The Jones family couldn't possibly have an objection if Bryce married Nellie. The wealth of the Collins and the Morris family was bedazzling for them because they couldn't compare to that prosperity.
So, Wendy's wishful thinking indeed had strong grounds. Gabrielle's marriage with Westley provided them a link to the Morris family. If Bryce married Nellie, the Jones family would become strong enough, having back-end support from two influential families.
The only thing missing in that plan was the lack of interest of the Morris family to offer any help to the Jones family. Gabrielle was the respected daughter-in-law of the Morris family, and they didn't turn against her family was the least they could do to respect Gabrielle's relationship with her home.
It, nevertheless, felt like a dream that the Collins would let Bryce marry their daughter. Gabrielle's family was in peace, and Nellie's family wasn't shredding it. It was already beyond expectations because the Collins family thought that Bryce was the one who kidnapped Nellie.
"But," Gabrielle said, trying to hide her discomfort. "How long are you planning to keep her?" She wasn't pleased with how things were unfolding.
Of course! Westley kidnapped a girl! Gabrielle had the full right to be possessive for him. Adding fuel to the fire, Bryce's words ringed in her ears. 'Nellie is a replacement for Helena.'
Whatever Westley planned to do, Gabrielle was discomfited with the fact that he had Nellie under his custody.
"Your words, Gabrielle." Westley gave her a look. "I have her locked up. I am not 'keeping' her." Gently grabbing her hand, Westley's expressions were grave. "You're my wife, the only one I love. I am hopeful you won't say or even think something like that again."
Westley's disappointed tone suddenly made Gabrielle smile, evaporating her discomfort. "Okay, sorry. I take my words back. Let me rephrase..." Gabrielle looked him in the eye. "Why did you lock her up? Westley, Nellie's pregnant. Why don't you let her go home?"
Westley's mind was still a maze for Gabrielle. She still was unable to get what he was planning.
Nellie's pregnancy highly suggested that she should be let free so her family would take care of her and the unborn child she was carrying.
"What do you think will happen if I let Nellie go? The Collins family will take care of Nellie with a child in her womb or Bryce will, who is unable to even take care of himself now? How do you think Bryce will protect Nellie?" Westley raised his eyebrows while shrugging. Bryce was courageous enough to offend the Collins family when he stole Nellie from them. So, it was beyond obvious that they would not let him go.
Westley was farsighted to know that given the current situation, Bryce's entry into the Collins family seemed unattainable. And even if he could marry Nellie somehow, he wouldn't be welcoming himself to an easy life.
"What do you mean?" Gabrielle tilted her head in confusion.
The villa was in sight when Westley replied, "Let's get inside first. Then I'll explain everything." In a few moments, the car arrived at the grand gate of the villa. Westley scooped Gabrielle in his arms and walked inside.
Being fully recovered now, it was a child's play for him to hold her in his arms and carry her around.
Inside, Westley carefully put Gabrielle down on the sofa. His eyes searched for the jug of water before he poured a glass from it for his wife. Gabrielle slowly sipped, the gentle flame of her eyes burning on Westley.
"We're inside now." She shrugged. "So, what are you planning?" Her curiosity was chewing on her guts.
Gabrielle strived to know everything about Nellie. It kept on humming inside her brain, effortlessly bothering her until resolved.
Plus, she wouldn't worry so much if Westley had locked up someone other than Nellie.
'Nellie isn't just Helena's sister. She's also her replacement. Westley's ex-fiancée!
And he has her locked up... Why?!' It was all so puzzling and strange for Gabrielle that she wanted to pull out her hair.
"Tell me honestly. Do you really think the Collins will agree on Bryce and Nellie's wedlock?" Noticing her eagerness to know, Westley softly questioned.
It was unmistakable, so Gabrielle simply shook her head. "That's the thing!" Westley raised his eyebrows with a tilt of his head before he continued, "It's clear that they won't allow Bryce to be their son-in-law. The wealth and fame of the Collins family won't let them marry their daughter into the Jones family."
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