C174 Mysterious Wife

The atmosphere at the Wood Residence was unusually quiet that evening. The maids had already finished preparing dinner, and the aroma of freshly cooked food drifted through the mansion. Despite the comforting smell, the house lacked its former warmth. Kelvin remained inside his study reviewing a few documents, Tracy sat quietly in the living room lost in thought, while Sarah had returned from the Chambers residence and gone upstairs to freshen up.

Samantha remained alone in her bedroom. She stood by the window, absentmindedly watching the evening sky darken as countless thoughts raced through her mind. Tomorrow Ben would finally be released from prison. Yet during the entire time he had been detained, she had never visited him. She had never once felt the urge to. Instead, every time she thought about visiting, the memories of everything he had done flooded her heart.

Their marriage had existed only on paper. She didn't regret staying away. If anything, she believed she had made the right decision. Her thoughts slowly drifted elsewhere. Christopher Chambers... The new Vice Director of Wood IT Company. The title echoed repeatedly inside her mind. Sarah was now the Director. Chris would become the Vice Director. Soon they would officially become husband and wife.

As she thought about it, another uneasy feeling settled in her chest. What about me? Would I always remain nothing more than a silent shareholder? Once Sarah's child was born, part of the company shares would naturally belong to her. Monica would inherit another portion. But even so it would be half of it compared to now.

As generations passed... Would my influence simply continue to shrink? She sighed softly. Before she could continue thinking, a gentle knock interrupted her thoughts. "Sister?" Sarah's cheerful voice sounded from outside. "Dinner is ready." Samantha composed herself before opening the door. "I'm coming." Downstairs, Kelvin and Tracy had already taken their seats.

A few moments later Sarah and Samantha joined them. The meal was unusually quiet. Everyone had already eaten plenty at the Chambers residence earlier that afternoon, so dinner was much lighter than usual. After everyone finished, Kelvin gently cleared his throat. "There is something we need to discuss." Everyone looked toward him. "Tomorrow morning," he began calmly, "I'll complete Ben's bail procedures." "He'll finally be coming home."

Tracy smiled faintly. "Our son has been away long enough." "I wonder how he's doing." Although her voice remained calm, the concern in her eyes could not be hidden. Samantha quietly lowered her gaze. Sarah broke the silence. "Dad..." "If Ben comes back tomorrow..." "Won't he object to my decision of appointing Chris as Vice Director?"

Kelvin folded his hands together. "I've considered that." He paused before continuing. "Ben has just been released from prison." "He now carries a criminal record." "I believe he'll understand that the company couldn't simply stop operating while he was away." He looked directly at Sarah. "However..." "I'm more worried about something else." "If he still refuses to let go of his hatred for Mike..." "Then Chris could easily become another target."

Sarah nodded slowly. She understood exactly what her father meant. Kelvin continued, "That's why I think you and Chris should register your marriage tomorrow morning." The dining room instantly fell silent. Even Samantha looked up in surprise. After several long seconds, Tracy finally spoke. "Wouldn't that be rushing things?" "They haven't even held an engagement ceremony." "It doesn't seem fair to them."

Sarah smiled mischievously. "Mom..." "I actually think Dad has a point." Everyone turned toward her. "I'm already pregnant." "So instead of hiding forever..." "I'll simply let everyone believe I'm a married woman." She smiled confidently. "People at work will be curious." "They keep wondering who the baby's father is." "If they ask..." "I'll simply tell them I'm married." "No one will have any reason to keep investigating."

Kelvin nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense." Sarah continued, "But..." "I don't plan to change my surname just yet." Everyone looked puzzled. "I'll still be Sarah Wood." "The company has only recently accepted me as Director." "If I suddenly become Sarah Chambers, there will be unnecessary questions." She smiled playfully. "So I'll remain the mysterious wife." "No one needs to know who my husband is."

Tracy couldn't help laughing. "My daughter..." "When did you become this clever?" Sarah grinned proudly. "I learned from watching Alicia." The entire family laughed. Kelvin shook his head with a smile. "But what if Chris refuses?" Sarah answered confidently. "He won't." "He doesn't enjoy being the center of attention." "This arrangement suits him perfectly."

Samantha finally spoke. "So... he'll be the Vice Director while secretly being your husband?" Sarah nodded happily. "Exactly." Kelvin burst into laughter. "I never imagined my daughter would come up with such an unusual plan." Tracy smiled warmly. "Then all that's left..." "is convincing Chris." Sarah stood confidently. "Leave that to me." "I'll make sure he agrees." Everyone laughed again, and the heavy atmosphere that had filled the house finally eased.

Meanwhile, at the Gomez Residence, the atmosphere was completely different. The house echoed with warmth and laughter. Laura had adapted surprisingly well over the past few weeks. Tonight, she looked happier than anyone had seen her in a long time. Even when she heard Mike was released she was not this happy. Godness Gomez couldn't help smiling. "My child..." "You've been smiling all evening." "What happened?"

Laura blushed. "Mother..." "Remember the jewelry design book you gave me?" Godness nodded. "The one explaining how raw gold is refined before becoming jewelry?" Laura's eyes sparkled. "I finally understand it." Prince chuckled. "So that's the reason you're smiling?" Laura nodded excitedly. "It was difficult at first." "But today everything suddenly made sense."

She hesitated before speaking again. "Father..." "May I start working at the company tomorrow?" Bright almost choked on his drink. "Tomorrow?" "So suddenly?" Laura nodded. "I've completed my studies." "I don't want to keep sitting at home." "I want to contribute." "I want to become part of this family."

Prince looked at her proudly. "I was hoping you'd say that." He smiled. "If jewelry design interests you..." "Then why not become our Chief Design Supervisor?" Laura's eyes widened. "Me?" "So soon?" Prince nodded confidently. "Every new jewelry design will first pass through you." "You'll review it before production begins." Laura looked nervous. "What if I make mistakes?"

Prince laughed warmly. "Mistakes are how great designers learn." "You won't be working alone." "We'll guide you." Godness smiled. "And one day..." "You'll guide everyone else." Laura's eyes became slightly moist. "Thank you..." "I won't disappoint you." Dinner ended with cheerful conversation. Laura and Bright returned to their bedroom.

Laura opened the wardrobe and immediately began comparing dresses. "Husband..." She held up one dress after another. "Which one do you think looks better?" Bright smiled helplessly. "You've asked me five times already." Laura laughed softly. As she held another dress against herself, an old memory unexpectedly surfaced. She remembered shopping weeks ago with Mike... Remembered asking him almost the exact same question. Her smile slowly faded. She froze.

Bright immediately noticed. "Laura?" "Are you alright?" She looked at him. For a brief moment she realized something important. The past would always remain part of her story... But it no longer had to define her future. Without saying another word, she stepped forward and gently kissed Bright. He was caught completely by surprise. After a moment, he smiled into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her.

When they finally separated, they rested their foreheads together. "I love you," Bright whispered. Laura smiled warmly. "I know." She took his hand. "Let's stop worrying about the past." "Tonight..." "I just want to stay with my husband." The forgotten dresses remained scattered across the bed as the couple spent the rest of the evening talking, laughing, and embracing the quiet happiness of beginning a new chapter of their life together.