CHAPTER 564: MR BURNETT

Back in the estate, the wedding reception buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the low hum of the live music blended perfectly. Brad’s dramatic exit, though fresh in mind, was tucked away as people were trying to make the best of the connections available.

This wedding was larger than Ian’s in terms of attendance, and also because it was well-represented by most of the influential figures. Therefore, anyone who attended aimed to make the best of it.

Most attention was on Shelby and Ian, but Geneva had her fair share of it as well. She crossed the large area, arms wide, and the noise seemed to dim. She swept Ava into a warm embrace, drawing surprised murmurs from the crowd. Geneva had done this as son as she had spotted Ava.

"Who is that? And why is Mrs Thornston acting so warm to her?" Most people murmured the exact words, looking at the lovely ebony lady. The younger ones, however, knew of Ava as they had seen her most times with Shelby. For them, they were riddled with envy.

"How are you, my dear?" the older woman said, holding Ava at arm’s length to study her face. "I missed you! I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to visit ... but I’m glad, so glad, to see you up and standing after being comatose all that time!"

"I’m well, Mum .... And I missed you too!" Ava replied, feeling touched by how caring Geneva was. But Ava had agreed to call her Mum, so she did not hesitate. Though she also thought Geneva was being overly caring, because Ava knew for a fact that Geneva and Alex had visited her several times and made sure that she wanted for nothing when she was down. Ava had never had anyone, well, apart from Rocky, who had done this for her in her life.

Geneva’s eyes softened, and her hand came to rest gently on Ava’s slightly rounded lower belly. "How is the baby?"

"He’s doing well," Ava replied, her voice warm and a little shy. "Stronger every day... and so am I."

Rocky stood a few steps away, flanked by Matt and Nicholas, looking on, but not interfering. A few meters to one side were the two men, Alex and Carmichaels, also watching on.

Ava placed her own hand over Geneva’s in quiet gratitude, lowering her lashes for a moment, her only tell that she was flustered. That was when Geneva’s sharp gaze caught a glint on her finger.

"Oh! I see a ring on your finger!" she exclaimed, delight sparking in her eyes, her smile breaking wide.

"Yes, mum, we got ourselves registered this morning."

Around them, conversations faltered, and a few heads turned.

Rocky beamed, pride written plainly across his face as guests began murmuring their congratulations.

Rocky was well-known enough, and though the crowd thought he was a little young to settle, none of them uttered their sentiments. I mean, who dared?

Geneva laughed lightly. "Your husband is the sanest of all the men around me... My two sons needed help to get their women, but he just went straight for what he wanted! Who doesn’t like a decisive man?!"

Rocky was all grins, pronouncing his dimple.

Alex gave him a friendly slap on the back, as did Carmichaels, then turning to Rocky, he said, "I see that we’re family now, and you look so much like your sister. As Geneva said, a decisive man is the most desirable. Keep it up, young man!" Alex nodded, squeezing Rocky’s shoulders. Matt and Nicholas discreetly stepped to the side, grabbing wines from a tall table as they watched on.

Congratulations, Mrs Wendover," Geneva began, using Rocky’s surname as was the norm.

But Rocky’s voice cut in, firm yet calm. "Actually, I’m using my wife’s surname now."

The air shifted instantly. The music played on, but the chatter died. Though people were pretending as if they were not listening.... One ear was on this conversation, so they could not help but overhear this. Rocky’s expression didn’t waver. "I decided it was best," he continued evenly. "My family name... seems to be cursed. It will end with me."

A heavy hush blanketed the reception. Faces flickered with surprise, unease, even admiration.

All families treasured boys because of name continuity, which made this even more surprising. Rocky seemed very firm in this decision, but Ava’s helpless expression told them all that the decision had come from the man. Anyone who also knew Rocky would be well aware that he was steadfast in any decision that he made, including who he wanted as a life partner.

