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Chapter 9
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Mary Redferne Chapter 10
Mary RedferneI sit down on the couch with a drink in my hand as I wait for Joseph’s call to get over. He was about to have his first drink with me when his telephone rang loudly. He was gone for almost fifteen minutes before he returned with a dejected look on his face. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to drink.” Joseph's expression was soft but firm as he declined my invitation to join me for a drink. His refusal caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise."Why not?" I asked, feeling a bit disappointed. "I thought you might were about to give in."Joseph hesitated for a moment before explaining, "It's not that I don't want to, but my mother has a rule about drinking around women when you are alone with them. She told me it’s only okay to drink if you are alone with your girlfriend or your wife. Because sometimes in a drunk state men might end up doing something disrespectful towards the lady or maybe just end up making her feel uncomfortable and
Mary Redferne Chapter 11
Mary Redferne I've been bawling my eyes out for weeks now. I can't remember the last time I felt this wrecked. Usually, I couldn't care less about what people like the McKinnons think, but Joseph... he really messed me up. I can't quite put my finger on why I expected so much from him, but there was this weird connection I just can't shake.I get dreams of him. I just can’t get him out of my head. I am so mad at him but at the same time I miss him.I’ve been trying to get him out of my head and move on, but it feels like trying to swim in quicksand – just leaves me feeling sad and gloomy. And to top it off, Dad's acting like I'm invisible, like he can't stand the sight of me. He despises my presence.Mom's no help either. She's constantly laying into me, blaming me for ruining everything Dad's worked for. According to her, I'm the ungrateful kid who's brought nothing but trouble into their lives.Home's become this depressing black hole I can't escape from. Even Clara, my younger s
Mary Redferne Chapter 12
Mary Redferne My heart races as I stand before Joseph, his intoxicating scent enveloping me as he stands a little too close for comfort—something the old Joseph would have never done. His towering stature looms over my 5’5 frame, and I stubbornly refuse to meet his gaze, feeling his eyes boring into me.As I face the balcony, the cool air brushing against my skin, Joseph breaks the silence. "Mary, I need you to tell me if you actually want this. I don't want you to do this for your parents. We'll find a way out of this if you don't want it," he says, his words sinking in and momentarily easing my anxiety. But I can't bring myself to trust him anymore, not after he chose to side with Joshua despite knowing exactly what happened.This reassurance feels hollow, everything around me seems fake—including the calmness of the night. But I realize I may not get another chance to escape this situation. Being remotely associated with the McKinnons for the rest of my life is something I despera
Mary Redferne Chapter 13
Mary Redferne Judith, my best friend, sat beside me on the couch, with my mother and sister opposite us, as we were presented with a selection of wedding dresses, each one simpler than the last. It was evident these dresses were deliberately chosen, designed to ensure I didn't outshine my sister Clara on her wedding day. Mr. McKinnon had made it clear that his son’s wedding needed to be the talk of the season.Clara expressed her disappointment directly, saying, "Mary, these dresses are so plain. I thought your wedding dress would be more... special. This is something you wouldn’t even wear."Despite her evident disappointment, I shot her a look, silencing her, as we both knew our parents were being unfair towards me, and she didn’t want to add fuel to the fire.Beside me, Judith sat in silence, usually jovial, but now visibly fuming. I doubted she would ever speak to my parents again after what they put me through.As the weight of my sister's unspoken disappointment hung heavy in t
Mary Redferne Chapter 14
Mary Redferne I stood alone in the empty barn, the faint scent of hay and dust lingering in the air. My heart sank as I reviewed the list of potential wedding venues that were approved by Mr. McKinnon. Each option seemed more lacklustre than the last, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment.I didn’t mind a simple wedding but I preferred if it was my choice.Suddenly, the sound of footsteps interrupted my thoughts, and I looked up to see Joseph walking towards me. Despite my nerves, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I admired his handsome features. I see the wedding planner eyes widen as she looks at Joseph, she probably didn’t expect for a greek god to walk in.I despised the flutter of excitement that surged through me at the sight of him, the familiar pang of anticipation twisting in my chest. It was absurd how his presence could evoke such feelings in me, the giddy anticipation I used to feel back in sixth grade, waiting to catch a glimpse of my cru
Mary Redferne Chapter 15
Mary Redferne A day before my wedding, Mr. McKinnon decided to host the most lavish engagement party for his son. I knew he did this intentionally, just a day before my own wedding, to ensure that their engagement overshadowed my own impending marriage. The McKinnons' ego was inflated by the perception of their wealth, and they sought to command respect and demonstrate their social standing.As the evening unfolded at Joshua and Clara's extravagant engagement party, I found myself standing alone at the bar, nursing a glass of sparkling water. The grandeur of the occasion was unmistakable, yet I couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at my insides.Amidst the revelry, I overheard Mr. McKinnon boasting to guests about Joshua's impending marriage. I could hear Mr. McKinnon telling people who asked him about how they thought Joshua was marrying me. He simply kept telling them that I wasn’t ‘up to his standard’. I made a conscious decision not to invite Judith to the event, knowing
Mary Redferne Chapter 16
Mary Redferne Walking down the aisle at The Fearrington Inn felt like stepping into a fairytale. The venue, adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant flowers, exuded an intimate charm that warmed my heart. Joseph stood at the end of the aisle, his eyes sparkling with emotion as he watched me approach.The soft strains of a string quartet filled the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The small gathering of our closest family and friends radiated love and support, making the moment even more special. Except for my parents, I was happy that Clara and my extended family made it on such a short notice.With every step down the aisle, I felt like royalty, my heart brimming with joy and excitement.I don’t know why the wedding dress made me so happy but it did.It was exactly how I imagined my wedding dress would be like. I knew Joshua’s father was angry upon seeing the dress and I couldn’t help but be thankful about Joseph and his mother standing up for me. The soft fabric traile
Mary Redferne Chapter 17
Mary RedferneAs Mr. McKinnon stopped us in our tracks before we could make our escape, I shared a knowing look with Joseph. We were both aware of his obsession with appearances, even at a time like this."Joseph, Mary, we need some pictures with me for the papers to announce Joseph's marriage," Mr. McKinnon announced, his tone firm and authoritative.Why is he going to be in that picture? What a narcissist?Joseph and I exchanged a glance, silently hating the fact that we have to be around his unbearable uncle. With a nod, we followed Mr. McKinnon back to the altar, where the photographer was waiting impatiently."No, no. Right this way," Mr. McKinnon directed, leading us to a less extravagant area of the hotel. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his insistence on micromanaging every detail for the sake of his son's image. As we posed for the photographs, Mr. McKinnon hovered over us, directing our every move with precision. It was clear that he was determined to ensure that Joshu
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