The first time Laura visited Holden Residence, the only hostility she encountered was a sharp re from Cassie. Aside from that, both Charles and Wesley were incredibly weing, making her feel at ease.


    Charles'' kind words touched Laura, gradually easing her initial nervousness.


    After chatting for a while, Charles suggested that Wesley take Laura on a tour of the estate. Without hesitation, Wesley took her hand and led her straight to the grand garden at the back of Holden Residence.


    The garden was beautifully designed, with vibrant flowers in full bloom, butterflies fluttering about, and the air thick with a sweet fragrance. Not far from the garden, the estate even had a dedicated beekeeper tending to hives that produced fresh honey.


    As they strolled and talked, Laura felt like she was in a dream. Then,


    unexpectedly, Cassie approached with a group of maids. However, she was now entirely different from earlier. Her face was lit with a warm smile, her eyes soft and weing.


    "Laura, I''m so sorry!" Cassie called out sweetly, "When Wesley first brought you home, I was in a terrible mood because I''d just had an argument with my father. I took my frustration out on you, and that was wrong of me." Her voice was gentle, her expression sincere.


    "I shouldn''t have treated you that way. Please forgive me."


    She beamed at Laura and sped her hands together. "You''re kind-hearted, aren''t you? Won''t you forgive me just this once?"


    Before Laura could respond, Cassie gestured to one of the maids, who stepped forward carrying a tray. Smiling, Cassie lifted thergest box from the tray. "I even prepared a gift for you. Look, a pearl ne! And these smaller onese as a set."


    Cassie stepped forward, holding up the ne. "Let me put it on you! I want Wesley to see if I have good taste."


    Given how much effort Cassie had put into this, neither Laura nor Wesley had the heart to refuse. Cassie carefully fastened the ne around Laura''s neck, then stepped back with satisfaction.


    "Beautiful!" Cassie pped her hands, admiring her own work. "Wesley, doesn''t she look amazing in the ne I picked out?"


    She grinned mischievously. "Laura, with your fair skin and elegant neckline, you''re made for beautiful jewelry! Once you marry Wesley, I''ll take care of all your essories moving forward!"


    Cassie spoke so quickly that Laura barely had a chance to respond. Instead, she looked to Wesley for help. Wesley chuckled and nodded. "Alright, but don''t go back on your word."


    "Come on, do I look like that kind of person?" Cassie huffed yfully before looping her arm through Laura''s. "Laura, if Wesley ever bullies me, you have to stand up for me!"


    "When have I ever bullied you?" Wesley reached out and tapped Cassie''s forehead. She pouted and yfully exaggerated her grievance.


    Their lighthearted banter was interrupted when Sheldon, the butler, arrived. "Mr. Holden, Mr. Holden Senior is looking for you. He needs to discuss business matters with you."


    Wesley hesitated, ncing at Laura, but she reassured him with a smile. "Go ahead. I''ll be fine."


    Cassie chimed in, "Wesley, don''t worry! I''ll take good care of her. I promise not to bully Laura."


    Wesley chuckled. "Alright, I''ll be back soon." He ruffled Laura''s hair before leaving with Sheldon.


    Once he was gone, Cassie eagerly resumed the tour of the estate. She was lively and talkative, sharing stories about her and Wesley''s childhood. Laura gradually rxed, enjoying Cassie''spany.


    After the tour, Cassie suggested looking at wedding dresses-but in her own unique way. Instead of dragging Laura to a boutique, she had designers bring the dresses to the estate, with models of Laura''s exact measurements showcasing each gown for her.


    Any dress Laura liked was immediately noted, and her measurements were taken for a custom fit.


    "A model might have your proportions, but nothing they''ve worn should ever go to you."


    As the daughter-inw of the Holden family, Wesley''s wife, and her sister-inw, Laura deserve nothing but the very best.


    Laura was touched by Cassie''s thoughtfulness.


    Later, when Wesley returned and casually asked if they had gotten along, Cassie immediately interjected. "Wesley, how could you doubt me? Ask her yourself. Am I not the best sister-inw in the world?"


    Lauraughed. "Yes, Cassie is absolutely wonderful. Wesley, you should have more faith in Cassie."


    Wesley smirked. "Wow, she''s already won you over in such a short time? I''d better be careful. She might just steal you away from me."


    He grinned and gestured toward the dining hall. "Come on, let''s eat."


    "Alright."


    The three of them left together and soon arrived at the dining hall.


    Charles had ordered the kitchen to prepare an extravagant dinner. Seated at the head of the table, he had Wesley and Cassie on either side of him, while Laura sat next to Wesley.


    "Laura, feel free to ask for anything you need. Once you marry Wesley, you''ll have to start calling me ''Father.""


    Charles chuckled. "Sheldon told me


    that you and Cassie are getting


    along well. That puts my mind at ease," he said warmly. "I was worried that with the way Wesley and have spoiled her, she might have grown too willful and arrogant—maybe even given you a hard time."


    "Father! You and Wesley are always pointing out my ws and never my good qualities. That''s so unfair!" Cassie pouted, setting her utensils down with a huff.


    She got up and plopped down beside Laura. "Since neither of you men care about me, I''ll just have Laura dote on me instead!"


    Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she turned to Laura. "Laura, if Wesley and I both fell into a river at the same time, who would you save first?"


    "What?" Laura was caught off guard.


    "Hurry up! Answer me!" Cassie urged.


    Before Laura could respond, Wesley chuckled indulgently. "She''d save you, okay? But I''d go in after you myself. wouldn''t let her get in the


    het


    water to begin with. Fue


    Laura doesn''t even know how to swim."


    "See? You''re totally biased! You care more about her than me." Cassie huffed


    dramatically, though everyone could tell she was just teasing.


    Laura couldn''t help butugh. It had


    been a long time since she had had


    such an enjoyable meal. Though she


    wasn''t married to Wesley yet, the Holden family already felt like home-warm and weing,


    without a hint of awkwardness or distance.


    After dinner, Cassie eagerly pulled Laura away for some fun. She took her to the home theatre, had Sheldon bring in a mountain of snacks, and the two of them curled up with treats while watching a movie.


    Once the movie ended, Cassie dragged Laura to her room and pulled out an old photo album filled with pictures of her and Wesley. She flipped through the pages, showing Laura every moment of their childhood.


    "Laura, once you marry Wesley, you have to be on my side, okay? I promise I''ll treat you really, really well!" Cassie dered with mock seriousness.


    Laura grinned and nodded. "Deal! I''ll always be on your side and make sure Wesley doesn''t bully you."