Ch. 2331..2340
Chapter 2331
The president probably knows that I gave birth to Danrique's children, so he wants to take them as hostages. How persistent...
After struggling for a few more days, Francesca could not hold out any longer.
In the end, she made a bold decision to send the three children back to the Lindberg residence!
Anthony almost freaked out when he heard that. “Are you out of your mind, Francesca? They are your flesh and blood. It's too dangerous to send them back. The Lindberg residence is a treacherous place —”
“Things have changed. Danrique is currently strong enough to go up against the president. Even if he can't, he'll still take good care of the children, so sending them back to the Lindberg residence is definitely safer than letting them stay with me.”
Francesca was being rational and knew very well that she could not protect the children on her own, but Danrique could.
“But...” Anthony still intended to stop her but held his tongue when he heard the frightened cries of the children.
“Book a private jet back to Xendale.”
“Okay.”
Francesca sent the children to the Lindberg family by mail.
At that moment, Danrique was working, and when he opened the door of the conference room, he found three children crawling around on the long table. They even tore up his documents and scattered the scraps of paper everywhere.
The company employees stood aside, staring at the kids in horror, not daring to move.
After all, the three children somewhat resembled their boss, and there seemed to be a different kind of aura in their eyes.
Danrique stared at the children in shock, and it took a while before he snapped back to his senses. “Where did these little monkeys come from?” he asked with a frown.
It was a befitting description, as they were agile and crawling around playfully like monkeys.
They remind me of Francesca...
“This is...”
His words carried apprehension and unease, and he did not know how to proceed.
“Mr. Lindberg, these three kids were sent by courier, and there were also three DNA test reports and a letter inside.”
The assistant brought over the reports and the letter.
Danrique hurriedly took them over to have a look. He had no idea when Francesca obtained his blood sample and took it to get a DNA test done with the children, but it was clearly stated on the document that the probability of parentage was a hundred percent.
As he glanced at the report and then at the three kids who had climbed onto a bookshelf, he felt his heart clench. He quickly opened the envelope and read the words written on the letter: Danrique, these
three are your children. The one with the number one on her shirt is Alpha, the eldest. The one with the number two on her shirt is Beta, the middle child, and the last one with the number three is the youngest, Gamma. Their full names are Adolpha, Bethany, and Gamarra Lindberg. All three have protein allergies, so you must be mindful of their diets. Be careful not to let Gamma catch a cold because she is very frail. I have left you a medical kit. If they get sick, give them medicine following the markings in the kit. The children are very smart and adorable. They are my beloved treasures. Be sure to take good care of them. I'll come to pick them up when I've taken care of these trackers. Also, you'd better settle your cr*p as soon as possible. Don't drag us down with you. What a pain!
There was no need for a signature or a note because it was clear who wrote it from the messy handwriting and tone.
“Ah! Be careful!” Sean suddenly exclaimed.
He dashed over and caught Alpha as she fell off the bookshelf, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest as he did so.
The little girl's lips quivered, and she burst into tears.
Just as Sean was about to comfort her, Beta also tumbled down from the table, so he hurriedly reached out his other hand to catch her while supporting Gamma, who was about to roll off the sofa, with his feet at the same time.
The next moment, all three children started wailing, their cries so loud they could break glass...
Chapter 2332
Mylo hastily drew people forward to assist in a panicked yet cautious manner, afraid of upsetting the three kids.
The children looked so cute and delicate that those carrying them treated them like they were made of glass.
Danrique felt an indescribable feeling in his heart as he stared at the three adorable kids.
He had envisioned having children in the future but never thought the time would arrive so unexpectedly and without any prior notice.
Like a bolt from the blue, the three little ones appeared out of nowhere and entered his life, and just like that, he became a father.
Danrique's mind was in a daze. He looked at the three children as if he was gazing at something precious. Suddenly, he felt that he had gained an additional weakness.
Although familial affection was subtly spreading through his heart, what he felt more was a type of fury!
Francesca bore me three kids, but I knew nothing about it?
“Sean!” he bellowed.
“Yes, Mr. Lindberg.” Sean hurriedly handed the children to several female employees before running to Danrique.
The latter stared into his eyes. “Have you long known about this?”
“I...” The question caused Sean to feel flustered, and his gaze flitted around.
“I see.” Inferring the answer from Sean's evasive gaze, Danrique turned to look at Gordon. “What about you?”
“I...” Gordon hurriedly lowered his head, not even daring to let out a loud breath.
Danrique's expression darkened as he uttered through gritted teeth, “You all knew it but chose to hide it from me. How dare you!”
