The table sighed as one, expressing their unspoken condolences for Ingrid's fate.
The date of the wedding is already set. What else can we do, go back on our word? Dog will kill us!
“Aunt Sarah,” Jared declared, “I've decided to help Ingrid get out of the engagement and then send her over to Horington for further studies.”
“Are you joking?” Sarah exclaimed. “Breaking a promise made with Dog is to ask for death!”
“Don't act foolishly, Jared,” Hannah added sharply. “You have no idea what kind of a man Dog is. Your actions will only bring harm upon your aunt's family!”
Even the usually reticent Gary spoke up. “Dog isn't as simple as you think he is, son. I know you think you can go against Dog just because you have a few friends in Herington, but I'm telling you that you have no idea what you're up against.”
Gary was aware of his son's connections. In addition to the wealth of Josephine's family, the reach that the resources at his fingertips were capable of providing was undoubtedly vast and deep. However, Jared's powerful friends had no jurisdiction over Avenport.
“I've already made up my mind,” proclaimed Jared. “Stay out of it, everybody!”
If I can't even deal with a small-time gangster like him, I'll truly be a laughing stock.
Being familiar with her fiance's temper, Ingrid was visibly upset at her cousin's resolution. “I know you want the best for me, Jared, but I don't wish to see you place yourself in harm's way. Please drop this, will you?” “You're only nineteen, Ingrid. How can you resign yourself to your fate? This is something you're going to live with for the rest of your life. Do you want to throw it all away by giving your life to Dog? You should be in university and finding a man deserving of you instead of settling for your circumstances. Don't give up! I'll help you through this.”
Ingrid fell silent along with the rest of the table. Jared is right. I have my whole life ahead of me. I shouldn't have to squander it all away for Dog!
Sarah sighed heavily before swallowing the entire glass of white wine to everybody's surprise.
I worry for my child, as all parents do. It's just an unfortunate circumstance that we are placed in. Well, I guess it's something we have to accept. There is no justice in the world, only hierarchy. The strong get stronger, the weak get devoured. That's the law of nature.
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