Second Life New Choices novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The first thing Jolene Miller did after being reborn was drop to her knees before her parents.

She pleaded with them, saying, “Dad, Mom, I’ve decided to marry Cedric Norwood to fulfill the marriage of convenience between our family and theirs.”

Francis Miller and Gloria Lane were utterly surprised to hear that coming from her.

“But Jo, isn’t Preston the one you love? Cedric is his uncle, you know.”

Memories resurfaced, and emotions stirred within Jolene.

Her voice was tinged with a hint of sorrow as she answered, “And it’s exactly because I know what would come of me for loving him that I dare not indulge in my feelings any longer.

“Dad, Mom, I’ve never asked you for anything. As the daughter of the Miller family, I’ve enjoyed the many pleasures that title brings me. I know that it is my responsibility to fulfill the marriage arrangement. This is my only request, and I hope you’ll give me your blessings.”

Taking in the sincerity in her eyes, Francis and Gloria sighed as they helped her to her feet. “Since you’ve made your decision, we’ll head over to the Norwood family to discuss this.

“However, Cedric is influential; he may not agree to the proposal. That’s the only concern. You should be mentally prepared for that possibility.”

They comforted her while getting the gifts ready for the visit. Then, they drove off in their black car.

Looking back at the familiar arrangement in their living hall, Jolene felt surreal. While she was still in a trance, a notification tone sounded on her phone.

“Nightscape Bar. Come.” It was Preston texting her to meet him. He included the location of the bar in the text.

The events earlier came to her, and she decided she should take the opportunity to tell him about the changes in the marriage arrangement. So, she headed over to Nightscape Bar.

The moment she opened the door to the private lounge, a bucket of cold water toppled all over her. She was totally drenched.

Coldness seeped through her bones, and she shivered. Peals of laughter rang out all around her.

“Look who we have here? It’s Ms. Miller! Why is she looking like a drowned rat?”

“Serves her right! She’s been following Pres around all the time. That’s the consequence of being a simp who doesn’t know her place!”

With a frosty expression, Preston Norwood walked up to her. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes.

He demanded, “Are you that desperate to marry me? Word of the marriage of convenience has only just got out. However, you’ve already asked your parents to head to my house to discuss the marriage. Now, word has spread, and everyone knows we’re getting married. Are you satisfied now?”

Jolene knew he had misunderstood her. She wiped her face dry and brushed aside the strand of hair plastered to her forehead.

Then, she looked calmly at him. “The marriage arrangement between the Norwood and Miller families has already been confirmed, so there’s no difference as to whose house the matter is being discussed at. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry yourself over it because it has nothing to do with you.”

Preston was stunned for a moment. Then, he smirked. “It has nothing to do with me, you said? Are you telling me that I’m not the one who has to marry you? Ridiculous. Who else among the Norwoods is eligible if not me?”

Jolene was about to reply to him when the door, that was left ajar, opened. Simone Baker barged in.