Chapter 13 Chapter 13 The conservative elders of the Ashford family were no joke . ༢89 % u Even though Chris seemed to be in charge of the Ashford Group now , those elders still had more than enough power to call the shots . That was probably why Chris had rushed back home and changed his mind so quickly deciding the wedding was back on after all . Chris tried to smooth things over . Our marriage doesnt concern Olivia . A cold smile tugged at Stephanies lips . Doesnt it ? She didnt believe for a second that Chris would keep this from her . Just as she finished speaking , Chriss phone buzzed . He pulled it out and saw Olivias name on the screen . Stephanie glanced at it , and sure enough , Olivias name was flashing back at her . Chris shot her a stern look and said , The wedding is going ahead as planned . No changes . Stephanie waved him off dismissively . Go ahead and take the call . There was a hint of sympathy in her voice a little sympathy for Chris , of all people . He was the heir to Long Harbors top family , but when it came to his own marriage , it was clear he couldnt even make his own decisions . The first failed to go through , and Olivia immediately again . Chris then stood up . Youre right . I should get this . He walked out to the balcony , phone in hand . A few hours ago , when hed left this same spot , hed been full of arrogant defiance . Now , though , he was deliberately avoiding Stephanie , showing her at least a bit of respect . Clearly , the Ashford elders had given him a harsh lesson . Whatever Olivia was saying on the other end of the line , it only made Chris more tense . He stayed on the phone for a while , and when he finally hung up and came back inside , his face was grim . He threw a quick glance at Stephanie , looking like he was about to bolt out the door . Without missing a beat , Stephanie said , I guess … shes feeling bad again ? Her words dripped with sarcasm , like she already knew Olivias whole game plan . Chriss expression darkened even further , clearly annoyed by Stephanies jab at Olivia . But by that point , he was too drained and defeated to say anything . Finally , he muttered , Theres a banquet tomorrow . Youre coming with me . Ill have someone bring a dress for you in the morning . It wasnt just a suggestion it was an order , a way to undo her earlier statement about canceling the wedding . Stephanie raised an eyebrow , her gaze steady on him . 1/2 12:44 Sun , 2 Mar Chapter 13 Chris couldnt take it anymore and stepped forward , grabbing her by both shoulders . What I said this morning was thoughtless . Our wedding is still going ahead , in one week . His tone softened , almost like he was trying to coax her into agreeing . 89 % Originally , if it hadnt been for his familys interference , Chris had planned to give her the cold shoulder for a few more days . He thought maybe , if he was just a bit gentler with her , shed be satisfied . But Stephanie shoved his hands away with disgust . What do you think I am ? Your puppet ? You think you can just arrange things however you like ? She still remembered how certain hed been earlier that morning , insisting the wedding be delayed because of Olivia . Now , thanks to his familys pressure , he was shamelessly backpedaling . Stephanie scoffed . Your familys reputation is so important , but what about mine ? If I backtrack now , wont that affect me too ? By publicly announcing the cancellation like that , both the Hart and Ashford families would lose face . Stephanie figured the elders of the Ashford family were probably blaming Olivia for the mess . And Chris was here , in the middle of the night , because of Olivia . Chris was struggling to keep his cool , but with Stephanie still not backing down , his patience was running thin . Finally , he asked , So , what do you want to do about it ? Stephanies voice was cold as ice . If you love Olivia so much , then marry her . I dont care . Y You … Chris snapped , boiling with rage . Taking in Stephanies defiant attitude , he didnt have the energy to try and coax her anymore . He snorted , his patience worn thin . Ill see how long you can keep up this stubborn act . Chris knew his family had probably already informed Chad about everything . He was sure Stephanie could act tough in front of him , but he didnt believe shed keep it up in front of her own family . With one last dry , futile remark, he stormed off in a huff . Stephanie , utterly disgusted , grabbed an air freshener and began spraying it around the house , as if trying to disinfect the air . 2/2 AD Comment Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!