Chapter 566: The Marriage Proposal
Local custom dictated that a marriage proposal required an introducer—a matchmaker. It was best if this person held a high status, and the village chief’s wife fit the bill perfectly. Phoebe Huxley prepared extravagant gifts and went to the Xavier family’s home that morning. Grandpa Huxley and his wife were there, as were Kelley Xavier’s two paternal uncles and their wives, along with other Xavier family elders. The house was packed with people.
Kelley Xavier’s two uncles had already spoken with Shane Xavier, and of course, he had no objections. He was a man with little opinion of his own and was easily swayed; if his two older brothers said Howard Thorne was a good match, then he thought so too. His wife had tried to influence him with pillow talk, but this time, the Xavier family elders had also spoken up. Coupled with Grandpa Huxley’s high prestige, Shane Xavier remained relatively firm, and his wife’s attempt to turn him against the proposal was unsuccessful.
The village chief’s wife was an eloquent speaker, and it wasn’t long before the marriage was agreed upon. The next topic of discussion was the engagement banquet.
"It’s too hot right now, and the double-harvest season is upon us. Who has time for a banquet?" the stepmother said, trying to stall. ’As long as they’re not officially engaged, Zane Coleman still has a chance. I’ll figure something out... have Zane Coleman force the issue so it’s irreversible. This damn girl thinks she can just fly away and become a golden phoenix?’
’Hmph, in her dreams!’
’As long as I’m alive, this damn girl won’t see a single good day,’ the stepmother thought viciously. If Kelley Xavier became successful, she wouldn’t benefit at all. In fact, that damn girl might even seek revenge. The stepmother had thought it through very clearly; she had to destroy Kelley Xavier by any means necessary.
"It’s just an engagement, there’s no need for a banquet. We can have someone analyze their birth dates, pick an auspicious day, invite close family for a simple meal, and make the engagement official. Farming families aren’t so particular about these things," said her eldest uncle.
"How could that be acceptable? An engagement has to be handled properly. We can’t just do it casually, that would be improper. Even though Kelley isn’t my birth daughter, I treat her as if she were my own. We can’t let her feel slighted." The stepmother looked at Kelley affectionately, but her words were nauseating. Only Shane Xavier smiled with genuine relief, truly believing his wife sincerely doted on his daughter.
Kelley gritted her teeth, forcefully suppressing her rage. She knew exactly what her stepmother was plotting—it was just a stalling tactic. As long as the engagement wasn’t official, Zane Coleman could still come to her home and ruin her reputation. And if her reputation was truly destroyed, the Thorne family wouldn’t want her anymore.
’What a malicious heart. How on earth did I ever offend her?’
’Why is she so determined to destroy me?’
"That’s enough. Everyone can see clearly how you treat Kelley. It’s settled. Aurelia, see when you can find an auspicious day, then let everyone know, and we’ll finalize the engagement." An elder had spoken. He was the granduncle of Shane Xavier and his two brothers, so his words naturally carried a different weight.
The stepmother looked resentful but didn’t dare to object, though she was panicking inside.
Phoebe Huxley smiled and said, "Alright, I’ll go back and have someone determine an auspicious day right away. Don’t you worry. The engagement might be a bit rushed, but the wedding banquet will definitely be a grand affair. The Thorne family is a proper family, you know. Once these two kids get into college, we’ll hold the wedding."
The Xavier family elders all smiled. This was for the best. If Kelley Xavier could get into college, the Xavier family would also share in the glory. Moreover, Kelley was now one of the Thornes, so the Thorne family would worry about her tuition. They wouldn’t have to pay a single penny. Why wouldn’t they be happy about that?
"Going to school after getting engaged? I’m not sure that’s a good idea." The stepmother gritted her teeth, her smile becoming strained. ’She didn’t want Kelley to go back to school. That damn girl’s grades were good; she was sure to get into college.’
"My family will pay for her tuition. A child with good grades should naturally continue her education. My Howard is planning to go to college too. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for them to attend together?" Phoebe Huxley said, beaming. The Xavier family was also delighted. The young couple, going to college together—just the thought of it was lovely.