Chapter 22
Marie’s heart dropped at the scene in front of her. She rushed over, pulling Lena out of Alan’s arms.
“What are you two doing?” Her voice was sharp, almost trembling with anger.
Alan glared at his mother, any trace of patience long gone. “Mom, this isn’t your business. Stay out of it.”
u’re going to
Marie smacked him hard on the back. “If I don’t butt in, you’re going to kill the mother of my grandson–my daughter–in–law!”
Alan’s jaw clenched. A bad feeling crawled up his spine. “What are you talking about?”
Marie carefully led Lena back to her room, then shot Alan a look filled with calculation.
Ever since the Clark family went bankrupt and Paul landed in prison, Marie had realized how empty her house had gotten. Sure, she had a grandson now, but it wasn’t enough. It was too quiet. She kept thinking about Lena–how years ago, Lena had agreed to give their family a child for a hundred thousand dollars.
Now, Marie was ready to dip into her secret savings again, hoping she could convince Lena to have another child for them. She’d thought about finding someone else, but their family’s reputation was in shambles. The rich didn’t want them, and the poor didn’t fit her standards. After weighing her options, Lena still seemed like her best choice.
Alan cut in before she could say more. “Mom, I’m not having another kid with her!”
He was about to tell his mother everything Lena had done over the years when, suddenly, Lena burst out of the room and threw herself at Marie’s leg. “Auntie, I’m willing!” Lena cried, clinging tightly.
“Lena!” Alan tried to yank her away, but Marie
Was faster, blocking him.
Marie snapped.
Jalan!” I
“Mom, do you even know what she’s do
“No, Auntie, I’m not dirty, I swear…” Len
wailed,
disgusting! There’s no way I’d ever touch
Still clutching Marie’s leg.
her again!”
While the two argued, Marie’s mind was racing, piecing together her own version of the truth. She slapped Alan, hard, across the face.
“You married that barren hen and I didn’t say a word, but now you want to hurt a woman who actually loves you? How can you be just like your father?”
After what Paul had done–cheating and getting locked up–Marie was determined not to let her son ruin things with a good woman, too.
Alan saw it was useless to argue. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
The two women glanced at each other. Lena quickly pinched her own thigh, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked pitifully at Marie. “Auntie, what should i do now?” she whispered.
Marie patted her on the shoulder, “Don’t worry, honey. I’ll handle it.”
Just as promised, Marie fell sick within three days.
When Alan heard how weak his mother sounded on the phone, he finally came back to the house. The second he walked in, something hard hit the back of his head. His vision went black and he hit the floor.
While he was out cold, someone forced his mouth open and poured water down his throat.
“No-“2
When Alan woke up, he was completely naked in bed. Next to him–also naked and covered with red marks-
It felt like he’d been struck by lightning. He froze, completely stunned.
Then Lena stirred, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw Alan awake, she smiled, sly and satisfied.
“Alan, we ended up in bed together again,” she said softly.”
-was Lena.
Those words flipped a switch inside him. Alan’s eyes narrowed, his hand flying to her throat, squeezing tight.
“Are you insane? You want to die?”
Lena clawed at his hands, gasping for air, but he didn’t let go. Her face paled, her body going limp.
“No please
Just as Alan was about to slam her against the wall, the door crashed open–Marie again.
In the chaos, Alan suddenly couldn’t breathe. His vision swam and everything faded to black as he collapsed backward.
