Chapter 39: Elena Ward Was Completely Stunned

Elena Ward was completely stunned.

Marriage?

Her and Instructor Stone?

This was absurd.

Her thoughts were in chaos. Adrian was a good man—honest, upright, a military instructor. But they had only met three times!

Every encounter felt like something out of a movie.

And now they were talking about marriage?

She didn’t want this. Adrian probably felt obligated because he’d ruined her reputation. But that wasn’t fair. She’d jumped into the reservoir with her own motives.

If she ended up costing him his chance at true love, she’d never forgive herself.

As Elena spiraled into doubt, Adrian leaned in and whispered, "Don’t worry. I keep my word."

His tone was so firm she nearly rolled her eyes.

Agnes Ward panicked. "Instructor Stone, this isn’t right! You saved this girl—we should be thanking you, not burdening you with marriage!" She put on a show of concern.

Adrian chuckled. "By rights, I should call you Grandma. But now isn’t the time. I genuinely want to marry Elena. This isn’t a burden." He turned to the villagers. "Tell me, does a military instructor suit a university student like her?"

"Perfectly!" the crowd cheered.

The cadets egged them on. "A perfect match!"

Agnes was yanked back by her daughter-in-law, Vera, who realized pushing further would expose their scheme.

Once inside, Agnes slammed the door.

Calvin Ward took a drag from his cigarette. "What’s wrong?"

Vera sneered. "Your precious niece just landed herself a golden ticket. Instructor Stone wants to marry her. Derek Harlan’s proposal is as good as dead."

Calvin’s face darkened. If Elena married Adrian, they’d lose all control over her.

Agnes gnashed her teeth. "Over my dead body! She’s not worthy!"

"Mom, what do we do now?"

Agnes smirked. "When Derek gets here, we’ll take him straight to Elena. That pretty face of hers will do the rest." She lowered her voice. "I’ve got sleeping pills..."

Calvin stiffened. "You think Derek will agree?"

"Him?" Agnes scoffed. "A thug like that? He’ll jump at the chance."

Calvin relaxed. After all, Elena wasn’t his blood. He felt no guilt.