“Please calm down, Mr. Lindberg.”
Gordon hastily went down on a knee. He parted his lips but did not know how to explain it, for anything he uttered would seem like an excuse at that moment.
“It's my fault.” Sean stepped forward and admitted his mistake. “I told Gordon to hide it from you because—”
A powerful kick from Danrique sent him flying before he could finish, leading him to slam into the conference table and topple a row of bookcases before crashing to the ground.
He spewed blood and clutched at his chest, writhing in pain.
Witnessing the scene, the three children were so frightened that they started wailing. Their little faces were flushed red, and their big watery eyes filled with fear.
Danrique was about to lose his temper again but seeing the children's reactions, he held back his anger and instructed, “Take good care of the children!”
He then turned on his heel and left, angrily calling Francesca as he walked away.
The call went through, but no one answered.
Once again, Danrique became furious. He kicked over his desk when he returned to his office, spilling the documents on it all over the floor. A recording pen with the words “d*mned woman” also fell off with them.
He picked up the recording pen and played the only recording inside, listening to the familiar voice coming from it.
“I, Francesca Felch, swear to repay Rogue for saving my life. If I can't repay him, I'll devote myself to him. If I go back on my words, let me die a horrible death!”
Her voice brought back memories of earlier times when they were together. With mixed emotions stirring within him, he immediately sent the recording to her.
From there, memories were hidden away, and time fast-forwarded to six months later...
Danrique went through all kinds of hardships within those six months. Once again, Francesca came to his aid when he was in danger and helped him get through them. She also inadvertently saved Zachary.
Nevertheless, once everything was settled, Francesca ran away again, for she did not wish to live a life filled with fear and deception anymore.
Fortunately, because of Charlotte and the six children, Danrique and Zachary miraculously went from enemies to friends during the dispute.
The long-running feuding Lindberg and Nacht families began to work hand in hand to dominate the corporate world, and from then on, no one dared to provoke them.
Chapter 2333
It was now a week before Zachary and Charlotte's wedding...
As a means of forcing Francesca to show up, Danrique locked all her assets and jewelry in his office safe and waited for her to walk into the trap.
Francesca soon stormed into the president's office with a few eagles.
He was sitting on his black leather chair in a cocky manner, twirling the pen in his hand as he stared at her coldly through narrowed eyes.
“Rogue...”
A familiar voice suddenly rang out from the stereo as Francesca was about to speak.
“I, Francesca Felch, swear to repay Rogue for saving my life. If I can't repay him, I'll devote myself to him. If I go back on my words, let me die a horrible death!”
As soon as the recording finished, there was a sudden crack of thunder outside, causing her to shudder in fright, and her courage fled her instantly.
“Do you still remember this, you d*mned woman? You swore on it yourself!” Danrique stood up and slowly approached her. “If you don't, then let me remind you...”
Francesca thought back to the day he made her swear on the mountain and the time she sent the children to his company half a year ago before running away from him.
But none of these matter now. What matters is that I must get my money back now!
“Cut the cr*p, Danrique. Give me back my money.”
Francesca swept a gaze over the office and quickly fixed her eyes on the safe nearby, which had a photo taped to it.
In the photograph, Danrique had his head tilted with a stoic expression, whereas Francesca was wearing a red wig and leaning toward him.
Although their lips were pressed together, it did not look like they were kissing.
They had kissed by accident, and the moment was inadvertently photographed, so they looked somewhat stunned. However, it was the only intimate photo of them.
Francesca couldn't remember when it was secretly taken, but seeing how close they were in that photo reminded her of the beautiful times from the past.
She hesitated for a split second, debating whether or not to stay, but very quickly, her determination returned.
I mustn't forget the torment I had experienced back then, and I mustn't forget the deaths of Ms. Layla and Mr. Lincoln. This place and this life have traumatized me. I don't want history to repeat itself.
“Very well. Go get it yourself if you can.”
Danrique sat on the sofa and sipped his coffee elegantly, seemingly unmoved.
I'd like to see how she's going to open the safe to take away her money and how she will bring her things out of here...
Francesca shot him a glare before striding to the safe. No matter how hard she fiddled with the lock, she could not open it. Growing anxious, she picked up the gun and fired a few shots at the lock but to
no avail.
She was so angry that she turned her head and yelled at Danrique, “B*stard, open it for me.”
The latter ignored her and continued sipping his coffee as if he had not heard a thing.
“Danrique...” Francesca pointed the gun at him directly. “I told you to open it. Do you hear me?”
