Especially for Estelle, she was vilified by the high society, made an example of what not to be. Even after the tragic passing of Princess Ivy, she and Dominic couldn't immediately announce their marriage...
Pregnant, yet she had to endure in silence.
To Estelle, none of that mattered anymore: "Ivy, I hope you find your happiness."
After hanging up the phone, Ivy embraced her partner: "Let's leave."
He lifted her into his arms and placed her in the car: "We're going home."
The news of Ivy's demise lingered for a full week, with Craneville collectively mourning her loss.
Gradually, the news faded away.
The queen regained her decisiveness and resolve.
Yuri tried to visit multiple times, only to be turned away, until the queen personally met him on his last attempt.
"Mr. Lynette, are you here regarding the marriage proposal?" she inquired.
Yuri's heart skipped a beat, realizing the queen was determined to have Brittany marry Prince Eltham.
"Your Majesty, Bri has been married before and has a child. She's not a match for Prince Eltham. Perhaps we should reconsider this marriage..."
"What's wrong with a second marriage? It's not shameful," the queen countered.
"As long as she's willing to leave her child with the Salter family and reduce contact, I have ways to make the public forget about this marriage."
It was just a marriage; erasing it from memory was not an insurmountable task.
"But, Bri has someone she loves."
Yuri knew the taste of a loveless marriage and didn't want Brittany to follow in those footsteps.
"Yuri," the queen said, her tone growing sterner. "You must understand, Prince Eltham is renowned throughout Craneville for his character and looks. Isn't he a worthy match for your daughter?" Yuri felt embarrassed.
"But, the royal family has rules. Those who marry into it cannot pursue their own careers. Bri is my sole heir-"
He hoped the royal family's adherence to tradition would be their out.
"Being the sole heir, she can still inherit the Lynette Conglomerate, even after marriage," the queen said, breaking tradition.
"Any more objections?"
Realizing the queen was willing to bend the rules, Yuri knew there was no avoiding this marriage and relented.
"If you insist, I'll do my best to get Bri on board."
"Not your best. You must."
The queen handed Yuri a stack of documents through her secretary.
"Mr. Lynette, you understand the stakes. Ms. Lynette marrying into the family benefits us both."
Yuri was left speechless.
...
Brittany waited at home all afternoon for Yuri.
"Dad, how did it go?"
Yuri sighed, unable to hide his guilt: "Bri, I'm sorry."
Her heart sank: "They're still insisting?"
"The Lynette family's influence has grown too significant, and now they want to use you as a counterbalance..." Brittany stood silently, unable to respond.
Yuri knew she didn't want to marry Eltham, but at this point, there was no alternative.
"The queen insists that Daniel must be handed over to the Salter family."
The royal family could accept a twice-married daughter-in-law but not the existence of Daniel.
"No, if they want to send my son back to the Salter family, I will never agree to this marriage."
"Daniel must stay in Craneville."
Yuri sighed heavily, filled with regret: "I'm sorry, I promised I wouldn't interfere with your marriage, yet in the end, you're still affected-"
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