Imogen had long known Francis for his cold-hearted nature, but she never expected him to be so brutally indifferent, making her feel as though her very existence meant nothing. to him it was all about the baby she was carrying.
âHave you become so single-minded that nothing matters to you now but your son? How can you be so selfish? Did you ever consider how Regina would feel before charging over to Mr. Harrisâs place without a second thought? They were friends. Now how can she ever look Nolan in the eye again after you made such a scene?â
Her words had a ring of truth, and Francis fell silent for a moment before responding, âEverything I do is for the sake of our family. Reginaâs getting on in years; I trust sheâll understand my decisions. Even if itâs not for her own sake, she must think about her reputation and good name.
After this fiasco, even with the Tanner familyâs wealth and influence, we canât shut everyone up.
Once word gets out, who would she marry? Her options will be severely limited, and as her father, of course I need to think ahead for her. Not to mention, the child youâre carrying will one day inherit our family estate. This is our child, Imogen. Before you berate me, remember that Madeline isnât your only concern.â
The look in Francisâ eyes made Imogen flinch, realizing her lapse in judgment.
Madeline had been at their house, weeping and pleading, insisting on marrying Nolan. But she seemed to forget that Nolan was out of her league. And as for her last name âTannerâ, it was also forcefully changed.
With Francisâ reminder, Imogen realized that her baby would inherit all the Tanner fortune. Thus, she calmed down considerably, though her eyes still held a trace of unresolved worry.
âYou know how headstrong Madeline is. Sheâs so young, and itâs her first crush. Now, youâve practically tied Mr. Harris to Regina with a bow, and itâs bound to hurt Madeline deeply.â
Imogen settled herself next to Francis, who wrapped his arm around her comfortably.
âYouâre aware that sheâs just experiencing her first infatuation; crushes at her age hardly ever last.
Besides, sheâs still a child. She canât possibly be more stubborn than her own mother, can she? In the end, this house and everything in it will belong to us and our son. We must plan for his future.â
As he spoke, he gently touched Imogenâs belly, and she playfully swatted his hand away. âWhat can you possibly feel now? Itâs too early for that.â She quipped.
Feigning shock, he replied, âWhat do you mean too early? I have a special connection with my son. I swear as soon as I touch here, I can feel his presence.â
The couple shared a light-hearted banter, and the earlier tension seemingly dissolved. However, as Imogen returned to her room, she was startled by the sight of a tearful Madeline.
âMadeline, whatâs wrong? You scared me half to death! Donât you know Iâm still carrying your brother?
What if you gave me such a fright that something happened?â
Imogen clutched her belly in a display of maternal concern, to which Madeline replied with a bitter tone, âHeâs your child and I am too. I heard everything you said. Have you ever really listened to me? Iâve told you over and over how much I like Nolan, that I want to marry him, but youâve never fought for me!
Francis had to say just a few words and you immediately sided with the baby in your belly. Arenât I your child too?â
Imogen glanced around in panic, relieved to find the door securely shut and no sound of footsteps from downstairs. She relaxed a bit before scolding Madeline.
âHow can you speak like that? Youâve always called him âDad.â Why are you suddenly using his first name as if itâs yours to use? Whatâs gotten into you?â