Everything she had experienced over the past two years had made her more impudent and hotheaded. As a result, her temper was now more ferocious than it had ever been. Of course, she was also more formidable than before.
“Shoot me if you dare.” Danrique remained unfazed and did not even look at her.
“You...” Gritting her teeth, Francesca bellowed, “You think I won't kill you? I was the one who saved your life, so I can also take it from you!”
“Go ahead and shoot!” Danrique arched his brow and stared at her. “Let's see how you will explain this to the kids.”
“You...”
Francesca was rendered speechless. That's true. After half a year of interaction, this b*stard has gradually won over the children. Although they weren't as friendly with him as with Zachary, they would still call him Daddy non-stop every day. I really can't kill him. Otherwise, the children will hate me...
Chapter 2334
Francesca whistled while facing the outside. Soon, a few male eagles flew in aggressively to attack Danrique.
Danrique's brows snapped together, and his eyes glinted coldly. Surprisingly, those eagles stopped and hovered before him, not daring to move closer.
Francesca was stunned. What's going on?
She knew Danrique had been taming animals and could even summon some of them. However, as his summoning skill was acquired and developed, it couldn't be compared to hers.
Therefore, she couldn't believe he could stop her command.
“Leave!”
The few male eagles flew away in a panic after hearing Danrique's bellow.
Francesca regained her senses from her momentary daze and shouted for the eagles to return, but they ignored her command and soared away.
Livid but at a loss for countermeasures, she could only threaten him forcefully, “Unlock the safe immediately. Otherwise, I'll bomb your building.”
“Go ahead, then. Hurry up and do it.” Danrique was unfazed. “This building is your daughters' asset, and it's worth over ten billion. If you aren't afraid of upsetting your daughters, you may destroy this building as you please.”
She was stumped.
Francesca was beside herself with rage. Since when has he become so persuasive?
“That's enough.” He suddenly pulled her into his embrace, held her chin, and leaned closer to her seductively. “Aside from the things inside the safe, even all the Lindberg family's riches can be yours if you behave obediently and come home.”
“Get lost!” She pushed him angrily, but his strong arms held her in place. She couldn't break free no matter how hard she struggled.
“You're already a mom, so why are you still so hot-tempered? You should consider the children even if you don't care about me. Do you want them to lose either their daddy or mommy?”
He began tackling her soft spots.
“I gave birth to them, so why would they lose their mommy?” Her anger intensified. “I won't be dead even after you're gone.”
“Everyone will die sooner or later, but just because you know you'll ultimately expire doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy life.”
She was taken aback after listening to his casual response.
He seems to have a point. That's right. Perhaps I won't live for long or die before him. Still, I can't start avoiding the problems now simply because I'll pass away in the end.
“I was afraid of bringing you home because Lindberg Corporation was unstable. However, things are different now because I have acquired the ability to protect you and the kids.”
Danrique grasped her chin and made her look him in the eyes.
“I promise an incident like that will never happen again. I'll not restrict you anymore as well. You can continue to work as a doctor if you wish, or I can keep you company as you travel around the world if that's what you wish, as long as you come home.”
Danrique seldom spoke in such a romantic manner. Francesca wasn't used to that treatment as he wasn't acting like his usual self.
She had to admit that his speech resonated with her heart's sentiments.
Still, the lesson she learned previously made too huge an impact on her, rendering her unable to move past it.
Amidst her ponderation, the door to the conference room was suddenly pushed open. Sean led the three kids into the room. At the sight of the couple's intimate interaction, he hastily turned around.
“Mr. Lindberg, I've brought the children here.”
“Daddy, Mommy!”
The kids jogged over unsteadily, climbed up the sofa, and lay on Danrique and Francesca like three little kittens. They wrapped their chubby arms around their parents' necks and acted coy.
“Mommy, I missed you so much. Why don't you follow us home?” Alpha said.
“That's right, Mommy. Come back with us. Daddy and I missed you very much, too,” Beta chimed in.
Gamma uttered, “I miss you too. All of us do.”
“Alpha, Beta, Gamma, I'm here to bring you home with me.” Francesca hugged her children while chiding Danrique, “Hurry up and open the safe for me. I want to bring my assets and kids back home with me.”
Chapter 2335
“Okay. Let's go home.” Danrique stretched out his arms at his children. “Girls, come here.”
“Daddy!”
The girls threw themselves into his arms affectionately.
Francesca was dumbfounded by the scene. Danrique has never spent time with the girls. He even scared them with horror stories at the Nacht residence previously. Their relationship should be very distant, so why have they suddenly become so close now?
