Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Landon’s smile was genuine and gentle. His eyes twinkled with a gleam of happiness. “I was thinking that when Lauren and I become old, we can sit together at home and flip through our photo album. I will be able to tell her lots of stories. Wouldn’t that be great?”
A lump rose in Javier’s throat. He was extremely touched. He remarked, “Thank you, Landon.
“But there’s something that I’m really curious about. How did you convince that elderly duke to rent this place to you?”
Landon pursed his lips slightly. “I told him our love story, from when we started dating and how we journeyed until now. He was very touched. It also reminded him of his late wife, who had passed away many years ago. In the end, he decided to allow us to have our wedding here.
“I showed him Lauren’s artwork too. He loved it very much and offered to buy it at a high price on the spot. But I didn’t want him to pay for it. Instead, I sought Lauren’s permission and gifted the painting to him. Not only was Javier touched to hear that, but the look in his eyes filled with a plethora of complex emotions.
Back in his time, he was also as passionate as Landon was. Back then, he used to be so in love with Jeremy’s mother, Anne.
If only he hadn’t misunderstood her.
If only he wasn’t lied to, enchanted, and manipulated by Sophia.
They were supposed to be the epitome of the ideal couple with a lifetime of stories from their marriage to share. In the end, it was all a pipe dream. His feelings, his love and his woman had vanished in the midst of bloodthirsty fights and schemes.
“Thank you, Dad,” Landon spoke up suddenly.
Javier quickly concealed the sadness in his eyes. He asked in a surprised tone, “Why are you thanking me?”
“Thank you for giving your permission for Lauren to marry me.”
Their wedding was tomorrow, and there was nothing else in the way. Everyone had given their blessings to them. Even so, Landon’s eyes were red, and he choked on his tears as he uttered those words.
“You’re making me too ashamed to even look at you.”
With a sad smile on his face, Javier shook his head. His heart was throbbing with pain. “You don’t have to thank me. If you want to thank someone, you should thank Newton and Jeremy. They are the ones who have been supporting you all along.
“As for me, I have tried to separate the both of you time and time again. I even pushed her right before that monster from the Hodgson family… I am not a good father at all. “Moving forward, you have to treat Lauren well. I will not interfere with your lives for no reason. Don’t worry.”
“Don’t say that, Dad. I have never blamed you.”
Landon comforted him in a tender and low voice. “Back then, I hadn’t avenged my father or gotten rid of those crooks in my family. Even if I got together with Lauren, I wouldn’t have been able to give her a secure life.
“Right now is when it is most timely.”
Javier chuckled to himself. Then, he retrieved an item from his suit pocket. He pulled Landon’s hand toward him and placed the item on his palm.
Landon lowered his eyes and stared at the item in his hand. It was a gold pocket watch that was mounted with ruby and sapphire.
He widened his eyes.
“Dad, this is…”
“This is a pocket watch that Jeremy’s great-great-grandfather passed down to his grandfather, Newton. It was then passed down to me.”
Landon felt like he had just heard a tongue twister, but he understood what was implied.
Basically, it was a very precious item!
“Now, I am giving it to you.”
A kind smile came across Javier’s face. “This is an antique. It’s an item that people at auctions will bid astronomical prices for. Don’t underestimate its value.” “Dad, this… This is too valuable. I can’t accept it.”
Landon couldn’t believe the amount of favor he was receiving. He declined immediately, “This is your family heirloom. You should be passing it down to Jeremy. I don’t deserve-“
“You’re not an outsider. You are my son-in-law, and someone who’s like a son to me. Why do you say that you don’t deserve it?”
Javier grabbed his hand and insisted, “Moreover, Jeremy is doted on by Newton. He’s already leaving so much for him! Is he wanting to get his hands on my possessions even though I don’t have much? That’ll just make him a spoiled brat!
“Son, if you treat me like your father, you have to accept it.”
Landon knew that this had got to be a joke.
Jeremy was Javier’s biological son, the child whom he had with the love of his life. He might not have verbalized it, but deep down, there was no way that he didn’t care.
“Thank you then. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.”
When night fell, laughter and joy filled the vast living room in the fortress.
