Chapter 43
Effie felt her nerves begin to settle, swept up in Lindy’s warm enthusiasm.
She followed Lindy into the living room and immediately noticed two distinguished men seated on the sofa.
The first was Lyman’s father, Frederick Etheridge.
He wore a sharply tailored suit, his expression serious but dignified, his keen eyes sizing Effie up with a hint of scrutiny.
Beside him sat Lyman’s grandfather, Bartholomew Etheridge.
Though well into his eighties, he radiated vitality, his gaze gentle and his smile genuinely kind as he looked at Effie.
Lyman stepped forward, his tone respectful. “Dad, Grandpa, this is Effie-my wife.”
Effie quickly moved up, dipped her head in a polite nod, and greeted them. “Hello, Grandpa, hello, Dad. I’m Effie.”
She handed them the gifts she’d brought, her manners impeccable.
Both men smiled, nodding in approval.
Not bad this girl knows how to carry herself.
Frederick’s deep voice rumbled, “Please, have a seat. No need to be nervous.”
Bartholomew’s smile widened, his eyes crinkling with warmth as he beckoned her over. “Come here, sweetheart, let me get a good look at you.”
Effie obediently stepped up to him.
Bartholomew observed her closely, then nodded with satisfaction. “Wonderful, wonderful. You’re a good one. Lyman, you chose well.”
With that, Bartholomew produced a velvet box from beside him. “This is a little something from me to mark our first meeting. See if you like it.”
Effie hesitated, nerves fluttering as she accepted the box and opened it. Inside was an exquisite emerald bracelet, its clarity and luster revealing it to be an incredibly rare and valuable piece.
Effie, who knew a thing or two about jewelry, understood instantly that this bracelet was worth a fortune-easily millions.
Her voice trembled as she protested, “Grandpa, this… this is far too generous. I can’t accept it.”
The family exchanged glances, their smiles deepening with approval. Clearly, she wasn’t the type to covet material things.
Bartholomew waved her off. “Nonsense. When I give a gift, I never take it back. It’s just a token of my affection.”
Lyman gave her a reassuring smile. “Go on, Effie. Take it. They wouldn’t have picked these gifts if they didn’t like you. There’s no need to feel pressured-we’re family now.”
Then Frederick and Lindy presented their own gifts.
Jewelry, the deed to a property, keys to a luxury car…
The pile in Effie’s hands towered over her slight figure.
She was stunned.
Wasn’t this a bit much?
These gifts were so extravagant that Effie could hardly believe it—they made her feel simultaneously overwhelmed and deeply cherished.
Her arms felt heavy just holding them.
Suddenly, Effie remembered the first time she’d met Adeline. The woman had looked her over with barely concealed disdain—let alone presented her with any gifts.
“Dad, Mom, this is all… really too much,” Effie stammered, her voice trembling with emotion. She could sense how much this family valued her, and it moved her deeply.
She’d married Lyman partly out of defiance, but now she felt like she’d struck gold.
Lyman stepped over, gently setting the gifts down on the coffee table. His tone was gentle but firm. “Everything my parents gave you, you should keep. They went to all this trouble because they care about you. Don’t feel burdened. From now on, you’re family.”
Effie looked up at Lyman, her eyes misty.
She pressed her lips together, her voice barely above a whisper. “But… these gifts are so expensive, I…”
Lindy came over, smiling warmly as she took Effie’s hand in hers, her tone
motherly and reassuring. “Silly girl, no matter how valuable these things are, they’re nothing compared to the love you have for Lyman. As long as you two are happy, that’s all that matters.”