“Good girls. Let's bring your mommy back with us, okay?”
As he held the kids in his embrace, his tall figure contrasted with their short stature, creating a very adorable and heart-warming scene.
“Okay!” the girls answered in unison.
“Awesome!” He lifted them in his arms and strode right out.
“Hey, what are you doing, Danrique? Give me back my children. Hey!” Francesca hastily chased after him. “Girls, hurry up and come to me.”
“Mommy, let's go back together. Mdm. Norah prepared a lot of delicious food and is waiting for us at home. Daddy has been yearning for your return every day.”
“That's right, Mommy. Come home with us. Daddy bought a lot of pretty jewelry for you.”
“Let's go, Mommy!”
The girls showed no inclination to break free from Danrique. They even waved their little hands at Francesca, gesturing for the latter to join them.
The three pairs of petite arms were like baited hooks, prompting Francesca to trail them.
“Danrique, give me back my children.” She stomped in exasperation but had no choice but to follow the kids.
With that, he successfully lured her into the car. Sean swiftly closed the car door from the outside. Francesca was left with no way to escape as the girls clambered over her.
Danrique curled his lips into a smirk as he took in the way the kids were keeping their mother occupied. Zachary's plan is indeed incredible!
The couple was at an impasse, and Francesca wouldn't follow Danrique back to Xendale no matter what. At that time, he was also at his wits' end.
Afterward, Zachary came up with the idea of asking Danrique to bring the kids back to Xendale first before creating false rumors to draw Francesca to Xendale.
Sure enough, when she saw the news about Danrique looking for a girlfriend, she immediately rushed over in vexation.
To put it in Francesca's own words, she couldn't care less about Danrique's search for a female companion. Her concern was the type of woman who would become her kids' stepmother.
What if her children became victims of domestic abuse?
Nevertheless, Francesca wasn't a fool. She realized Danrique might be deliberately provoking her using that method, so she didn't confront him directly. Instead, she seized that opportunity to sneak into the Lindberg residence to bring her children away.
Unfortunately, he had established tight security measures around his residence, so she couldn't even slip inside the house or catch sight of the kids. Not only that, Danrique even kidnapped Anthony, extracted all her assets, and locked them inside his safe to tempt her into showing up at his office.
Subsequently, Danrique planned to lure her back home with their children.
Of course, that was provided that he had to put forth his best effort to mingle with his kids, winning the girls' trust and affection in advance.
Not only that, but he also had to tirelessly teach and persuade them to work together to coax Francesca into going home with them. The hard work he had poured into this plan was greater than any project he accomplished or any scheme he concocted to target his enemies.
Finally, his effort was starting to pay off.
I did it!
At that moment, Danrique genuinely felt grateful to Zachary, and that was also the first time he was impressed by another person in his life.
The Lindberg and Nacht families had been rivals for a long time. Danrique and Zachary couldn't see eye to eye either, and both even attempted to kill one another at one point. Yet, Danrique became Zachary's family member afterward, so the latter had no choice but to yield and take the initiative to make nice with Danrique for Charlotte's sake. Nevertheless, Danrique never took Zachary seriously.
That had been the case until Zachary helped him win back his wife.
Only then did Danrique sincerely feel thankful to and admire Zachary.
Chapter 2336
In Zachary, Danrique saw what it was like to have a high EQ. All along, he thought having a high EQ meant pleasing others and being empathetic. Hence, he scorned it, never seeing the need to have a high EQ.
It was then he belatedly discovered the advantages of having a high EQ. With it, one could accomplish things that could not be done with money, power, and status—for example, having a high EQ could improve and maintain one's relationship with one's family.
In fact, Zachary once mentioned how a person needed to put in the effort to take care of a family. Regardless of one's social status and capability, one's family should take priority over any other matter.
Although it was a well-known value in life, Danrique only thoroughly understood it then.
Only when his family was harmonious and happy would he have the mental capacity to deal with other things in life.
Perhaps that was what a fulfilling life was all about.
While he was looking forward to reaching home, Francesca was figuring out ways to escape. Truth be told, she had the chance to escape. With her capability, escaping on her own was child's play. However, bringing the children with her was a totally different story.
Making a compromise was her only choice unless she could harden her heart to abandon them.
Being coaxed into going home, Francesca knew she had fallen for Danrique and the triplets' trick. Yet, it was a trap she willingly stepped into.
