Imogen settled into Jasper’s car, preparing to visit her parents. Upon calling Carol, she realized that Carol and Gregory had returned to their hometown for a visit.Imogen considered postponing the visit, but Jasper insisted on meeting the Kingsleys today. Thus, they altered their route and set off toward her hometown.Imogen’s hometown was a remote and impoverished village, dotted with run-down houses mostly inhabited by elderly residents, women, and children left behind. The roads were muddy and difficult to navigate, adding to the feeling of a laborious journey despite the short distance.As they drove into the village, their arrival seemed to stir up curiosity among the villagers.Local gossiping women emerged to witness the commotion, while children playfully chased after the car. Beneath a large tree, elderly villagers sat, pointing and discussing the arrival of the visitors.Their car halted in front of a dilapidated house, and Imogen felt a pang of unease. She didn’t want Jasper to see the stark reality of her family’s original home, fearing his potential judgment.Stepping out of the car, Jasper surveyed the house. He was momentarily taken aback but quickly adjusted to the authentic historical ambiance of the place.Upon hearing the car engine, Carol hurriedly stepped out, her smile warm and welcoming. “Oh, you’re here already? There’s no need to come all this way for a visit. We’ll be back in Phoenicia in a couple of days. You can visit us there, it’s the same.””Mom,” Jasper greeted politely, stepping out of the car with gifts in hand. “I wanted to meet Grandma.””That’s thoughtful of you. Come on in. Are you tired from the drive? I’ll prepare some food for you.”Inside the house, Jasper met Imogen’s grandmother, Pippa Glaston-a benevolent old lady in her 80s.In less than half an hour, the entire village learned that Imogen had returned with her husband, Jasper, for a visit.Jasper was tall and handsome, driving a luxury car. The gifts he brought seemed valuable, clearly marking him as affluent.The already narrow living room was crowded with a makeshift square table laden with snacks. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.A circle of people had gathered around it-Pippa, Gregory, Carol, Imogen’s aunts and uncles, together with a few curious children seeking snacks and excitement.They nibbled on snacks, casting curious gazes at Jasper as though he were a rare specimen. Their gaze sent chills down Jasper’s spine.Imogen and Jasper sat there, tense and uneasy.Renowned for his fearless dominance in the business world, Jasper now found himself sweating under their scrutiny. Imogen, too, felt nervous, taking occasional sips from her glass. The relatives, captivated by Jasper’s handsome appearance, looked on with both admiration and jealousy in their eyes.”Imogen, what does your husband do for a living?” asked one of them.”Where does he work? How much does he earn each month?”Another chimed in, “Did you buy a house in Phoenicia?””How old is he? Are his parents still alive?””How did you two meet? Are you married? Will there be a wedding banquet?””What did you receive as the wedding gift?”Both Imogen and Jasper were taken aback by the barrage of questions. They exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to respond.
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Originally, they had planned toconfess their deception to Carol and Gregory, hoping for forgiveness and understanding. However, the timing wasn’t right to broach the subject. They worried that involving the older women might only complicate things further. Seeing Jasper and Imogen both silent and sensing the awkward atmosphere, Carol smiled and intervened to answer on Jasper’s behalf. She carefully explained using Asher’s information.Later that evening, following localcustoms in the village, Jasper couldn’t sleep with Imogen at herparents home. Due to limited space,Jasper ended up sleeping with Gregory, while Imogen slept in aseparate room with Carol,
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