Chapter 12 A Scandalous Son–in–Law, Secrets Unveiled
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Sam felt relieved. Since Ethan hadn’t shown any intention of breaking things off with Rose, Sam’s opinion of his brilliant son–in–law improved. He graciously invited Ethan over.
“Ethan, tomorrow is the weekend. Why don’t you come over to my place? I’ve invited a few friends and family for a gathering. Sam said with a smile..
Ethan hesitated, unsure how to respond. He couldn’t outright decline, but agreeing didn’t feel appropriate either. He quickly diverted the conversation. “Mr. Sam, I’ve got a lot going on right now, I won’t be able to make it tomorrow.”
Sam, ever considerate, smiled understandingly. “That’s fine. You’ve just returned and need to focus on preparing for your internship. Just make sure to visit when you have some free time. Linda will whip up something delicious for you.”
“Okay,” Ethan replied softly.
That evening. Rose’s neighbors, Aaron and his wife, visited with great excitement to extend an invitation for her family to attend a gathering at their house the next day.
Grace, clearly proud, said, “Vivian’s boyfriend is coming over for the first time. He’s a PhD, which makes him an excellent match for Vivian, who only has an associate’s degree. We can’t afford to let things go wrong. Linda, you’ll help me organize tomorrow, right? Let’s make the dinner cheerful and welcoming.”
Linda replied warmly, “Don’t undervalue yourselves. Vivian may not have a high degree, but you and Aaron both have solid jobs–he’s a hospital department head, and you’re a teacher. Your family has a strong foundation.”
Rose, sitting quietly on the couch, looked pale and drained.
would spread like
A grand dinner at the Browns home? If Ethan showed up as their future son–in–law, the news of their breakup w wildfire, and Sam might cause a scene.
If he went as the Marshall family’s future son–in–law, how could he face the Browns afterward? How was Ethan planning to handle this? Was he really so eager to announce his relationship with Vivian publicly?
So this is what true love looks like, Rose thought bitterly.
Rose spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to find peace. Holding onto a faint glimmer of hope, she told herself. Mom regarded Ethan as if he were her own son. Surely, he wouldn’t be so heartless as to neglect her condition.
Perhaps Ethan would come up with an excuse to decline the Browns huvitation at the last minute. At least, that’s what Rose told herself as she anxiously waited for morning.
After breakfast, Ethan showed up at the Brown family’s home right on schedule.
Coincidentally, Sam and Linda were just leaving. When they saw Ethan, they were thrilled and greeted him eagerly.
“Ethan, you’re here! Come inside!“
Ethan hesitated, his expression awkward. “Mr. Sum, Madam Linda, I’m sorry, but I’m actually here for the Brown family’s gathering
Linda’s tone turned sharp. “What do you mean? You’re supposed to be the Marshall family’s son–in–law. Attending the Brown family’s event–how does that make sense?
Vivian appeared at that moment, her pregnant belly visible as she casually linked arms with Ethan. “Mr. Sam, Madam Linda, Ethan is my boyfriend now. He and Rose broke up a long time ago.”
Landa staggered, her body trembling. “What? Ethan, you broke up with Rose?”
Ethan turned to Rose, silently pleading for her to help resolve the situation.
But Rose
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Chapter 12 A Scandalous Son–in–Law, Secrets Unveiled
She remained seated on the couch, her mind blank, unable to process what was happening
Vivian was the only one who kept her composure and spoke confidently, “Sam, Linda, please don’t hold Ethan responsible. His feelings for Rose had faded, and they parted ways on good terms. During that time, Ethan wasn’t in a good place, and I stayed by his side, offering him comfort and helping him move past the breakup. Naturally, our relationship developed from there. I hope you can understand and give us your blessing.”
Sam and Linda were in complete shock.
Sam turned to Rose for confirmation. “Rose, is what Vivian said true? Did you two break up?”
Rose stood up slowly, her gaze piercing as she looked at Ethan and Vivian.
How dare they twist the truth like this? Do they think I won’t fight back because of her mom’s heart condition? Did they think I’d just mallow my anger to avoid making a scene?
She stepped forward and said, “Mom, Dad, it’s true. We broke up.”
Linda, unable to process this, asked, “Why? Weren’t you always looking forward to marrying him?”
Rose turned to Ethan, her voice cold. “Why don’t you explain why we broke up?”
Ethan’s face turned pale as he stammered for words.
Sam, finally losing his temper, swung his fist and hit Ethan squarely in the face, causing his nose to bleed. “You ungrateful brat! Rose gave you her whole heart, and you repaid her by getting involved with her best friend? You’re no better than a shameless betrayer!
With his strong frame, Sam delivered a powerful punch to Ethan’s face. Blood immediately streamed from Ethan’s nose.
Vivian jumped in front of Ethan and pushed her belly forward. “Sam, if you’re going to hit someone, hit me!”
Sam clenched his fists but stepped back, his voice trembling with rage. “Vivian, I don’t hit pregnant women.”
Watching the turmoil unfold, Rose couldn’t hold back her tears of remorse.
“Dad, let it go. I’m the one who decided he wasn’t worth keeping,” she said softly,
Sam turned to her, confused. “Rose, you loved him for ten years. How could you just give up on him like that?”
Rose gave a bitter smile. “Dad, I was young and foolish back then. Now, I see him for what he really is a useless freeloader.”
Ethan’s face turned red with embarrassment and anger.
Grace, however, wasn’t pleased. In her eyes, Ethan was good–looking, a PhD graduate from a prestigious university, and a son–in–law who would bring pride to the Brown family.
To Grace, Rose’s scornful comments about Ethan were nothing short of an insult to the Brown family’s image.
Grace, feeling insulted, said, “Rose, since you and Ethan parted on good terms, it shows you weren’t meant to be together. People reveal their true nature after a breakup. Ethan hasn’t said anything bad about you, but you’ve insulted him by calling him a freeloader. It’s no surprise Ethan left you–what man would tolerate such a label?”
Vivian smirked triumphantly.
Rose looked at them calmly. “If you think so highly of him, then keep him. You two are a perfect match.”
Vivian and Ethan, fully aware of their wrongdoing, didn’t have the courage to anger Rose further. They could only endure her words without protest.
Linda, who knew her daughter well, had figured out most of what was going on. She felt heartbroken for Rose and was enraged by Ethan and Vivian’s shameless behavior, Overwhelmed with anger and grief, her vision blurred, and she fainted on the spot
Mom! Rose cried, rushing to help her.
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Sam called for an ambulance immediately.
With Linda’s condition taking priority, the Marshall family let go of their grievances with Ethan.
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As the ambulance drove away, Rose glanced at the Brown family’s tightly shut doors. Inside, the sound of laughter and celebration echoed, piercing her heart.
For the first time, she felt a flicker of hatred towards Ethan.
