Chapter 407 Warm Welcome
Quinn hesitated.
ished
Julian went on. “I think it’s good they know. When we marry sorneday… have you thought about whether you want them at the wedding?”
The question made Quinn tense and conflicted all over again.
She knew she overthought everything. Her childhood had shaped her that way.
She’d grown up with adoptive parents, and a sister who’d controlled her in secret. She’d never had a single real friend.
Those memories were bitter ones.
She’d worked hard to become bright and confident.
She refused to let darkness, fear, and doubt rule her life.
But those old feelings still lingered.
They crept up on her sometimes and messed with her mood.
Like right now.
She didn’t want anything to do with the Lane family anymore.
But they had raised her.
In a way, they’d given her a second life.
Julian understood her worry.
“If they hadn’t taken you in, you would’ve grown up fine in the city orphanage. The system takes good care of kids. You were brilliant in school-you would’ve been just fine.”
Quinn shook her head.
Γ
“I told you before,” Julian said. “If you want them at the wedding, it’s fine. I’m here. They won’t cause trouble.”
“It’s not that,” Quinn explained. “Before, even when they treated me badly, I still saw them as family. But they…”
Elaine and the others had never truly seen her as one of their own.
Especially Rosalie, who’d hated Quinn enough to ruin her life even from abroad.
Quinn wanted nothing to do with them anymore.
If she married Julian, she didn’t want them at her wedding. It was supposed to be the happiest day of her
12:47 pm Ppp.
Chapter 407 Warm Welcome
life
But if no one from her side was there, it might look bad for the Sterling family.
“I don’t want to see them. But they’re… the only family I have.”
She hated to admit it, but it was true.
Even her last name came from them.
Finished
Julian pulled her into his arms. “We don’t have to decide now. Let’s go home first. My family will be yours
too.”
By afternoon, Julian held Quinn’s hand and led her to the car.
He didn’t drive that day. A chauffeur and bodyguards followed behind.
The gifts Quinn had prepared were in the trunk.
During the drive, Julian asked, “Want some water?”
Quinn shook her head.
“Stop biting your lip, then,” he said, gently pulling her lip free from her teeth. “When did you start doing that?”
Quinn glanced at him but didn’t
She was unbearably nervous.
answer
Julian smiled. “My parente
are nous too.”
“What?” Quinn blinked in shock. “They are?”
“Yeah. They’re scared you won’t like them,” Julian teased. “They worry no one will take care of them, when they’re old.”
Quinn laughed at his joke.
“That’s better. You look beautiful when you smile,” he said.
Quinn squeezed his fingers. “When we get inside, don’t leave me alone, okay?”
“I won’t.”
(*
Sterling Manor stood on the most valuable land in the city. Quinn thought it would feel loud and crowded but as they drove in, it was quiet and peaceful.
Tall green trees surrounded the estate. It felt calm and private, like a hidden paradise.
The manor was grand and huge.
They drove through the front gates and kept going for two full minutes before reaching the main house.
12:47 pm
PPP.
Chapter 407 Warm Welcome
Finished
“My paretits are waiting,” Julian said.
Through the window, Quinn saw six or seven people standing outside
“Why-why are there so many?”
“Don’t be scared,” Julian said. “They’re just the house staff.”
Quinn took a deep breath. The bodyguard opened her door, and she stepped out.
Julian quickly got out from the other side and stood beside her.
They were still about twenty feet from the house.
As Quinn stood straight, she saw an elegant couple walking toward her.
The man was tall and calm, with a face similar to Julian’s.
The woman was gentle and graceful, looking no older than her late thirties. Fine lines at her eyes only made her more beautiful.
Julian held Quinn’s hand and stepped forward.
When they stopped, Warren and Claire finally saw Quinn face to face.
Julian spoke first, “Quinn, these are my parents. Mom, Dad, this is Quinn.”
Quinn’s palms were sweaty. She spoke softly, “Hello, Mr. Sterling. Hello, Mrs. Sterling.”
Claire wanted to reach for her hand but held back,/afraid Quinn would feel shy. “Welcome, Quinn. Come inside. Dinner’s ready.”
“Yes, let’s go inside,” Warren added.
Julian looked at Quinn. “Let’s go.”
Quinn walked beside Julian. Every eye in the yard was on her.
She smiled gently and nodded politely at the staff.
528
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.

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