No matter what, I can't deny I was moved by the fact that Danrique had gotten the kids' approvals in such a short period of time. That wasn't something I expected. Although I'm still feeling uneasy, I ought to forget all my concerns now that I see how much the kids like Danrique... Indeed, they need both their parents. I don't have the right to deny them the paternal love they deserve. If I keep being obstinate, I'm going to hurt the kids. For their sake, I have no choice but to give in.
That was what she told herself, at least.
When Danrique pushed her onto the bed, she warned ferociously, “I'm warning you, Danrique. I only came back for the children's sake. You better not think that I'm still in love with you. What are you doing? Why are you taking off my clothes? Hey...”
While the room was filled with passionate intimacy, the three children were wobbling down the stairs. Behaving like a grown-up, Alpha exclaimed, “Daddy and Mommy are like kids! They always make others worry about them!”
“I agree! I agree! Especially Mommy...”
“No matter what, at least Mommy is finally home now. From now on, we'll get to drink the snake soup she makes!”
“We haven't had that in a long while. Even hearing about it makes me hungry!”
“Is dinner ready, Mdm. Norah?” the triplets yelled as they were walking down the stairs.
“Yes! I'll ask the others to serve the dishes in the dining room. Be good, kids. Don't run, okay? I'm coming to get you all...” Norah rushed up the stairs to carry the three children.
Before she could get to them, however, the kids went back up the stairs, knocked on the door, and yelled, “Daddy! Mommy! Let's have dinner!”
“Daddy! Mommy! Dinner is ready!”
“Daddy! Mommy!”
“Hey! Hey! Hey!” Norah quickly stopped them and said, “Be a dear and stop it, girls. Your daddy and mommy are busy. I'll bring you down for dinner.”
Alpha tilted her head and asked curiously, “What are they busy with?”
“Well...” Norah was at a loss for words.
“They're busy making younger siblings for you girls!” Sean suddenly piped up. “Would you like that?”
“What? Again?” Beta frowned. With frustration written all over her face, she asked, “Don't we have enough kids in our family? Why would they want to have more?”
“Exactly! With Robbie, Jamie, and Ellie around, we already have six children in our household. If they were to have more children, we could start a kindergarten!”
“Oh? That sounds good. When the time comes, let's open up a kindergarten here...”
“Yes. I think Uncle Zachary and Aunt Charlotte are going to have babies again soon.”
“Adults are troublesome. We always have to worry about them.”
“That's right!”
Chapter 2337
Norah could not help but chuckle when she heard their conversation.
Sean was amused too. The way kids perceive things is so cute!
Norah then asked a few maids to bring the triplets to have dinner downstairs. When she was instructing one of them to invite Charlotte, someone rushed in from outside and reported, “Ms. Lindberg is on her way back to H City. She left for the airport a few moments ago and told me to relay the message.”
“Oh?” Norah turned to look at Sean.
“Got it. I'll report it to Mr. Lindberg later.” He smiled and continued, “She's been away for a long time, so I reckon Mr. Nacht was urging her to go back. In fact, it's a little rushed for her to head back today when their wedding's tomorrow.”
“What? Ms. Lindberg and Mr. Nacht are getting married tomorrow?” she asked curiously, “Ms. Lindberg is going, isn't he?”
“Of course, he's going. However, we have to wait for the both of them to wake up,” Sean answered with a smile. “Mdm. Norah, could you please take care of the kids? I need to make some arrangements. Once Mr. Lindberg and Ms. Felch wake up, we'll head straight to the airport.”
“Sure. Don't worry. Leave the kids to me.”
The moment Norah arrived downstairs, the triplets gathered around her and asked, “Mdm. Norah, did Mr. Sean say someone's having a wedding? Whose wedding is it? Is it Daddy and Mommy's?”
“It's your Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Zachary's wedding,” Norah explained.
“Didn't Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Zachary have their wedding already?” Beta asked in bafflement. “We wore nice dresses and even took photos with them.”
“Yeah! Robbie, Jamie, and Ellie were there too. We even sat on Uncle Zachary's shoulders...” Gamma uttered while eating her mashed potato.
“That was a pre-wedding photoshoot, not a wedding,” Sean explained with a smile. “However, I think they were supposed to have held two marriage ceremonies before this. It's just that both weddings had to be canceled because an accident happened each time. This time around, it'll surely go on smoothly!”
It was after he spoke that he realized the triplets had directed their attention to their dinner. Children their age only knew how to ask questions; they simply did not have the patience to listen to the answers.
With a smile on his face, Sean shook his head and left to make the necessary arrangements.
Strangely enough, the weather, which had been gloomy and snowy, became sunny on that day.
