Between Ruin And Resolve My Ex-Husband's Regret novel Chapter 542

Chapter 542 I Won’t Marry

Daren’s throat constricted, and for a fleeting moment, he found himself at a loss for words.

Jarrett picked up on his hesitation instantly. His brows drew together, a flicker of irritation slipping into his tone.

“What is it? Not pleased with the date? Or have you and your sister suddenly developed second thoughts about this union?”

The jab jolted Daren from his daze.

He shoved down the shame rising in his chest and mustered a strained smile–though it faltered at the edges.

“No, not at all. The date is… perfect. Ophelia marrying you is nothing short of an honor. Our entire family is overjoyed.”

But the words rang hollow, each syllable laced with a bitterness he couldn’t mask. His sister had humiliated the Johnson

name beyond repair- yet with matters now this far gone, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and bear it. Pride had to be

sacrificed at the altar of necessity.

Jarrett, unmoved by the thin veil of politeness, turned his wheelchair toward the study, voice clipped and cold. “Then it’s

settled.”

Daren exited the house in a fog.

Ophelia was nothing if not headstrong. Now, she was hopelessly obsessed with that scoundrel Nathan. Convincing her to

marry Jarrett seemed as impossible as plucking stars from the sky.

And then there was Sadie- She had witnessed the disgraceful scene in the private room.

Although he had acted swiftly to contain the situation, issuing strict orders to keep it under wraps, there was no telling what Sadie might do. She could very well use this incident as leverage–or worse, inform Jarrett himself.

If Jarrett ever learned how Ophelia had humiliated him, the fragile alliance between the Johnsons and the Higgins would

shatter in an instant.

What options did he have left? A wave of dizziness washed over Daren, his temples throbbing with tension. He returned home, his thoughts a tangle of dread and desperation.

The moment he stepped inside, the butler approached, looking visibly distressed. His lips parted, but no sound came out.

Daren’s stomach dropped. His voice came out sharp. “Just say it.”

The butler finally bowed his head and spoke, voice low and cautious. “Sir, since Miss Johnson returned, she’s been in hysterics. Crying nonstop, throwing fits in her room… She said she doesn’t want to live anymore. A few minutes ago, she tried to jump from the balcony. The staff managed to stop her just in time. She’s locked herself in now–won’t open the door, won’t see anyone.”

Daren’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. His sister had been spoiled beyond reason. Now, in the middle of this crisis, she chose to spiral into melodrama rather than face the consequences of her actions.

Grinding his teeth, he strode to Ophelia’s room and knocked sharply. “Ophelia. Open the door.”

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Chapter 542 I Won’t Marry

There was no answer–only the soft, broken sound of her sobbing, muffled by the thick wooden door.

Daren’s patience cracked. “Break it down!” he ordered the servants.

But before they could move, the door flew open from the inside.

Ophelia stood there–eyes swollen, tear–streaked, a mess of heartbreak and indignation. Her voice trembled with wounded

pride and desperation. “Daren! Were you really going to smash the door down? Don’t you love me anymore? I told you–I

won’t marry Jarrett! I won’t spend the rest of my life with a cripple! How can you ask me to live the rest of my life like that?”

In that instant, the last flicker of brotherly affection Daren had managed to hold onto was snuffed out completely. A weary sigh escaped his lips.

“Ophelia, if you still want to keep your place in the Johnson family–if you want to continue living in comfort, draped in luxury- then you will marry into the Higgins family without another word. Our future is tied to Jarrett now. If he rises, so do we. If he falls, we fall with him. And as for those childish fantasies…”

He paused, his voice cooling, gaze sharpening with warning. “You’d be wise to let them go. I’ve already finalized everything with Jarrett. The wedding is scheduled for the 25th. You’ll stay home and prepare. That’s final.”

Ophelia’s face crumpled, a raw cry tearing from her throat. “No! I won’t! I’d rather die than marry that cripple!”

She jabbed a trembling finger at Daren, fury spilling from her lips. “If you’re so eager to please Jarrett, then why don’t you marry him yourself?”

Daren’s expression hardened, color draining from his face. She had gone too far.

There was no reasoning with her anymore–only damage control. Without a word, he turned to the butler, his voice clipped and cold. “Restrain her. From this moment on, she doesn’t leave this room unless I say so.”

The butler flinched but obeyed without hesitation. “Yes, sir.”

Ophelia froze, unable to believe what she was hearing. Then fury erupted–she stomped her foot, tears streaming down her face in helpless frustration. “Let me go! You can’t do this! Daren! How could you? I’m your sister!”

But Daren didn’t stop. He didn’t even glance back.

She had crossed every line imaginable. At this point, she was a liability–one he couldn’t afford. She had to be kept confined, watched closely, with no opportunity to see Nathan or derail the wedding plans.

The door slammed shut behind him and locked with a heavy, final click.

Two servants held Ophelia firmly as she kicked and twisted, her voice reduced to ragged sobs and furious curses.

Her chest heaved with rage, and bitterness scorched every breath. Why should she be forced to marry a cripple? Jarrett, with his cold eyes and lifeless legs, could never compare to Nathan–her Nathan–charming, vibrant, everything Jarrett wasn’t. No one could make her go through with this. She would never marry Jarrett no matter what the cost.