The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 366

While I was splashing cold water on my face, Lucille hurried after me.

Through the closed bathroom door, she tried to comfort me. "Selena, don't be sad."

Over the running water, I heard her gritting her teeth and cursing. "The Sterling family is downright evil! They marry you in secret, make you suffer for years, and now they won't even let you leave in peace! They add this sick condition to ruin your future! They don't want you to be happy, and they don't want our family to ever find powerful backing again!"

"Hmph, they clearly know how amazing my daughter is. They know you'll have men lining up around the block, and they're terrified you'll marry into a better family and embarrass them! That's exactly why they pulled this stunt!"

"This isn't over! I'm going to rip Vivian a new one! Anyone who tries to sabotage the Hayes family's future will have to go through me!" Her voice grew increasingly hysterical.

I couldn't listen to another word. I threw the door open with a bang. "Enough."

"Are you crying? Your eyes are so swollen, let me see..." Lucille instantly dropped her crusade against the Sterlings and reached out for my face.

I flatly rejected her, swatting her hand away. "I wasn't crying. Leave it alone."

Lucille's hand froze in midair, a flash of shock crossing her face. Only then did I realize how harsh my tone and actions had been.

The air went completely still. But instead of picking a fight like she usually did, Lucille just looked into my eyes, genuine heartache swimming in her gaze. "Selena, are you blaming me for this?"

I clenched my fists. Lucille truly had no idea what was actually happening between Ferris and me. What 'past love' was there to salvage?

But she did bring up a good point. I suddenly realized exactly why Ferris had added that clause.

It wasn't his parents' idea. This was entirely Ferris's doing.

He didn't want me to remarry—especially into the Lennox or Summer families—not just to protect his family's pride, but to protect his precious Zoey.