Finally, the sun was out, and the snow was melting. Although it was still a bit chilly, it felt comfortable to feel the sunlight on his body.
Sean heaved a sigh and exclaimed, “Finally! After a storm comes a calm!”
“That's right! The calm is going to last this time around.” Gordon felt the same way. “After the many incidents we've gone through, things have finally calmed down. Now that the Lindberg family and the Nacht family are living in harmony with each other, no one can shake us, nor would anyone dare to provoke us. That includes the new president!”
“Of course.” Sean smiled. “Didn't you see? Ever since the Lindberg family and the Nacht family reconciled, many people came to express their goodwill.”
“Before this, one family alone was able to conquer the world. Now that both families are united, we're invincible!” Gordon was thrilled. “Speaking of which, all merits belong to Ms. Lindberg!”
“That's right. Ms. Lindberg resolved the tension between the families and even brought such a huge amount of money to help Ms. Lindberg weather the storm!” Sean was making the arrangements on his phone and talking at the same time. “Therefore, we need to get ourselves ready to attend their wedding at H City!”
“What about Mr. Lindberg and Ms. Felch's wedding?” Gordon inquired curiously. “I thought they would have the wedding at the same time.”
“There's not enough time, and I think Mr. Lindberg should have other plans,” Sean answered. “Ms. Felch and Mr. Lindberg prefer peace and quiet. Perhaps a simple and low-key wedding would suit them better.”
“You have a point...” Gordon nodded. “I'll get the private jet ready.”
“Okay.”
While they were busying away, Charlotte had already boarded the private jet bound for H City.
The moment she sat down, she received a video call from Zachary. “Have you boarded the plane?” he asked.
“Yes.” Charlotte turned the camera to the outside and said, “The sun is out in Xendale today!”
Chapter 2338
“It's a good sign.” Zachary gazed at Charlotte tenderly and said, “Robbie, Jamie, and Ellie are waiting for you. We'll pick you up at the airport together when you arrive.”
“Okay...” Happiness was written all over the woman's face. “I don't know if I can still fit in the bridal gown as I've gained weight from the food I ate over the last few days.”
“You'd still be slim no matter how much you ate.” His eyes brimmed with adoration as he continued, “I've prepared ten bridal gowns for you, and you can pick from them. If the gowns don't fit you, you can wear my suit and let me wear the bridal gown!”
When Charlotte imagined Zachary wearing a bridal gown, she could not help but burst out laughing.
Her laughter echoed throughout the cabin, and everyone was imbued with her happiness.
It was as though Charlotte had brought the great weather from Xendale to H City because she noticed the sun was shining brightly outside when the plane landed, which caused her to be in a good mood.
“Mommy!” Robbie, Jamie, and Ellie dashed over and threw themselves into her arms before wrapping their arms around her neck and kissing her nonstop.
“Mommy, I missed you so much!”
“I missed you too, Mommy!”
“Me too! Me too!”
The three children surrounded Charlotte lovingly, refusing to let her go.
At that moment, Zachary walked over while clapping his hands. “All right. That's enough of kissing. It's my turn to have Mommy.”
Charlotte laughed. “You are not young anymore. How can you be jealous of the kids?”
“I don't care. You're my wife!” He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her into his embrace, and then gave her a passionate kiss.
“Daddy is doing something cringey!” Ellie immediately covered her eyes as she dared not look at that scene.
“See no evil!” Robbie turned around in mock annoyance.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk! Daddy is good at kissing.” Jamie enjoyed it so much that he wanted to imitate Zachary. “I know how to kiss my girlfriend next time!”
“Jamie, you're shameless!”
“I'm almost eight years old, and I already have three girlfriends.”
“You're unbelievable!”
The children erupted in fits of laughter.
With much reluctance, Zachary finally let go of Charlotte and turned to look at the kids. The sight of them giggling while playing had him brimming with happiness.
“Let's go home first.” Charlotte pulled him toward the car. “I'm so tired. Perhaps I've been on the plane for too long that I feel sore all over my body.”
“Let me give you a massage.” Zachary kneaded her shoulders for her and exhorted, “When we reach home, take a hot bath and have a good rest. You'll be a beautiful bride tomorrow!”
“Look at me. Have I gotten fatter? I think my waist got bigger. You have no idea how slim Francesca's waist is.” It was evident that Charlotte was a bit anxious about her figure.
“How can you compare hers with yours? She's skinny.” Hugging her gently, he cooed, “You are not fat. Stop overthinking things.”
As he spoke, he nibbled at her earlobe, whispering ambiguously, “I'll give you a spa session when we head back, and you won't feel tired anymore.”
