The Abandoned Bride's Flash Marriage - Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Gwyneth froze.
Harrison had appeared silently, taking the poetry book from her and placing it back on the shelf.
His expression was unreadable, and for a moment, she felt like she'd crossed a line. "Sorry for going through your things," she said softly.
"It's fine," Harrison replied, his voice neutral. He'd told her to treat the place like her own, but there was something about the way he handled the book that made her feel like she'd stumbled onto something private.
Relieved he wasn't angry, Gwyneth leaned in closer. "That bookmark is really pretty."
"Just something I picked up at a stall," Harrison said, his tone dismissive.
Gwyneth hesitated. The bookmark had been a rare find, a keepsake from her high school days. It couldn't be just a random purchase.
But she wasn't one to pry, especially not in an arranged relationship where boundaries were still being defined. Maybe it really was just a coincidence.
Gwyneth leaned back into the chair, scanning the room for a distraction, when her eyes fell on a book on the shelf. "The Radiance of Ancient Ceramics? You're into pottery too?" she asked.
The book was a comprehensive collection of famous ceramics, featuring both museum treasures and rare folk pieces that had been handed down through generations.
Gwyneth had always loved it, especially after her mother passed away. With no one else to share stories about the ancient porcelain, the book had become a kind of solace.
Harrison glanced over. "Fragile, yet they carry so much history. Every pattern tells a story. It's hard not to be fascinated. That's why their value endures.
"You like this porcelain too? When I first got this book, I found myself constantly flipping to this page. I even made a trip to a museum across the country just to see the real thing."
Gwyneth was visibly relaxed because of this topic. Her fingers brushed the slightly curled pages, which Harrison had clearly read through many times.
It felt like she was uncovering a hidden part of Harrison's life. No one would have thought that the usually aloof Harrison had such a deep interest in ceramics.
Harrison moved closer, the narrow space between the shelves bringing him right behind her. His arm almost wrapped around Gwyneth as he turned to another page.
He said, "And this one... When I first saw it at the museum, I was in awe of the craftsmanship. Few people can replicate it today, but I heard a master overseas is working on it."
Gwyneth launched into conversation, her excitement making her forget how close they were. She was so absorbed in the delicate patterns of the porcelain that she didn't notice Harrison's gaze on her.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting their shadows together in a way that seemed almost tender.
Behind the door, Liam watched with a satisfied smile, stroking his chin. "Harrison's finally getting it," he murmured to himself.
"Sir, if you keep eavesdropping like this, he's going to be upset," the assistant said, his tone tinged with gentle reproach.
But Liam rarely saw moments like these and was determined to savor it just a little longer.
But the door creaked open, and Harrison's face was a mask of cold irritation. Even his favorite grandfather had interrupted his rare moment of peace. "What do you need, Grandpa?" he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral.
Liam caught the flicker of annoyance in Harrison's eyes and chuckled softly. "You'll have plenty of time with Gwyneth later," he whispered. "Can't spare a few minutes for your old grandpa?"
Harrison was silent for a moment, then managed to smooth away his irritation.
Gwyneth saw Liam's lips move but couldn't hear what he was saying. "Liam?" she asked, puzzled.
"Gwyneth, the noise downstairs is giving me a headache. Walk with me to the back garden," Liam said, his voice gentle but firm.
As the head of the family, Liam's word was law. He just wanted a private moment. Gwyneth smiled and stepped forward, "Sure, I was curious about that garden anyway."
"Good." Liam nodded approvingly.
Harrison watched them leave with a resigned expression. Clyde approached quietly. "Should we follow her?"
"With Grandpa there, no one will dare cause trouble," Harrison replied with a dismissive wave.
He stepped out onto the second-floor balcony and looked down at the relatives in the hall, all exchanging pleasantries. But their eyes kept darting toward him. The family was no different from a pack of wolves—just wearing human skin.
Gwyneth took Liam's arm as they stepped into the Lopez family's rear garden, where a riot of colorful blossoms seemed to dance around them.
Liam patiently shared the family's history and the roles of their relatives as they wandered deeper into the flower fields.
When they finally settled on a bench, he spoke calmly, "Gwyneth, I've been too hard on Harrison, huh?" It was phrased like a question, but it came out more like a quiet admission.
Gwyneth nodded firmly and thought, 'That's putting it mildly. To erase years of Harrison's contributions to the Lopez family just because he can't have children? That's just cruel.'
A gentle smile softened Liam's face. Normally, few would dare question his decisions. "It seems Harrison was lucky to find a wife like you."
Gwyneth gave a wry chuckle. "If anyone's lucky here, it's me for him helping my family."
Without Harrison, she would have had to rebuild her career from scratch after leaving Zachary. Taking over the entire Jenkins Group would have taken years longer. If anything, Harrison was her real blessing.
Liam smiled kindly and patted her shoulder. He wanted Gwyneth to understand that marrying into the Lopez family meant she'd always have a safety net, no matter what Harrison did.
He said, "Your attitude puts my mind at ease. You'll have decades together. Don't let Harrison's health issues bother you. When I had him sign the will during my illness, I made sure your share was protected. You don't need to worry about his nephew getting everything."
Gwyneth simply smiled sincerely, "I didn't marry Harrison for money. He treats me well—that's enough. I can earn my own money."
Liam studied her for a moment, the kindness in his eyes fading into determination. He stood up slowly, his voice regaining its usual sternness. "Make things work with Harrison."
"I will," she replied. Even if it was a marriage of convenience, she had promised to be his wife. They were one, and even if there was no passionate love, she could at least treat him with respect.
Liam gave her a meaningful glance before heading toward the main hall, his back straight and rigid. The kind grandfather persona had vanished—typical of the Lopez family, always ready to switch between two faces.