Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption novel Chapter 274

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Chapter 274: Announcing the dinner...

~The Santiago family house~

The sun had already begun its gentle ascent into the sky, casting a golden ray of light over the lush gardens.

The morning air was cool and crisp, and a delicate breeze whispered through the blooming flowers, carrying with it a fragrant breath of serenity.

In the large dining hall, a long polished mahogany table stretched with quiet majesty, several members of the Santiago family sat in order of age and seniority.

At the head of the table sat Lady Matilda Santiago, the formidable matriarch of the household. Her presence exuding grace, nobility and silent authority,

Beside her was Donald Santiago, the heir apparent. His composure poised, attentive, and reserved, his expression as usual gentle yet unreadable.

The table was lined with the nuclear and extended Santiago bloodline—sons, daughters, their spouses, and children and all residents of the vast Santiagos’ estate.

"They had all gathered for one purpose—their weekly family gathering. The Santiago family has a long-standing tradition that requires all members to return home for the weekly mealtime."

Maids moved swiftly and quietly between them as they refills glasses, passing trays, and ensuring each person’s’s needs were met.

Immediately the meal was served, they resumed eating and silence filled the hall. It had always being a long-standing rule of the Santiago household and yet still governed the table: no one spoke during meals.

Conversations, disputes, or casual remarks were considered a breach of mealtime discipline. Meals were eaten in silence—a tradition meant to instill mindfulness, reflection, and restraint.

The only sound was the gentle clinking of cutlery against porcelain. Lady Matilda’s hands moved with elegance, her expression unreadable. Her dignified demeanor served as a silent warning that any breach of conduct would not be tolerated.

When the last mouthfuls were taken and the dishes nearly cleared, she placed her cutlery down with a soft but deliberate clink. Like clockwork, the others followed suit—still in silence, waiting.

It was custom after breakfast for announcements, rebukes, or family deliberations to take place and no one left until the matriarch either dismissed them or delivered her word.

Her eyes slowly swept over the table, observing the bowed heads and sidelong glances. Then, she cleared her throat softly yet it echoed with authority.

"We are expecting a guest this evening for dinner."

A ripple went through the room at the bombshell.

"A guest?" someone echoed, the voice tentative, as murmurs bubbled and whispered glances exchanged like nervous electricity.

Before the noise could escalate, Lady Matilda raised her hand ever so slightly. Silence returned as quickly as it had broken. Her tone sharpened, but remained poised.

"Yes. A guest," she repeated. "She is not just any guest—she is my benefactor... and coincidentally the granddaughter of the Santiago family."

The words landed like a thunderclap, like a heavy stone in water. The entire room went silent as conversations died on lips, forks froze mid-air.

Shock twisted across several faces—some blinked in disbelief, others exchanged questioning glances.

A few gasped outright. Expressions of shock, disbelief, and curiosity appeared one by one.

Matilda paused. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, swept across the table, gauging reactions. Some looked stunned. Others wary. But none dared to interrupt again.

After a pause, she continued, her voice soft but firm.

"Many years ago, the Santiago family suffered a great loss. The loss of a daughter, my daughter. Despite every effort, she was never found. But we never gave up hope." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