Chapter 368

S3 111. Tense and Hot

Ava’s eyebrows pressed against her forehead. She didn’t expect Jeremy to speak that clearly in front of his mother.

“W-what do you mean, Sir? Eva could say that because I was staying

at your house. She thought we were familiar. She misunderstood.”

Jeremy sighed in resignation. “I don’t like pretending, Ava. Our relationship doesn’t need to be hidden anymore.”

Ava was stunned. Before her brain could think of a word, Jeremy grabbed her wrist, inviting her to turn to face Vivian.

“Mom, Ava and I are planning to get married.”

Ava’s mouth opened wider. Her eyes moved around observing Jeremy’s seriousness, Vivian’s surprise, and her own heartbeat.

“J-Jeremy….”

Suddenly, Vivian burst out laughing. Happiness radiated brightly from her face. “Did I hear correctly? Are you planning to get married?”

While Ava was dazed, Jeremy nodded firmly. “Yes, Mom. I am determined to make Ava mine.”

Ava s

sighed in disbelief. Her hands waved. “Wait-”

However, Vivian was already hugging her. “This is really exciting. Finally my son has made a choice. Thank you for being in his life, Darling.”

Ava started to sweat. Her body was hot and cold thinking about how to clear up the misunderstanding.

“Sorry, Mrs. Bell. Can I talk to Jeremy for a moment?”

As

on as Vivian let go of the hug, Ava grabbed Jeremy and dragged him. “Why did you tell that lie to your mother?” she whispered after reaching a safe distance.

Jeremy frowned. “I’m not lying. Didn’t we agree last night?”

“When did I say I wanted to marry you?”

“You didn’t reject me last night and you didn’t argue when I said I wanted to get married.”

Ava took a deep breath. “But I didn’t say I wanted to get married.”

Jeremy shook his head slowly. “You thought I was joking when I said that? I don’t want to be in a relationship without commitment, Ava.”

“Marriage is not an easy decision, Sir. We need to consider all aspects. Good and bad, everything must be considered.”

“I have considered everything. With you being my wife, I have the right to always protect you. That way, I won’t feel-”

“Jeremy,” Ava shook his arm. Her gaze was straight and sharp.” Marriage is an agreement between two parties. A reciprocal relationship between partners who give and receive, in joy or in sorrow.”

“I know it.”

“Then why are you even thinking about marrying me? If we get married, only you will give, while I receive. Only I will get the pleasure, while you will be harmed. You should look for a girl who is comparable to you, not a parasite like me.”

Jeremy’s eyebrows knitted together. His head shook in disagreement. “You didn’t harm me at all. I’m actually happy to be able to help you.”

Ava sighed tiredly. “No, Jeremy. Your understanding is wrong. Did you hear what the people in the boutique said? I didn’t want to bother you.

I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve received so far, and I don’t expect anything more. So don’t.”

Ava raised both hands as she stepped back. “Don’t think about marrying me. If you think it will protect me, no. I don’t want to make anyone suffer.”

“No,” Jeremy interrupted, “listen to me.”

But Ava shook her head and asked for a pause through her hand movements. “I appreciate your good intentions. Thank you for caring about me all this time. Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to check on my

mother.”

Ava turned around with her head bowed. When she passed Vivian, she just nodded while muttering, “Sorry, Mrs. Bell. I must see my mother.”

Seeing the girl disappear behind the door, Vivian let out a heavy sigh. Her gaze then fell on Jeremy who was walking towards her.

“Can I ask you a question?”

Jeremy raised a stiff eyebrow. “What?”

“How did you propose?”

Jeremy was stunned. “Is that necessary?”

“So you haven’t proposed yet?” Vivian stared wide-eyed.

Jeremy blinked innocently. “I only stated my intentions seriously. She should already know what I meant.”

“Ouch, Uncle Jeremy sucks!”

Jeremy blinked at Louis’ voice. When he turned around, the boy turned out to be folding his arms with his eyes narrowed.

“A woman needs a romantic proposal, Uncle, like how Daddy proposed to Mommy or Philip when he proposed to Auntie.”

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Emily nodded in agreement. “Yes, even though Ava seems indifferent, actually she also needs a romantic proposal. All women are like that.”

Vivian snorted with laughter when she heard the chatter of the two toddlers. “Jeez, Jeremy. This time, you lost badly to four year old kids. They understand. Don’t you?”

“But Ava is a simple girl. She doesn’t like small talk or formalities.”

“Still,” Vivian patted her son’s cheek, “as a man, you should give your partner what she deserves. Giving is not only what she needs or wants, but also about sincerity. How serious are you about making her happy? Show me!”

“Yes, not everything has to be kept under wraps. For example, when I feel happy because of Louis, I say thank you while giving him a hug. It’s much more meaningful than just an expression.”

“Yes, although I think just saying thank you is enough, I feel more appreciated if Emily hugs me. I feel her affection is genuine.”

Jeremy didn’t move as he watched the two toddlers embracing each other’s shoulders. “Who taught you guys that?”

“Mommy,” the twins said in a proud tone.

Pursing his mouth, Jeremy glanced at Vivian.

“Why? You don’t blame me for not teaching that, right?” Smiling crookedly, Vivian rubbed her son’s arm. “I know you don’t like to drag on when thinking about one thing. You are a spontaneous person and trust your intuition more. But dealing with women requires strategy. Learn from your brother’s experience. How did he win Kara’s heart?” Jeremy let out a faint breath. In fact, he was the one who advised Frank. He just realized that practice was much more difficult than theory.

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ow about

“Okay. Thank you for your suggestions and advice. Now how we go to the office? Your parents will definitely be waiting.”

While the twins nodded, Vivian held Jeremy’s shoulders. “No. Let me take the twins. I also has to go back to the office. You just look after

Ava.”

“She-”

“She just came back from the hospital. She needs a lot of rest. You have to keep an eye on her.”

Then, Vivian waved towards the door. A servant came to bring her

bag.

“Louis, Emily, let’s go.”

The twins took Vivian’s outstretched hand.

“See you, Uncle.”

“Take good care of Ava. Remember! Show her your attention!”

While walking towards the car, Vivian chuckled. “Thanks for your help, Smart Kids.”

“We’re happy to help, Mrs. Bell.”

“Yes, we also want Uncle to marry Ava. We both can be ring bearers again.”

As the three people left, Jeremy took a quick breath. His brain was working hard.

“Did she forget what we did last night? Women usually hold men responsible after that moment. Why doesn’t she want me to be responsible?”

Not finding an answer, Jeremy came in. He wanted to ask her directly. He thought Ava might be acting like that because of Vivian’s

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presence.

However, when he arrived in front of Mrs. Connor’s room, Jeremy’s eyes widened. The woman was cursing and beating Ava.

Not accepting Ava being treated like that, he barged in and

intervened. However, instead of inspiring peace, a slap in the face

made the atmosphere even more tense and heated.

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