Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Master Lancaster Proposes
"Serena, we’ve been together because of the kids, for not very long, yet you’re the one who taught me to love, allowing me to feel an intense emotion that I had never experienced in thirty years.
Because of you, my life gained color. My life used to revolve only around my parents and work; even gatherings with friends were few.
Ever since you came along, along with those two little ones, I have started to look forward to life, eager to return home every day to see you.
I know I’m not perfect, but I will strive to give you all my love. Serena, will you marry me?"
Serena Yeats was completely stunned.
With her clear, bright eyes wide open, she stared blankly at Elias Lancaster kneeling and proposing.
His words were sincere; the flowers and ring he held were filled with passion.
His gaze towards her was full of expectation and nervous anxiety.
At this moment, Serena felt a vacancy in her heart suddenly filled; her lips trembled, unable to make a sound.
"Marry him, marry him!"
Voices of encouragement echoed around her.
She dazedly glanced around her.
She wasn’t sure when.
Her best friend Nathan, and Elias’s old friend from the embarrassing day, were there.
Even Grandpa Keaton who had guided her through a few lessons was present.
Tears kept falling down her face.
The sound of their cheering continued to surround her.
"Bang!"
Fireworks shot up into the sky, brightening the night and illuminating the entire mid-hill area.
Everyone looked up simultaneously.
"Bang, bang..."
The fireworks burst in the night sky in a magnificent display.
Everyone gazed upward while Theodore Lynch continued shooting the entire scene, capturing these precious moments.
Soon, colorful fireworks blossomed in the sky, attracting everyone’s attention with a line of text.
[Serena, I love you, marry me!]
The fiery words lingered in the air, and applause and cheers erupted around.
"Marry him. Marry him."
Serena Yeats wiped away her tears, accepted the flowers from Elias, and said with a smile, "I’ve accepted the flowers, but the babies will decide about the ring."
The entire audience paused in surprise, then some began to laugh.
Someone shouted, "Master Lancaster, hurry and ask the question!"
Elias Lancaster laughed helplessly, leaned forward, and kissed Serena’s belly, then placed his large hand over it.
"Little ones, do you agree for Mommy to marry Daddy? If yes, just give a move." Elias softly asked the little ones inside Serena’s belly.
Feeling anxious, worried they might be asleep.
Just as he was thinking of giving up, a clear, forceful sensation pressed against his hand.
He looked at Serena in joyful surprise.
"The babies moved; they agreed."
Serena, tears mingled with smiles, extended her hand.
Elias Lancaster gently slid the ring onto Serena’s ring finger.
He stood up and held Serena’s hand.
Serena laughed out loud, "Elias Lancaster, I love you, I will give you everything of mine."
After she spoke,
she threw herself into his embrace, holding him tightly.
"Elias, thank you for giving me a home, for giving me and the babies a home. You’ve decided, and I’ve accepted; you can’t go back on this proposal now."
The little girl playfully declared her sovereignty.
Elias Lancaster nodded, "Alright."
Whatever she wanted, he agreed, be it good or bad.
"Ah, congratulations congratulations..."
"Kiss!"
Theodore Lynch cheered from the side.
Only Theodore Lynch knew that the engagement ring was designed and crafted by Master Lancaster himself.
Serena sniffed, looked up at Elias Lancaster, meeting his gaze, feeling each other’s heartbeats and affection.
Elias Lancaster slowly leaned down, kissing her lips.
Serena slowly closed her eyes, reaching her arms around his neck.
Having these people witness her happiness today filled her with joy.
Meanwhile, in a hotel abroad.
Ronan Keaton watched the video posted in the group chat.
First, surprised by Elias Lancaster, typically aloof as Master Lancaster, for coming up with such a romantic proposal.
Then shocked that Master Lancaster’s fiancée bore a striking resemblance to his mother.
Finally, he sighed, realizing how vast the world is, with so many similar-looking people, and though he found clues this time, they all vanished upon arrival here.
Not just that, arriving here tied everything together, revealing he walked right into a trap.
Afraid to act recklessly or return home, fearing he might bring disaster upon those around him.
He repeatedly looked at the photos Theodore Lynch had shared in the group, casting his eyes upon the girl in the pictures, a suspicion forming in his mind.
Then, he set the phone aside.
But in the next instant,
the phone chimed again with a message alert.
He picked it up to see a group photo of the proposal, sent by Theodore Lynch.
Upon spotting his grandfather amongst the crowd, his suspicion grew stronger.
Since his sister’s disappearance, the J Keaton Family hadn’t celebrated New Year; his grandfather seldom left home.
He swiftly revisited the proposal video, and seeing his grandfather wiping tears confirmed his subconscious certainty that it was her.
However, even with certainty, indisputable evidence is required.
The quickest verification method is...
He quickly dialed a number.
After a long ring, the other side finally answered.
"Big brother."
"Hm? Not calling him Master Lancaster now?" Elias Lancaster teased.
Ronan paused for a moment, realizing Elias had become different after finding a wife, now even joking.
"I have something to ask you." Ronan’s voice quivered.
"I know, she is." Elias naturally understood what Ronan wanted to inquire about. During the paternity test, he planned to inform them when the time was right.
"She’s currently pregnant; make recognition a gradual process, don’t frighten her. She’s had a tough past..."
Ronan Keaton replied, "Understood."
"Wait, what? Pregnant?" Ronan instantly erupted. "Do you know how young she is? You..."
After ranting, he realized the call ended long ago.
In frustration, he hurled the phone away.
He felt as if his precious cabbage had been dug up by a pig.
Yet more than anything, he felt relief—the discovery, the reunion—prompting him to sob openly.
Soon after,
He opened his computer to check his email, where Elias had sent all the information.
It turned out Minnie now went by the name Serena Yeats.
Seeing how her adoptive parents treated her made him furious enough to want to cut that vampire family to pieces.
Yet he was relieved she had met Elias Lancaster, observing from today’s proposal scene that his buddy seemed to treat her well.
At least she found someone he knows and trusts, but a piece of him was still unsettled.
Scrolling further, he read about Yves Thorne’s sister hiring a killer, subsequently sent abroad—a threat thankfully discovered in time.
The place she was sent to was right where he was at.
Immediately,
He placed another call.
"Help me find someone; I need results by tomorrow."