Chapter 155: Elena Ward Crouched by the Stove

Elena Ward crouched by the stove, feeding firewood into the flames. Steam rose from the pot where fluffy buns were cooking, filling the kitchen with a warm, yeasty aroma. Outside, Luke Jackson and his three brothers were chopping firewood, while Daniel Ward repaired a hoe. The household was busy with their tasks, and no one mentioned the wedding festivities happening in the village.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The gate shuddered under violent knocking. Grace wiped flour from her hands and went to answer. Aunt Elizabeth Ward stood there, beaming. "Goodness, why are you all still working? The Ward household is in complete chaos!"

Elena didn’t look up. "Auntie, we have nothing to do with that family anymore."

"Don’t say that!" Elizabeth pushed her way inside. "Young Master Harris is calling off the engagement! Vanessa and her parents are over there trying to calm things down—aren’t you going to see what’s happening?"

The firewood in Elena’s hands snapped with a sharp crack. "Grace went?"

Daniel Ward immediately set down his hoe. "Let’s go."

By the time the three arrived at the Ward residence, the scene was already in disarray. Derek Harlan had Henry Cooper by the collar, while Grace stood nearby, wringing her hands in distress.

"Stop!" Luke’s voice boomed across the yard.

Derek turned, sneering when he recognized Luke. "Well, if it isn’t the great Daniel Ward. Here to meddle in other people’s business?"

Elena stepped forward, shielding Grace. "Master Harris, isn’t today supposed to be your happy occasion? Doesn’t seem fitting to be throwing punches."

"None of your damn business!" Derek shoved Henry away. "I’m calling off this sham of a marriage!"

Calvin Ward wrung his hands. "Derek, let’s talk this through—"

"Talk? About what?" Derek jabbed a finger at Vanessa, who burst into tears. "You think trash like her is worthy of the Harris family?"

Elena narrowed her eyes. "If you never intended to marry her, why propose in the first place? Or is this just your way of humiliating our family?"

Derek opened his mouth to retort, but his bravado faltered when he noticed Luke’s crisp military uniform.

Luke’s voice was low and dangerous. "Master Harris. You owe us an explanation."

Derek’s eyes darted, then he smirked. "Fine. You want an explanation?" He grabbed Vanessa’s arm. "Let’s go register the marriage right now!"

Before Vanessa could react, she was dragged toward the gate. Calvin and his wife scrambled after them, terrified their golden opportunity was slipping away.

Elena watched them leave, then snorted. "Grace, let’s go home."

Grace bit her lip. "We’re just letting this go?"

"Don’t worry." Elena patted her hand. "They’ll regret this soon enough."

Back home, Elena’s eldest sister had finished steaming the buns. Elena took one, still warm, split it open, and stuffed it with pickled vegetables before taking a hearty bite.

"Delicious," she murmured, savoring the taste.

Luke picked up a bun as well. "I leave tomorrow. Might as well enjoy a good meal today."

The Jackson brothers, ravenous, devoured theirs in seconds.

Elena’s sister watched them fondly. "Slow down. There’s plenty more."

As the sun set, the scent of freshly steamed buns lingered in the yard, wrapping the family in contentment. Meanwhile, the wedding feast at the Ward residence was in full swing—though beneath the laughter and chatter, something unsettling lurked.