"It's nothing like that, we met during the ceremony," Theo said, not even knowing why he felt defensive. She was just a child, anyway.
Lucien tried teasing him more, yet Theo responded with formal remarks, which quickly bored Lucien.
Theo saw Lucien calling for any Merrick family members he could see. Soon, most of them were gathered, except for his mother and father.
Looking around, Theo couldn't spot them anywhere in the hall, which felt strange.
Soon, Theo saw Elysia returning with three people by her side.
When Theo recognized the obvious Baron Stonekeep, he subconsciously compared his height with Lucien's in his mind and found them almost the same.
Lucien and their father were the only people he had ever seen of such height.
"I see all the Merricks have decided to come this time," the broad-shouldered man in noble clothing remarked with a serious face. His gaze moved over everyone until his eyes landed on Theo. His expression turned more severe, but he said nothing.
