chapter103

The room fell into dead silence.

Cameron and Kylie weren't the only ones who felt it. Everyone sitting there was stunned, as if they'd just been zapped and left buzzing in their seats.

Did Connor really just say that? That he and Lydia were the best match? Was that what he actually said?

No one could believe it. Not a minute ago, he'd looked at Lydia like she was a complete mismatch and said she and Chris made the perfect pair. What changed? Did he take the wrong meds, or was he suddenly possessed? Why the sudden flip?

Mr. Jefferson was frozen, eyes wide, just staring at Connor like he couldn't make sense of anything anymore.

Cameron and Kylie were just as lost.

Lucinda, though, was the most confused. It felt like she'd fallen into some weird dream, maybe even a nightmare, where Connor was suddenly claiming he and Lydia belonged together.

No, this had to be a dream. It couldn't be real. People always say dreams are the opposite of reality, so in real life, Connor must actually like her.

So why did her heart hurt like this? Why did the pain feel so real?

She pinched herself under the table, hard. The sting made her wince. That hurt. So... this wasn't a dream?

How could that be? How could Connor just look at Lydia once, not even say a word, and then decide she was the right one for him? Why would he change his mind out of nowhere?

Lucinda could feel herself unraveling inside.

Mr. Jefferson was the first to snap out of it. He stared at Connor, his voice serious. "Connor, do you know what you're saying?"

Connor nodded. "Of course I do, Grandpa. The original engagement between our family and the Norwoods was always meant to be between me and Lydia. You really shouldn't try to meddle anymore."

Then he turned and walked off after Lydia.

He had to catch up. No way was he letting Mikey or Chris get a moment alone with Lydia ever again. Not happening.

Mr. Jefferson watched his grandson's hurried steps and couldn't help but let out a weird little laugh.

Unbelievable. Calling him a meddler?

He actually wondered if Connor had lost his mind. Wasn't this the same grandson who'd spent years saying he didn't want this marriage? Now look at him.

Cameron looked over with a frown. "What's up with Connor?"

Mr. Jefferson forced a smile. "Cameron, I think Connor just fell for Lydia at first sight. I mean, look at her, she's amazing. I always figured he'd like her once he met her."

Even as he said it, Mr. Jefferson knew it sounded like a stretch. He knew exactly what kind of person his grandson was. Love at first sight? Yeah, right. More likely, Connor was up to something.

Kylie shook her head, still trying to make sense of it all. "I don't get it either. Connor was just saying Lydia and Chris would be a good couple. Now he's insisting the marriage was always supposed to be between him and Lydia. I'm lost."

Worried that Connor might ruin things between the families, Mr. Jefferson jumped in to reassure them. "Cameron, Kylie, no matter what Connor thinks

e final choi

is up to Lydia. She gets to pick.

whoever she wants."

Kylie nodded. As a woman, she understood how huge marriage was for a girl. You need to find someone who really loves you, someone you can love back. That's the only way to have a happy life together.

I just hope Lydia can choose someone she truly loves, and who loves her too." Lucinda's eyes were red with tears.

Connor was supposed to be her last hope, her safe place, her future. She'd been so sure he liked her, that he was turning Lydia down for her. But now... just like that, he'd changed.

Was Grandpa Samuel right? Had Connor really fallen for Lydia the moment he saw her?

Was Lydia really that amazing?