They all knew of his father. James Wendover had made the news and was set up as an example, so his story was unfortunately well-known, as well as how he had treated his stepdaughter. Their mother, Clara Wendover, who had already passed, was not any different. And though some might call Rocky’s decision extreme, no one could fault him for it.

Geneva’s eyes lingered on him, unreadable for a brief moment, her hand paused its gentle movements on Ava’s tummy.

Rocky was unperturbed and met every curious gaze with calm, unflinching eyes.

The words hung in the air like smoke.

A faint stir of voices began among the guests:

"Did you hear that?"

"His father..."

"Well, perhaps it’s for the best."

"Still, to give up your own name..."

Geneva and Alex felt the weight of those whispers. The two, more than anyone, understood the shadow cast by that Wendover name. Geneva’s lips pressed together, hiding the flicker of something brief.

Then she smiled suddenly,

"That is the best news I have ever heard, and I support my goddaughter and her new husband."

Shelby made her way slowly to them, with Ian behind her.

She stood beside her brother,

"Have you thought this through?"

"Yes, sissy!"

"You know that he does not have to dictate your life anymore, right? He’s already gone. James cannot do anything to us, but your name is your identity..."

"... I know, sis, but I want my identity to be tied to my wife’s now."

Shelby shook her head, ’You love-brain idiot!’ But she was smiling all through this.

Rocky leaned down and side-hugged his sister.

"I knew sissy would understand me best!"

Then he kissed Shelby’s hair and made his way to Ava’s side. With Shelby on board, Rocky knew that Ian had no issues. Rocky had come to view Ian as the older brother or uncle he never had, given their age difference.

Geneva also took a step back, allowing the new couple their time together as Rocky back-hugged Ava. With their marriage sealed, he was getting as open with his affection as Ian was, not that he was any subtler than in earlier times.

Alex silently appeared by Geneva, handing her a champagne flute, which she curled her fingers around. Outwardly, her face remained serene, even faintly amused, as though the change of surname were merely a charming quirk of youth, and it was. Geneva was proud of Rocky’s decision.

These two announcements made the day even more special. On this day, she married off her son and her goddaughter. How amazing was that?

Geneva whispered something to a maid, who disappeared and returned shortly, handing an item to her.

She handed that small, elegant box to the young couple.

"For both of you," she said, her voice firm but kind, "a little something to celebrate the beginning of your life together."

Ava accepted it, her hands brushing Geneva’s ever so slightly, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. Geneva’s eyes lingered on the couple for a heartbeat, reading the promise in the way they were wrapped around each other.

Alex, standing nearby, nodded with approval, reiterating Carmichael’s statement. "I like a decisive person," he said, his gaze settling on Rocky. Then, stepping forward, he offered his congratulations in his deep, steady voice, handing over another gift, larger, heavier, unmistakably significant.

The couple thanked them in unison, their smiles wide but respectful. Around them, the whispers had softened, curiosity giving way to admiration. Everyone understood: these were not gifts given lightly, nor words spoken casually. They carried weight, authority, and blessing—all the more striking given the quiet defiance of the young couple. Any gift from a Thornston was never a light one.

Geneva’s hand brushed the young woman’s again, almost imperceptibly, and she murmured, "May this house you build together be stronger than any shadow from the past."

Her husband’s eyes met hers, and Alex nodded.

Carmichaels didn’t want to be left out, and he handed over a blank check to the new couple.

Then Geneva turned toward the gathered guests, clinking on her champagne glass to draw attention.

"Everyone, join us in congratulating the marriage of my goddaughter. Since my son decided to skip his wedding reception, we’ll use it for my goddaughter’s as well."

The guests exchanged glances. How could they not understand this? Most of them politely went back to the gift table, handing in gifts for the new couple as well.

"Let’s head to the hall for the meal."

Shelby whispered, and someone asked, "What of the bride and the groom?"

"They’re probably eating something better!"

The adults exchanged amused gazes at that, when someone who had almost forgotten asked,

"Can I have some of what they’re eating?" Gabriel’s question caused a stunned, brief silence before the adults burst out laughing.

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