Charlotte understood what he was implying, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. After letting out a giggle, she chided, “You're such a pervert!”
“I was talking about a proper spa session. What were you thinking?” Zachary deliberately teased her, “You are the pervert.”
“Jeez. You're so annoying... Mm...”
Before she could finish her sentence, he kissed her on the lips.
Ben, who was in the passenger seat, had long gotten used to seeing the couple kiss passionately, so he merely shut his eyes to rest. Sadly, Marino could not avoid that scene since he was driving.
Although Marino was dating Morgan, which rendered him part of the Lindberg family, he was still working under Zachary, and the same went for Ben.
Besides, Bruce seemed to be up to something lately, though no one had a clue of what he was doing.
Zachary was too lazy to be bothered by it. Well, I've already been married and have had kids for years, so I guess it's time for these bachelors to find themselves a partner. It's good that they're pursuing female bodyguards from the Lindberg family since that'll strengthen the bond between both families...
Therefore, he had a discussion with Danrique, and they both decided they would stop forbidding their bodyguards from dating each other.
Danrique agreed to Lupine's and Morgan's marriages as well, allowing them to make their own decisions.
As of then, it was a happy and harmonious situation.
Chapter 2339
The wedding took place as scheduled on the next day.
Everyone had their hearts in their mouths, worried that something untoward would happen again.
After all, emergencies happened during the previous two weddings. Thus, the frightened Nacht family executed everything carefully, fearful that accidents might occur again.
Zachary did not sleep a wink the entire night and got out of bed at about five in the morning. He then personally checked all the processes of the marriage ceremony to avoid any undesirable incidents.
Ben, Bruce, and the others were no exceptions. Tense with nervousness, they inspected every step cautiously.
At eight in the morning, the make-up artist and stylist arrived and began to get Charlotte dressed and do her make-up.
Meanwhile, the children were having their breakfast. They were going to dress up as well after finishing their meals.
According to the customs, Zachary should head to the church first, but he changed the rule as he wanted to go with Charlotte and the kids. Refusing to let any mishap befall his loved ones, he insisted on being by their side at all times.
The wedding car set off for the church at the top of the mountain at ten o'clock.
The guests arrived at the venue one after another, except for Danrique, the wedding witness.
Zachary instructed Ben to call Danrique and inquire about the Lindbergs' whereabouts, but the bodyguard claimed that the latter's phone was switched off. It seemed that they were still on the private jet.
That had Zachary estimating the time needed for Danrique and his family to arrive at the church. Even if they were to arrive at the airport at that exact moment, it would take them more than an hour to reach the mountaintop. Given that his cousin-in-law's phone was switched off, he reckoned it must mean that their plane had not landed yet. As such, it was unlikely for the wedding witness to make it before the auspicious time.
Despite feeling unhappy, Zachary had become composed and thus would no longer get angry because of such issues. All he did was instruct Sean to look for Johann and have the old man prepare to be the wedding witness should Danrique fail to arrive in time.
In fact, Johann witnessed the progress of Zachary and Charlotte's relationship from the very beginning. No matter what happened to the Nacht family, he always supported and protected them. Thus, he was also a suitable candidate for the wedding witness.
As time ticked away, the clock struck half past eleven in the blink of an eye.
Everything was ready, and the guests had arrived and been seated.
Clad in a black suit, Zachary stood before the altar as he stared at the door nervously.
At that moment, he recalled that he was in the same nervous state while waiting for Charlotte at that spot during their first wedding. Although it seemed to go well, an unexpected situation occurred as they exchanged rings.
Henry was incensed when he found out about Charlotte's real identity and forced Zachary to get rid of her but keep the children. Charlotte was poisoned with a deadly poison at that time, and the only
person in possession of the antidote was Zara.
To save Charlotte's life, Zachary had no choice but to agree to Henry's demands.
He personally got someone to send her to T Nation. Even though she cried in agitation and questioned him in confusion, she could not turn the tide.
In the end, she was sent away forcefully and even encountered an attack in T Nation. Not only did Sharon humiliate her, but it also resulted in the gruesome death of Mrs. Berry.
That tragedy became the greatest obstacle between Zachary and Charlotte.
If it were not for Danrique's timely act of taking Charlotte away, she probably would have died in Coldbridge long ago.
At the recollection of the past, Zachary felt incredibly emotional and remorseful. I will love her for the rest of our lives to make it up to her. Moreover, I want to give her every wonderful thing in this world. I've been waiting for this day for a very long time...
Time continued to pass, but the door still had not opened.
