âSheâs shown no kindness, so why should I show any loyalty? I trusted her before because we had spent some time together, but my doubts now stem from the fact that there are details I shared only with her. Mom, please take good care of Grandma and Grandpa. No need to worry about the rest.â
Listening to her sonâs cold voice, Aline knew that whatever bond they might have. irreparably severed, like a budding plant cruelly snipped in its infancy.
The family had often wondered what kind of person Nolan would end up with, but they never imagined his first marriage would be such a hasty affair.
With a heavy sigh, Aline tried to console herself with the thought that children have their own destiny, and that as much as elders worry, they canât live their lives for them.
Not to mention that Nolan was an adult. And as an adult, he knew how to choose his battles and understood the consequences of his actions all too well.
Still, having such an in-law was something she truly disliked.
Upon returning home, she relayed Nolanâs decision to the family.
âAlright then, if Nolan has made up his mind, weâll support him. Weâll just have to hope that young lady doesnât end up regretting it.â
When Francis received Nolanâs message, he couldnât help but laugh out loud in the middle of a meeting, leaving his colleagues baffled until his secretary reminded him of his. surroundings.
âAh, itâs just that my eldest daughterâs wedding arrangements have been settled, and I g carried away. I hope my colleagues will forgive my lapse.â
After such an explanation, congratulations were in order.
âCongratulations! May I ask which fortunate family Regina is marrying into?â
Francis gave a mysterious look, âWhen the big day comes, youâll all be in the know. For now, itâs not suitable to disclose.â
The colleagues smiled and muddled it through, though internally scoffed at the theatrics over a mere wedding.
What Francis hadnât expected was that before Regina could react to the news, Imogen was the one to throw a fit at home.
âFrancis, what do you mean? Iâve told you that young people these days value free love. Why are you so insistent on matching Nolan with Regina?â
Imogen, hiding her own ulterior motives, could only use this excuse to berate him. But Francis was well aware of her and her daughterâs desires; Madelineâs infatuation with Nolan was as clear as day. Did she really think he was blind to it? Yet, she didnât seem to understand her place and even dreamed about overreaching.
âYouâre carrying a child right now, so I wonât stoop to arguing with you. This is the Tanner household, and Iâm the head of it. Youâd best weigh your words and keep them to yourself.â
Francis didnât even bother making a move. He was merely gesturing with a hand towards. Imogen. The child she was carrying was his son, and that was of the utmost importance to him. He didnât want to squabble with her at such a critical time.
A woman with child could be forgiven for her temperament, he thought, as long as she delivered a healthy son. For now, that was enough to overlook her outbursts.