Chapter 206
Chapter 206:
“Adrian said… you’re practically family and you’ve known him since he was a kid,” Sophie responded honestly.
Maura’s face softened, a pleased smile spreading across it. “Ah, that’s nice to hear. All the care I’ve given him wasn’t wasted, then p>
Hearing Maura’s connection to Adrian instantly eased Sophie’s nerves. The tension melted away, and the conversation became more relaxed and natural.
Maura let out a small sigh. “It’s a shame, though. When you two got married, I was actually having a disagreement with Adrian, so I didn’t go to the wedding p>
“Disagreement?” Sophie asked, intrigued.
“Yes!” Maura’s voice carried a little irritation as she recalled it. “I had advised him not to go through with this marriage. I had already heard about your cousin Alice and… well, let’s just say her temperament leaves much to be desired p>
𝖳𝘩𝘦 𝘮о𝘴𝘵 𝗉𝗈р𝗎l𝖺r 𝗇𝗈𝘃𝖾𝗹s оn
She shook her head in clear disapproval. “I seriously told Adrian not to make a huge mistake. But he was stubborn, and since the engagement was arranged by his late mother, he insisted. I was so angry at the time that I simply didn’t attend p>
Then Maura turned her attention back to Sophie. “And who would have guessed, by some lucky accident, that he would end up marrying you, Sophie p>
She patted Sophie’s hand gently. “I’ve even heard about how you stepped in unexpectedly as the bride. Your uncle’s family went too far. But honestly, I have to thank them for bringing someone as wonderful as you into Adrian’s life p>
Sophie felt herself blush at the praise. “Maura, you’re so sweet. Thank you. That means a lot p>
“No thanks needed! Adrian is the lucky one, having found you!” Maura laughed warmly.
Overwhelmed by the flattery, Sophie quickly tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Would you mind telling me a bit about Adrian’s childhood p>
“Of course! Ask anything you like, and I’ll tell you,” Maura replied eagerly.
“Well, for starters, how did the engagement happen? I only know it was arranged when they were kids p>
“The engagement? Oh, that’s a fun story,” Maura responded, her eyes lighting up with interest. “Back then, Adrian’s mother had just given birth and was feeling low from postpartum depression. I used to invite a few lively, well-off ladies to visit and lift her spirits. Over time, we all got close, and your uncle’s wife was part of that circle p>
A soft smile climbed up the corners of her lips. “The engagement was actually decided at Adrian’s very first birthday. He was adorable and full of charm. Even then, you could see he’d grow into a handsome man. Everyone joked around to make his mother happy, wondering which lucky girl would end up with him p>
She paused and went on. “In the midst of the fun, someone suggested a kind of childhood betrothal, saying whoever had a daughter first would be engaged to Adrian. The excitement of the party swept everyone along, and Adrian’s mother agreed with a smile p>
“And then?” Sophie leaned in, listening closely.
“Well,” Maura responded, spreading her hands, “I was actually the first to have a child, but it was a boy, so no chance there. The other ladies? They all had boys too. Finally, your uncle’s wife, Michelle, had a daughter, and that’s how the engagement ended up with Alice p>
With a sigh, she added, “At the time, the Knight family wasn’t the wealthy powerhouse they are now, so no one thought it was aiming too high. Later, after the Knight family’s success and Adrian’s accident that left him scarred, Mike never even suggested calling off the engagement p>
“So that’s how it happened,” Sophie murmured, piecing it together.
“Oh! That reminds me.” Maura’s eyes suddenly brightened. “I still have some photos from his first birthday party. Do you want to see them p>
“Really? I’d love that!” Sophie’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She was eager to see a glimpse of Adrian’s early years.