All Chapters of Brian's Poisoned Vow – Forced to Wed, Determined to Kill : Chapter 181 - Chapter 190

He stepped forward, extending his hand first to Mrs. Zhang, then to Mrs. Parker, offering a respectful nod to each. "Good morning. It’s a pleasure to see you both.""The pleasure is ours, Leonard," Mrs. Zhang said, her eyes warm and perceptive. "Shana has told us we will join Valerie and her family for breakfast.""We're so glad you came," added Mrs. Parker, her gaze flickering between him and Shana with unmistakable fondness. Leonard felt the last tremor of his daydream settle into something solid and present. Here, now, surrounded by these women who were so important to her, the future felt less like a vision and more like a path he was already walking."Then let’s not keep them waiting," he said, his voice steady, his eyes meeting Shana’s. In her smile, he saw the reflection of his own certainty - a silent conversation that needed no words at all. Brian's ApartmentThe door to the apartment was already ajar, the warm, rich scent of coffee and cinnamon rolls welcoming them before

Premier Estate The breakfast was over, and the meal Paschal and Mrs. Wardley had prepared was enjoyed and cleared away. The family had lingered at the table, the atmosphere lighter than it had been in years, before drifting into the sunlit living room.Just then, Sean's phone vibrated with Valerie's reply. He looked down at the screen, and a slow, relieved smile spread across his face. The message was simple -Valerie - Let them cook, little brother. It’s the most romantic thing I’ve heard all week. Tell Dad to save some pancakes for us.Sean looked back at Edward, who had been watching him patiently. The last of the worry drained from Sean's features, replaced by a mild embarrassment and a new understanding."Uncle... I think I understand," Sean said quietly.Edward gave his shoulder a final, reassuring squeeze. "Good. Now, let's go see if we can help clear the last of the coffee cups."They made their way to the kitchen. The scene that greeted them was one of quiet, domestic harmon

He hadn’t even fully drawn the ring box from his pocket before her answer, clear and sure, broke into a tearful laugh. “Yes!”A wave of delighted applause and cheers erupted, washing over them. Brian cheered, and Valerie clapped her hands with joy. It was a perfect, surprising burst of extra joy for their day, not a distraction from it.As the congratulations for Leonard and Shana began to ebb, and the waitstaff moved to pour more coffee, another quiet moment unfolded. Paschal, who had been watching with a contented smile, turned to Tonia beside him. He took her hand, his thumb stroking her knuckles.“They have the right idea,” he said, his voice for her alone, yet carrying the same weight of certainty. “This family has room for more love. It has room for us, officially. Tonia, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”There was no ring yet, only the profound offer in his eyes. Tonia’s breath caught, not in shock, but in deep recognition. She looked from their joined hands to his

“He didn’t open the door,” Herbert’s voice was raw with complaint on the other end. “We went to him, just as you said. He heard us and locked us out. What kind of son does that?”Mr. Garfield watched his own son - patient, caring, standing with his son in his arms - and felt a profound weariness. “Herbert,” he said, his voice low and steady. “What did you expect? A parade? You showed up once, unannounced, after days of distance. Did you think one knock would erase it all?”"Huh!" Herbert shrieked. “You asked me what to do,” Mr. Garfield continued into the phone, his eyes on his son. “I told you: show up. I didn’t say he would let you in. I said you had to be there. So be there. Tomorrow. And the day after. Now, goodnight.”He placed the phone down. The apartment was quiet, the joyful chaos of minutes ago replaced by the silent echo of a friend’s frustration. The lesson, it seemed, was far from over.Back at Mr. Garfield’s ApartmentMr. Garfield held the phone away from his ear for a

Brian and Valerie exchanged a knowing look, a silent conversation passing between them. The mission they’d conceived in the quiet of their bedroom had succeeded beyond what they’d dared to hope.In The BedroomHerbert emerged from the bathroom, unsurprised to find his wife already gone. He dressed mechanically, called for his car, and headed toward the parlor for his favorite breakfast - the one small, reliable pleasure he expected from the day.As he entered the hallway, the joy in the parlor reached him. Then he heard his wife’s voice, warm and bright in a way it hadn’t been in weeks.“Hubby, our Shana is here.”The words hit him like a physical force, stopping him mid-stride. Our Shana?He moved quickly to the parlor entrance, his polished shoes silent on the tiles. The scene before him was both impossible and disarming - his wife standing proudly beside the young woman from the wedding - Shana, while Brian and Valerie watched, their twins playing quietly nearby. The air in the roo