Afterward, the family gathered in the living room to discuss how to resolve the situation.

"Since she's expecting, it's best we arrange the wedding soon to ensure everything is in order before the baby arrives, " Brenda asserted firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate. The rest of the family agreed, planning to visit the Hughes family the next day to discuss the arrangements.

"As for the Hughes family, this was our mistake. I've already apologized to them personally. Thankfully, we caught this early and didn't let it drag on, " Richard chimed in.

Lilah, who had a close relationship with Mrs. Hughes, had initially hoped for the two families to strengthen their bond through marriage. However, given the circumstances, Mrs. Hughes could only sigh in disappointment.

Gerard's younger sister, Yvette, couldn't help but look at her older brother with admiration. "Not only do I have a sister-in-Law now, but soon we'll have a Little one to dote on!"

After the family finished their discussion, preparations for the wedding began the very next day.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yibai was left stunned. His carefully orchestrated plan had turned out to be nothing but a misunderstanding.

He had assumed Jerrold was the kind of man who would sacrifice love for family obligations.

He had hoped to use the two people Jerrold felt most indebted to against him, to make him suffer endlessly.

But in the end, it was clear that Jerrold had cared only about Catherine from the very beginning.

Compared to that, Zhao's schemes felt laughably futile.

In the Harris family's grand living room, Catherine sat on the central sofa, flanked by Yvette and Lilah.

Before them lay several photo albums filled with family memories spanning years.

As Catherine flipped through the albums, Yvette and Lilah recounted Jerrold's accomplishments and the stories behind each photograph. Catherine chose to start from the latest pages, working her way backward, allowing her to trace Jerrold's journey from his present self to his childhood.

As she listened to their anecdotes, she couldn't help but wonder if the baby she was carrying would grow up to resemble its father or aunt in personality and charm.

Finally, she reached a childhood photograph of Jerrold taken in kindergarten, and her hands froze.

"Is this... 2"

Her eyes widened as she spotted herself in the photo, standing beside a young Jerrold.

Lilah noticed her stunned expression and smiled warmly.

Taking Catherine's hand, she gently said, "The first time I saw you, I felt like I had seen you before, as if fate had already brought you into our lives."

"Destined? What do you mean?"

Jerrold entered the room alongside Julian, and Catherine's cheeks flushed at the sight of him.

Lilah turned the album in Jerrold's direction and subtly handed Catherine's hand to him.

"Look-this is proof that your connection was written in the stars long ago."

Jerrold's reaction wasn't what Catherine had anticipated, but his tender gaze and gentle touch on her wrist spoke volumes.

He traced his fingers over the red string tied around her wrist-— a string identical to the one hidden beneath his sleeve, often concealed by his tailored suits and wristwatch.

"From the very start, I knew it was you-I recognized you right away, " he murmured. ---

Outside the living room, a few more guests arrived, including Harris family staff and a photographer brought in by their assistant, Mr. Zhang.The Harris family's grand hall was bright and welcoming, filled with an atmosphere of love and celebration.

The table was adorned with pink balloons, photo albums, and wedding invitations, symbolizing the joyous union of the family.

On one side of the sofa, Lilah was nestled against Gerard's shoulder, her expression serene and full of joy as she watched their two children.

Brenda and Richard stood nearby, their faces glowing with pride and happiness as they exchanged smiles.

Yvette stood behind Julian, her arms draped over his shoulders and her chin resting against his neck, clearly in a playful mood.

Jerrold and Catherine sat together, their hands intertwined as they gazed affectionately into each other's eyes.

The room was alive with laughter and cheerful banter from friends and family. The atmosphere was vibrant and warm, a celebration of love, unity, and new beginnings.

"Click!"

The final page of the photo album marked the beginning of a new chapter in their shared story. And so, the story continued, ushering in yet another beginning.