The ladies sipped on their teas and chatted amongst themselves.
Alyssa and Rose were in a room, preparing the wedding dress that Lauren was going to be in for tomorrow’s wedding ceremony. On the other hand, Tatiana was working on a makeup and styling trial for Lauren. They were up to their necks in wedding preparations
As Alyssa was occupied, Jeremy could only wait for her quietly in their room. He was bored to death as he stood out on the balcony and admired the night view at the estate. Suddenly, his cell phone started vibrating.
He whipped it out and looked down at the screen. His chest tightened.
After a few seconds of hesitation, he answered the call. “Hi, Justin.”
“Jeremy, are all of you already at Bernardia, preparing to attend Mr. Landon and Lauren’s wedding?” Justin’s voice was deep, calm, and friendly all at once.
“Yes, Justin. Their wedding is tomorrow.”
“That’s great. Their dream is finally coming to fruition. It’s a pity that I won’t be able to attend their celebration.”
“That’s alright. We understand your difficulties,” Jeremy answered gently and understandingly.
“I’ve transferred some congratulatory money to your account, You should be receiving it soon. It’s just a small congratulatory gesture from me. Please hand it to the newlyweds on my behalf.”
Jeremy’s phone pinged, notifying him of a new text message.
Jeremy swiped on his phone screen and studied the message that informed him of a new transfer. The long string of numbers made him feel conflicted. He furrowed his brows slightly.
Those who knew would see this as a wedding gift. Those who didn’t know what this amount was for would’ve thought it was a sum for investment.
Justin coughed. “It’s getting late at Bernardia, isn’t it? I shall not bother you and Ms. Alyssa. Good night.”
“Hey, Justin.”
The look in Jeremy’s eyes was deep. His raspy voice sounded in the night. “It’s about the drug experimentation issue previously. I did my best to expose it while you blocked it off. I just wanted to know if it was really for the benefit of Walsh Group that you did so?”
There was silence.
Jeremy felt the chilly night breeze at Bernardia blowing across his face. He had an intense look in his eyes, and he could feel his heart pounding.
Until today, he still had a glimmer of hope for Justin, who had once saved his life.
With his own eyes, he had witnessed how the Schmidt brothers tore at one another and fought to their deaths. He didn’t want the same cruelty to replay within the Walsh’s.
“Jeremy, I know that I’m unable to take care of myself because of my physical condition. Even so, I have always cared about Walsh Group. I think about Grandpa, Dad, you, and Lauren too.”
Justin’s tone of voice was full of sincerity. “Firstly, I didn’t know you were blowing the issue up from behind the scenes. All I did was look at it from Walsh Group’s perspective. My intention was simply to protec our family’s interests.
“Secondly, even if I knew that you were the one behind all that, I don’t think I would’ve done anything differently because everything I did was for Walsh Group’s sake.
“Jeremy…” Justin coughed. “I hope that you’ll be able to understand where I’m coming from.”
Upon hearing Justin’s explanation, Jeremy clenched his hands into fists. Deep down, he had mixed feelings.
After dinner, Jonah, Silas, and Liam chatted with Winston in the room. Liam had managed to squeeze time out of his busy schedule to make it for the wedding.
“Where’s Axel?”
Winston paid attention to his sons’ attendance, as if he was doing a roll call. He even teased, “Why is he trying to sulk at me even when we’re at Mr. Landon and Ms. Lauren’s wedding? He’s not so petty and stubborn, is he?”
“Dad, Axel arrived some time ago. He even helped Landon with the decorations two days ago.”
It was rare to see Silas siding with his foe. “But he went out first thing this morning. I asked him where he was going, but he didn’t tell me.”
“How about Cyrus? Why isn’t he here either?” Winston frowned. “He’s not chickening out because he can’t bear to see the woman he likes getting married, is he? It’s not like my son to be such a coward.” “You’re underestimating Cyrus, Dad. He’s already reconciled with Landon. He’s let it go and moved on.”
Jonah smiled slightly. “He’s just swamped with work. He finally managed to apply for leave and is now on the plane. He’ll be arriving tomorrow morning.”
“Ah, good to know that he’s gotten over her. There are plenty of other fish in the sea.”
