Chapter 136

In the beginning, when Monica married into the family, she acted as if she was in a perpetual state of displeasure, hardly the demeanor of someone who wanted to settle into a blissful life.

Ben had treated Monica like she was invisible back then, with almost no interaction between them.

In reality, the marriage was virtually non–existent.

But then Susan arrived, and it was apparent that Ben’s mood had significantly lifted.

The fierceness that once lingered in his eyes had lessened considerably, and smiles even began to grace his lips occasionally. He even willingly had the scar removed that he had borne for 20 years.

It could be said that it was only after Susan entered his life that he genuinely began to live.

Though Monica was someone Charlie had watched grow up, holding a certain affection for her, how could she compare with Ben?

Charlie would never want to see Ben return to the state he was in before meeting Susan.

“Charlie,” Mr. Lynn chimed in, slightly embarrassed, “Monica just got back and is perhaps not quite herself. Please don’t hold it against her.”

Charlie simply smiled and gestured for Susan to come over. “Susan, come here.”

Susan then walked over obediently.

Charlie gently held Susan’s hand, introducing her casually. “Let me introduce you all. This is Susan, Ben’s wife. The kids, Susan and Ben, got together out of mutual affection. I am more than happy to see their relationship flourish. Besides, this means I might be holding a great–grandchild sooner rather than later, right?”

Knowing that Charlie was offering her his support, Susan couldn’t help but smile gently.

Monica wiped away her tears, her voice tinged with sobs. “Grandfather, if I hadn’t been recuperating for a year, you might already have a great–grandchild by now.”

Charlie’s face darkened considerably at her words.

“Monica, stop talking nonsense!” Mr. Lynn warned, noticing the growing tension.

“But I didn’t say anything wrong,” Monica retorted, looking somewhat wronged.

Ben’s brows furrowed. He couldn’t hold back and was about to say something when Susant said softly and gently, “Ms. Lynn.”

“What is it?” Monica replied, still maintaining her tear–streaked face.

Susan spoke with a soft gentleness. “From what you’re saying, it seems you and Ben must’ve had a great relationship.”

Maintaining her woeful expression, Monica responded, “We grew up together. What do you think, Ms. Miller?”

Ben instantly became apprehensive, eager to clarify something immediately.

Susan wasn’t in the slightest bit rushed as she continued to ask warmly, “So, you must know him quite well then?”

Monica’s heart skipped a beat.

She and Ben had indeed grown up together, that was true.

But to say she knew him well…

Well, she really didn’t know him that much.

But could she admit defeat at this moment?

No, she couldn’t.

Monica stiffened her neck and said, “Of course I do.”

“Oh, then you must certainly know about Ben’s love for spicy food?” Susan asked with a face feigning surprise.

Monica hastily responded, “Of course I know that.”

At the corner of Ben’s lips, a faint smile began to emerge. Suddenly, he wasn’t in a hurry at all and even felt a hint of amusement bubbling within him.

Susan continued, “Then, do you know about his habit of lazing around in bed in the D 14% 09:52 morning?”

Monica replied quickly, “We were married, how could I not know that?”

“Oh, and his strong dislike for tea, you must be well aware of that too?” Susan inquired further.

Monica nodded swiftly. “Naturally.”

Susan nodded with an even warmer smile, and said, “Truly childhood sweethearts.”

She said nothing more, simply returning to sit calmly beside Ben.

Monica felt confused, sensing that something was off, but with her level of intellect, she couldn’t quite figure it out in the moment.

It was Charlie who spoke up nonchalantly. “Monica, it seems like you don’t quite understand Ben. He has never liked spicy food, and he has always been accustomed to waking up early. As for tea, he has been drinking quite a bit since he was a child, accompanying me.”

Monica was speechless.

Her face involuntarily turned ashen.

So Susan was tricking her!

This woman was really too cunning!

Monica couldn’t help but glare at Susan with a trace of anger. “Did you do that on purpose?”

Susan chuckled lightly. “No, I was just asking casually. I didn’t expect Ms. Lynn to know Ben so well.”

Susan wore a warm smile, yet her words were laced with a subtle disregard for Monica’s dignity.

Tears welled up instantly in Monica’s eyes. She couldn’t help but look at Ben with an aggrieved expression. “I didn’t expect your current wife to be so eloquent!” she exclaimed.

Ben chuckled, a hint of pride in his demeanor. “Thank you for the compliment.”

Monica was speechless again.

Was this a compliment?

Was it?

Was it?

Monica looked at Susan, then at Ben, and finally at Charlie.

She suddenly realized that since the moment she left, there was no place for her in the Landor family anymore.

“Monica,” Mr. Lynn couldn’t bear to see her discomfort and suggested, “perhaps it’s time for us to leave for today?”

Monica wiped her tears but remained seated, not budging an inch.

The current scenario at the Landors‘ didn’t signify a permanent state.

From the first moment she truly saw Ben, she fell deeply in love with him.

Wasn’t there a saying, “Chasing a man is only a veil away“? She and Ben shared years of connection.

Monica believed that nothing in this world was too difficult if one was determined.

As long as she persevered, she could reclaim everything that belonged to her.

Besides, she didn’t come today just to engage in a war of words.

She came prepared!

From what she understood, Susan came from a humble background. Despite appearing refined and graceful, she lacked the depth and upbringing of a family with a profound. heritage, something Monica possessed.

Monica was never academically inclined, barely scraping by in her studies.

However, she dedicated herself to becoming a perfect wife, learning various skills.

For instance, in a world where families cherished traditions, Monica was taught embroidery by a master artisan.

She was adept at it, along with other life–enhancing skills like flower arranging and coffee artistry.

Could Susan match this?

Did her family have the resources to nurture these skills?

Monica was resolute. Today, she would make Susan feel inferior and gain the admiration of Charlie and Ben.

With this intent, even amidst mounting embarrassment, she stayed put.

She said with a shallow smile, “Actually, I brought gifts for everyone on this visit.”

She produced a delicate box.

Neatly placed inside were two handkerchiefs, one embroidered with a green pine and the other with a coiled dragon.

Speaking softly, she said, “While I was recovering, I had nothing else to do. At that time, I wasn’t aware that I had been presumed dead, nor did I know that Ben had remarried. These two handkerchiefs…

were embroidered stitch by stitch with all my longing and affection. However, Ms. Miller, I wasn’t aware of your existence then, so I didn’t prepare a gift for you. You won’t mind, right?”