Chapter 4
Ten years ago, while Caleb Wilson had been traveling with his mistress and illegitimate son, he happened to stumble upon a group of professors- people considered crucial to national development–being threatened by a spy.
As a former soldier, Caleb had stepped up. With explosives strapped all over the spy’s body, he had made a choice between the professors and his mistress with their child.
He had picked up the spy and run straight toward his mistress and son. The blast had torn all of them to pieces.
After the incident, Caleb had been honored as a national hero. Ellen had become the grieving widow of that so–called hero. The title became an invisible shackle that kept her trapped.
From that moment on, Ellen wasn’t allowed to smile in public, wear bright colors, buy anything luxurious, eat well, travel for fun, go out with friends, or start a new relationship.
If she did, people would tear her apart, calling her heartless and shameless. No matter how many years had passed since Caleb’s death, the moment she stepped out of line, they’d accuse her of living it up while her husband lay in a grave.
For the sake of the family’s interests, the Wilsons kept Ellen in check and covered up the fact that Caleb had a mistress and an illegitimate.
As long as Ellen stayed trapped in grief, public sympathy kept pouring in, supporting the Wilson family’s business in return.
After Caleb’s death, the Wilson family’s business only grew stronger. Ellen was the only one who paid the price.
Strangely enough, Caleb had a son and a father. Not long after his death, they were already showing up at high–end venues dressed to the nines, chatting and laughing with people like nothing had happened.
And yet, no one criticized them. People even said Caleb would’ve been happy to see them picking themselves up and carrying on.
But Ellen wasn’t allowed to move on. She had to stay trapped in grief, mourning for Caleb for the rest of her life. Otherwise, people would tear her apart, and the Wilson family’s business would take a hit.
Eventually, Ellen barely left the house. She could count on one hand the number of times she left the house in a year. Her temper got worse and worse. Naturally, she was full of resentment, and the Wilsons had no choice but to take it.
Once the dishes were set, the family sat down for dinner.
Toward the end of the meal, Morgan suddenly asked, “Ollie, you and Dylie have been married for three years and still don’t have a child. Is it that you don’t want one, or is something wrong with Dylie?”
Morgan had mentioned having kids to Dylan before, but never to Olivia. Now that they were both here, he decided to ask directly.
Olivia hadn’t expected such a blunt question from him and nearly choked, coughing hard.
Morgan continued, “If Dylje has a problem, he should go to the hospital sooner rather than later. I want to see you two have a child before I die.”
Olivia quickly said, “Morgan, please don’t say that. You’ll live a long and healthy life.”
Morgan shook his head. “Save the pleasantries. Just tell me the truth. Before I die, will I see a child from you and Dylan?”
Ellen let out a cold snort. “Why are you asking Olivia? You should be asking your dear grandson.
“His wife hasn’t gotten pregnant all this time, maybe because he’s already got a few illegitimate kids out there, just like your dead son, hiding surprises for you on the side.”
Dylan’s face darkened instantly. “Mom, don’t talk nonsense in front of Grandpa.”
Ellen smirked, “You know damn well whether I’m talking nonsense or not.”
Morgan slammed his utensils on the table. “Dylie, have you been cheating on Olivia?”
Dylan lowered his eyes. He didn’t want to admit it, but he didn’t want to lie either, so he nudged Olivia under the table with his foot.
Olivia set down her utensils. “Morgan, don’t overthink it. Dylan and I will definitely have a child.
“We didn’t try before because we were worried we wouldn’t have the energy to take care of you if we had one, so we’ve been using protection. Now
you want a great–grandchild, we’ll try.”
that
Morgan’s eyes lit up, and he patted Olivia’s hand in relief. “Olivia, don’t blame me for pushing you. I’m doing this for your own good.”
Olivia nodded gently. “I understand, Morgan.”
11/2
After dinner, Olivia and Dylan took a walk around the manor, pretending to be close for Morgan’s sake.
After a while, Chloe called Dylan.
Whatever Chloe said on the other end, Dylan softened his tone and coaxed, “Don’t worry. I’m not gonna sleep with Olivia. I promised I’d stay faithful to you,
and I will.
“Grandpa might be pressuring me and Olivia to have a baby, but it’s just talk. Don’t overthink it. He won’t try to drug me or anything. Okay, stop crying. As soon as I leave Wilson Manor on Sunday afternoon, I’ll come straight to you.”
Hearing that. Olivia felt a pang in her chest and was about to walk ahead.
Just then, Ellen suddenly stepped out, storming up to Dylan with a stone–cold face. Before he could react, she snatched the phone out of his hand.
Whether by accident or on purpose, the call was put on speaker. Chloe’s pitiful, delicate voice came through the phone. She cried, “Baby, I miss you so much. It’s been three months since we last saw each other.
“I finally wrapped up a shoot and have time to rest, but I still can’t see you right away. I miss your arms so much I won’t be able to sleep tonight.” Ellen sneered, “It’s not even dark out and you’re already this horny? What a filthy little tramp. What’s wrong, got an itch down there? If your coochie’s acting up, go smack it with a shoe or something.
Don’t bring your nasty heat over here. Is Dylan your husband? Who the hell are you calling ‘baby‘ like that?”
Chloe didn’t quite catch the first part, but the next few words made it very clear Ellen was cursing at her–and it was nasty.
She felt both furious and wronged. “Mrs. Wilson, we’re both women. How can you use such disgusting words to insult me? Why do you have to tear me down like this?”
Ellen scoffed, “I speak differently depending on who I’m dealing with–civility for decent people, shade for snakes, and straight–up filth for trash like you. If you’ve got no shame doing what you do, don’t act all shocked when someone calls
Chloe was so angry she could barely breathe. She burst into tears and hung up the phone.
you out.”
Dylan snatched the phone back, his face grim. “Mom, why are you yelling at Chloe? She’s sensitive. She’s not like Olivia, who’s thick–skinned enough to take whatever you throw at her without reacting. What if Chloe takes it to heart-”
Ellen said with biting sarcasm, “She’s that sensitive but still managed to be a side chick?”
Dylan was a bit irritated. “Chloe’s not a side chick.”
Ellen shot back, “If she’s not, then who is? Are you saying your lawfully wedded wife, Olivia, is the other woman?”
Dylan frowned. “Chloe’s the one I’ve always wanted to marry. I only married Olivia because of pressure from Grandpa. I told you this when you first found out I was seeing Chloe, so why are you still calling her a side chick?”
Ellen snorted, “It doesn’t matter why you married Olivia. She’s your wife. Anyone else messing around with you is a homewrecker. Don’t give me that ‘pressure from Grandpa‘ crap. You made a choice, so deal with the consequences yourself.
“This is the real world. You can’t have everything you want. You win some, you lose some. If you didn’t want Olivia, you should’ve stood your ground and let your grandpa deal with it,
“But if you chose her, then you should’ve let go of the other woman and been a decent husband to Olivia. Don’t be such a pathetic jerk, trying to have it both ways.”
2/2
