FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO - Chapter 113

Chapter 113: A Heartless Brother

At the back of the mansion, was an open field that slopped down towards a glistening body of fresh water. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature provided the perfect backdrop for a peaceful gathering.

Amelia could feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, as the air filled her lungs, with a blend of wet earth, spices and wildflowers littered on the grassy field.

She explored the mapped-out section of the large circular grassy field which was organized like a family picnic arena. There were different mounted open tents, – acting as shade from the sun, gaming sections, outdoor chairs, picnic blankets and pillows, and a ground-mounted 201-inch television screen.

Servants dressed in black and white uniforms were seen moving around making finishing touches to the already perfect surroundings.

And by the south end was a man, dressed in a chef-like uniform, attending to an outdoor charcoal grill.

Amelia stuck up her nose in the air, inhaling the rich, savoury aroma of barbecued meat and food,- which was characterized by a blend of sweet, slightly caramelized notes from the browning sugars in the meat, combined with the woodsy scent of smoke from the cooking process, creating a mouthwatering fragrance. Her stomach growled softly in response to the tantalizing aroma of sweet country food, making her blush a little in embarrassment when Henry turned to look at her.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m starving too,” Henry whispered, grinning at her.

“I don’t understand. Isn’t this supposed to be a mournful gathering? I thought we were going to the graveyard or something.”

“Well, I guess some changes have been made for this year’s gathering and we are about to find out.” Henry gestured to Blaze’s aunt, who had mounted an elevated stand.

“My dear family, please gather around,” Vera said, standing a few feet from one of the open tents. She paused briefly, waiting for everyone to settle before continuing.

“Exactly seven years ago, we lost one of us. Someone dear to our hearts. Someone snatched by the cold hands of death when we least expected. Someone whose beautiful memory in this world would linger in our hearts forever.”

Except for the chirping of distant birds and the gentle whistling of the breeze, an eerie silence fell amongst the family. A few of them lowered their head in honor of the dead while others shared silent tears.

“Presley Anderson was a diligent son,…” Vera continued. “…a faithful husband, a loving father, a kind brother, an amazing uncle….” Her eyes fell on Amelia who was busy staring at her husband’s side profile. “…and would have made the best father-in-law and even a grandfather…”

Amelia widened eyes darted to Vera and quickly lowered when all pair of eyes tilted in her direction.

Henry chuckled, earning him a kick in the on the ankle.

“This isn’t funny,” Amelia muttered under her breath.

“Sorry,” Henry whispered, beaming to himself.

“For years, we have gathered to remind ourselves of this legend, who has taught us the beauty of life, love, family and forgiveness.”

Vera stressed the last part as she recalled what Maria said about Amelia being the daughter of Gregory Shawls, the same man who was rumor to have betrayed her elder brother. She didn’t understand why her nephew chose to marry Amelia as his wife. But she hoped it was for the best.

Maria, who was standing on the front row with her son by her side, leaned her head on his chest, tears flowing freely from her eyes as the slide show of her husband, right from when he was an infant started displaying on the huge screen. She felt her son’s comforting arms wrap around her as Vera continued speaking.

“Today, as we celebrate this great man, wining and dining, let us remember that those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day; unseen, unheard but always near.”

Tears flowed down Amelia’s eyes as she pictured her mother’s face smiling at her.

“They will forever remain still loved, still missed and very dear to our hearts.” Vera dabbed at her streaming tears with her handkerchief, as she signalled the servants to serve the wine.

When she was certain that everyone had a glass in their hand, she lifted her glass of wine in the air.

“To Presley Anderson, we love you this day and forever. Cheers!” She tipped her glass of wine spilling half of the content to the grassy floor.

“To Presley Anderson.” Everyone raised their glasses to the air, spilling some of the contents to the floor before clinking glasses with one another.

“To Presley Anderson and Fiona Wales, continue to rest in peace.” Amelia also tipped her wine glass, before clicking it with Henry’s, Eugene’s and other Anderson family members.

–

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Meanwhile, back at the Shawls mansion, Senator Gregory sat in the living room listening to the head of his security team and his brother give him an update on Amelia’s treachery against her own family. He was still having great difficulty, focusing on a particular subject, due to the trauma on the back of his head and the effect of the hallucinating drugs he was unknowingly consuming.

Currently, he was traumatized with scary visions that weren’t real. Based on the wrong information he was fed by his cheating wife, his fraudulent brothers, his manipulative fake daughter and his corrupt security head, his mind was greatly distorted.

“So you’re trying to tell me that Amelia was never kidnapped?” Senator Gregory asked Matt, while massaging the back of his bandage head, – which according to his wife and other members of the family present, was inflicted by Blaze Anderson.

“No brother.” Matt shook his head, feigning disappointment. “According to our research, Amelia was never kidnapped. Everything she encountered was staged. Amelia has been secretly dating Blaze Anderson for a while now. It’s so unfortunate that we just got to realize the truth.”

“That despicable child?” The senator hissed, biting down on his inner lips as a head-splitting migraine shot through his brain. He was sweating profusely even in the well-ventilated living room. “How could she do this to us?”

“There is more sir.” Lin said showing the senator an edited version of the email Amelia sent. “Based on the recent sale of her liquidated trust fund assets, which she claimed were sold by Gwen, we believe Miss Amelia is mopping up cash to settle a huge debt. And this debt could cripple the family’s financial status if necessary actions aren’t taken.”

“What!” The Senator gritted his teeth. “Matt give me that glass of water and more aspirin. This headache is killing me.” He leaned his head back on the couch, sweating profusely, while cursing out loud.

Both Matt and Lin exchange amused glances.

“Sure brother.” Matt gave the senator more of the hallucinating coated medication and a glass of water. He watched him drink more of the poison before suggesting.

“Why don’t you allow Lin and I to take care of this Blaze Anderson in our own way? All you have to do is focus on getting better.”

The Senate grunted in pain, nodding his head, as his vision slowly turned blurry.

“I will take you back to your bedroom.” Matt stood up, grinning satisfactorily.