Chapter 9 Meeting the Parents

"Donna's here!"

Edward's mother, Beatrice Russell, came out of the kitchen. Donna confidently walked up and gave her a perfectly measured hug—something Edward had mentioned on the way over.

Beatrice was delighted by this affectionate gesture. Taking Donna's hand, she immediately said, "Your hands are so cold, dear! Edward, why aren't you taking better care of Donna?"

Donna blinked and said playfully, "Edward's usually so busy, I don't want to bother him. My hands are a bit cold, but I'm not cold!"

Edward glanced at her coolly. "I'll get you to see a doctor later."

Donna smiled at him.

To Beatrice, the look they exchanged was full of love, which pleased her.

Edward's father, Tristan Russell, was usually serious, but meeting his daughter-in-law for the first time, even his face showed a rare smile. "Come sit down and eat. Knowing you two were coming tonight, your mom even cooked soup herself."

"Really? Then I'll have to have two bowls!" Donna's eyes crinkled with her smile.

It was supposed to be meeting the family, and it really was just the family.

Besides Edward's parents, Donna didn't see anyone else.

The atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant.

Donna sat beside Beatrice, thoughtfully serving her food, and occasionally serving Edward across the table too.

Edward and Tristan chatted briefly about business. When they mentioned a major project was nearly complete, Tristan nodded with satisfaction and said, "Perfect timing. Once you're done with work, and you've just gotten married, go straight on your honeymoon. Consider it a break."

Suddenly, the ribs Donna had just picked up fell back onto her plate.

"Don't eat what falls on the table," Beatrice said kindly, then took the gemstone bracelet from her own wrist and put it on Donna's.

"This is the Russell family heirloom. It's yours now. Stay by Edward's side. If he ever mistreats you, come tell me. And next time, don't bring gifts."

She'd seen the gifts—they were all quite nice.

There was even something for Edward's brother and sister-in-law, whom she hadn't met yet.

Beatrice seized the moment, "Couples on their honeymoon have the best chance of having a baby. I hope next time you come, we'll hear good news."

Hearing this, Donna froze.

After a few seconds of silence, Edward picked up the ribs and placed them in Donna's bowl, saying calmly, "Mom, Donna and I just got married. We don't want kids yet."

Just as Beatrice was about to persuade them further, hurried and somewhat chaotic footsteps suddenly came from the entrance to the hall.

"Donna? What are you doing here!"

"Why can't I be here?"

She suddenly realized—this was the Russell Manor.

Before she could speak, Leo looked at Edward. "Uncle Edward, you two!" His words were unclear but extremely angry, his finger pointing back and forth between Edward and Donna. When he saw the bracelet on Donna's hand, he said, "As an elder, you actually stole your own nephew's fiancée?"

Donna felt as if all the sounds around her had been sucked away in an instant.

Only Leo's earth-shattering "Uncle Edward" echoed sharply in her mind.Edward was Leo's uncle?

This realization struck like a thunderbolt, unexpectedly shattering all her thoughts.

She'd always thought Edward and Leo just happened to share the same last name. She never imagined they were uncle and nephew!

She had heard that Leo had an uncle, but never knew this person was her flash-marriage partner!

The enormous shock made her body stiffen, her breathing stopping for a moment.