Chapter 4

I didn't understand what they meant by 'too late.'

I didn't understand why, as my father-in-law and mother-in-law, they were so desperate for me to remarry and have children right after Adeline's death.

Adeline's suicide on our wedding day made headlines online.

Their behavior following only shocked people more.

Adeline's dad emptied their savings, using the tragic story of their late daughter to find me a bride.

Adeline's mom seized the media attention, appearing on a TV dating show.

Their bizarre actions once again sparked online debate—

"Whoa! Are they really in-laws? Pushing their son-in-law to remarry?"

"Their daughter just died, and they're breaking the bank over his marriage. Not even for a son would they do this!"

"The whole family is nuts. I wouldn't be surprised if the bride was possessed or mentally ill!"

But the medical examiner soon issued a death certificate.

Adeline wasn't poisoned, nor did she have any mental issues or take hallucinogens.

The investigation stalled, and the police told me to take Adeline's remains home for burial.

On the day of the funeral, Adeline’s parents came again.

They ignored the funeral hall, bringing in over ten young women, clutching my arms.

"Xuwei, these are the brides we've chosen for you."

"Are you satisfied? If you like one, we'll arrange the wedding quickly..."

On the day of their daughter's funeral, they brought women to the funeral hall for a matchmaking event!

The guests erupted in shock, pointing and whispering.

I couldn't take it anymore, shaking them off, demanding, "Do you know today is Adeline's funeral?"

"Is this how parents act? You drove your daughter to her death, and now you disrupt her funeral?"

Adeline's mom's eyes were red, her hand over her mouth, tears welling, repeating—

"You must marry, have a child soon, or it'll be too late!"

The memory of that night filled me with unease and confusion.

I blurted, "What do you mean by too late? What are you trying to do?"

"Did you know Adeline was two months pregnant before she died? If it weren't for you, we'd be a happy family. You ruined everything, and now you're pretending to arrange my life?"

The room fell silent, all guests watching us intently.

In the quiet, Adeline's dad suddenly spoke—

"Do you really want to know? Promise us one thing, and we'll tell you."