright… Mom.”
Lindy beamed, obviously pleased, and led her into the living room. “Come in, come in. Your father and grandfather are both waiting.”
Lindy was practically glowing with happiness. Finally, her son had brought home such a wonderful girl-her dream was coming true at last!