Anxiousness washed over Zachary, and he checked the time on his watch, only to find out that it was already five minutes later than the expected time. According to the original plan, the door should open at ten to twelve. Then, Danrique will walk Charlotte up the aisle to where I am... But it's five to twelve now. The door isn't opened yet, and the bride I've been waiting for hasn't appeared.
He felt uneasy. Could it be that something went wrong again?
Instantly, he shot a look at Ben, who explained that Bruce had gone to check on the situation.
Even so, Zachary believed that Bruce would screw up at the most crucial moment, so he rushed out to have a look. Right at that moment, the door was suddenly pushed open.
Chapter 2340
Sunlight streamed from outside, shining on Charlotte like a spotlight. The bright light enveloped her completely.
Bathed in sunshine, she resembled an angel descending from heaven as she walked into the church.
At that time, she was holding the arm of her cousin, who was dressed in white.
Danrique was late, but he still tried his best to get there on time. On the way to the church, he phoned Charlotte. “I'm on my way, Charlotte. Wait for me!”
“Okay. I'll be waiting!”
In truth, Charlotte looked forward to Danrique's arrival. After all, other than her children, he was the only family she had left.
She hoped that he could walk her up the aisle and hand her over to Zachary. The media would capture that moment and announce to the world that the Lindberg and Nacht families had a close-knit relationship and were inseparable.
In short, it would be beneficial for the consolidation of the two families' power in the future.
Of course, that was entirely off-topic.
The most important thing was that Charlotte hoped to use such a method to strengthen the relationship between the two families. She wished that the families would live in harmony and grow strong together.
Zachary let out a sigh of relief as he watched Danrique escort Charlotte inside. The anxiety he had felt initially slowly disappeared.
Upon taking another look, he saw Francesca, in a beautiful white dress, had entered the room with her three children from the side door. Then, they proceeded to sit in the VIP seats.
The three children were dressed in cute gowns, looking as beautiful as elves with small fairy wands in their hands. As they waved the wands around happily, they cheered, “Best of luck, Uncle Zachary!”
Francesca quickly placed a finger before pursed lips to hush them, gesturing them not to make any sounds lest they disturb Zachary and Charlotte. However, their uncle did not seem to mind it at all. He even made a funny face at the three children.
Under the accompaniment of the wedding march, Charlotte walked toward Zachary slowly while gazing at him lovingly. Finally, I can marry him. I've been waiting for this day for such a long time.
Meanwhile, Robbie, Jamie, and Ellie, clad in formal attire, walked behind her and Danrique. Beaming with happiness, they threw flower petals along the aisle. On that day, they were their parents' page boys and flower girl, accompanying their mother on the journey to lifelong happiness.
With a grin on his face, Zachary waved to the three children. Then, he looked at Charlotte anxiously. Walk faster, walk faster...
The woman glimpsed the clock on the wall and noticed that the auspicious time was nearly over. That gave her a sense of urgency, and she quickly released her hand from Danrique's arm before lifting the hem of her bridal gown and rushing toward Zachary.
“Hey, Charlotte...”
Danrique was dumbfounded, but he did not stop her.
Charlotte did not turn around as she ran to the end of the aisle. However, as the bridal gown was too long, she nearly tripped.
“Charlotte!”
“Wifey!”
Cries of surprise were heard simultaneously from Danrique and Zachary. The next moment, the latter dashed forward to catch Charlotte, pulling her into his arms.
“That scared me! I thought I would fall down. That would've been too embarrassing,” she exclaimed, her heart hammering.
“I'm here, so you don't have to be afraid.” Zachary carried her to the altar and put her down in front of it. Once they were both there, he urged, “Let's start now!”
The guests burst out laughing.
The pastor, too, smiled on the stage. A beat later, he started to ask, “Do you, Zachary Nacht, take Charlotte Lindberg to be your lawfully wedded wife, to—”
“I do, I do. I'm willing to do anything.”
Zachary wanted nothing more than to skip the process and for the pastor to pronounce them man and wife.
Once again, sounds of laughter came from the audience. Danrique smiled as well. Zachary is too impatient.
“Do you, Charlotte Lindberg, take Zachary Nacht to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse...”
“I do!” Charlotte answered solemnly.
“You may exchange the rings,” announced the pastor.
Robbie, Jamie, and Ellie brought the rings for them.
Zachary slipped the ring into Charlotte's finger as quickly as he could. Then, he extended his hand and urged her to put the ring on his finger.
His impatience gave others the impression that he was eager to consummate their marriage as soon as possible.