The Abandoned Bride's Flash Marriage - Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Lance composed himself with a smile. "She's right here. Why don't you let her say it herself?"
"The Jenkin family may be down on their luck," Harrison said without looking up, "but even fallen nobility keeps some manners. No talking while eating.
"But look at us. You're not even in the head seat, Lance, yet you speak first. If you were a Jenkins, that'd earn you a scolding."
The Jenkins rules weren't that strict, but the Lopez family wouldn't know that. So Gwyneth just played along. She looked up and nodded respectfully toward Liam, pointedly ignoring Lance.
Liam had seen and got everything. He set down his fork and said, "We're more relaxed than the Jenkins family. Lance, you just got back from abroad—have more food and rest."
"Understood." Lance, having been talked back, now kept quiet, not daring to speak out of turn.
"Harrison, take it easy with the company work and spend more time with Gwyneth," Liam added.
"Sure," Harrison replied obediently.
Lance's expression softened a bit—reducing Harrison's workload was exactly what he wanted.
But only Gwyneth and Harrison knew the truth: Liam did this for their own good.
After what felt like an eternity, the dinner finally came to an end. Gwyneth felt like she had just gone through a grueling ordeal and was utterly drained—thank god Harrison hadn't asked her to join in the verbal sparring.
After dinner, Liam had to head out to a gathering with some old friends. Before leaving, he turned to Harrison. "You're settled now—bring Gwyneth around more often." He wanted everyone to get to know her.
Harrison nodded, catching the unspoken message.
Gwyneth forced a smile. Spending time with Liam was fine, but the rest of the Lopez family was like a den of vipers. She'd rather be anywhere else.
As soon as Liam left, the forced cheer of the Lopez family faded. People scattered through the halls and courtyards, talking business or gossiping in hushed tones.
Gwyneth didn't fit in with any of the conversations, so she decided to find a quiet corner to look over some company files.
"I'll take you home," Harrison said, stepping up beside her and holding out his hand.
Gwyneth glanced around. "But everyone's still here. Can we really leave early?"
"The Lopez family never had much for manners," Harrison replied, pulling her up with a firm grip that nearly dragged her into his arms.
She stumbled, catching herself against him just as Lance approached with a glass of wine. It seemed Lance had wanted to talk to her, and Harrison was eager to get her out of there.
Lance chuckled, "Leaving so soon, Gwyneth?"
Before she could respond, Harrison tightened his arm around her waist. "She's got business meetings tomorrow. Unlike the rest of you, she doesn't have time to waste."
The room fell silent.
Lance sneered, "Harrison, watch your tongue. It'll get you into trouble."
"Isn't that what you want?" Harrison shot back, then strode out of the room with Gwyneth in tow.
Behind them, Lance's face darkened. He thought, 'Aren't they together just for some common interests? Why is Harrison protecting her like she's some precious gem?
Gwyneth watched the neon lights blur past the car window, feeling a dull ache in her chest. The Lopez family was even more suffocating than the Jenkins. And Harrison, like her, seemed to be an outsider in his own home.
"Do you ever regret marrying me?" Harrison's voice broke the silence. He stared out the window, his tone calm. "The Lopez family is full of hypocrites, hiding one mess after another."
Actually, the only thing Gwyneth truly regretted was waiting for Zachary all those years, foolishly hoping Bella would leave him.
"No regrets," she said softly, leaning against the cool glass of the window. The neon lights streaked by like forgotten memories. "The Jenkins family isn't any better. Besides, I've gained so much from our marriage. If anything, I'm the one who's benefited more."
'Benefited? So that's why she doesn't regret it? Because I have value?' Harrison thought, his fingers tapping a restless rhythm on his knee.
He could stay calm when his family ignored or mocked him. The cutthroat world of business didn't faze him. But every word from Gwyneth made him overthink.
As his mind began to wander, Gwyneth continued, "Our families are both tough to deal with," Gwyneth continued, "but at least we have each other. This marriage is a business arrangement, but we can still be family without romance.
"You help me stand up to my family, and I'll be there for you with yours. We don't need to win arguments; we just need moments of peace together. In this chaotic world, having a place to feel safe... that's enough luck for me."
Then she turned her head, catching Harrison's gaze. He looked back at her, and for a moment, their eyes locked. She smiled at him, a soft, warm smile that made his heart catch.
For a second, Harrison saw the girl he remembered from childhood. She was still as kind and gentle as ever. And most importantly, she was right here with him now.
In the quiet car, the distance between them began to close.
The car pulled into the driveway of the Teloria Apartment. Harrison walked Gwyneth to her door. "I need to get back to the office. Text me if you need anything."
"Still working this late? You must be exhausted," Gwyneth said, waving as she closed the door.
She found Harrison's office address and ordered him some late-night snacks. He hadn't seemed to eat much at dinner.
Then Gwyneth started reaching out to her contacts in Joracity, looking for potential projects for the Jenkins Group. The Verde Group was the first to respond, impressed by her track record and eager to work with her. They sent over a contract almost immediately.
'I've spent years in Galvocity, and now I can bring opportunities to the Jenkins Group. But look at Melanie. She hasn't landed a single project in a month.
'If the Jenkins Group stays with Quentin and her, it's only a matter of time before they drive it into the ground. That's my mom's hard work!' Gwyneth thought, her eyes turning cold. She then prepared for an early contract signing with the Verde Group.
The doorbell rang suddenly—property staff had brought up some late-night snacks. "Mr. Lopez ordered this for you. He asked us to deliver it personally," they said.
"Thanks," Gwyneth replied, accepting the steaming meal with a surprised smile. "I was getting pretty hungry."
Across town, Harrison glanced at the takeout on his desk and the note from Gwyneth: "Take care of yourself." He pushed aside his paperwork. Food first—he dug in.
Under the neon glow of the city, the two of them ate by their windows, miles apart but both feeling a quiet contentment.
The next day, after sealing the deal with Verde Group, Gwyneth headed straight to Jenkins Group. She flung the contract onto Quentin's desk. "Melanie, it's time to step down."