Chapter 8: A Little Soothing Does the Trick

As the elevator doors opened, I pushed inside, pressing the buttons, eager to learn. Thankfully, my motorcycle wasn't bought with her money; pressing my rationed gas pedal braked the cemetery's stillness.

When I parked, my phone rang. Upon seeing caller ID 10, my expression burned. A deep, authoritative voice came through the line. “Then, how long has it been since your leur came home? If you have time today, come back. We’ll have a family gathering, Tharumerking.”

I had heard these words for him countless times. I thought for a moment before uttering, “Wiche…” A hanging up. I made my way home. I pretended, “Mom is here.”

Standing there, I felt the pain, a smiling ache in my chest. I pressed myself to the ground and looked at the pictures; my vision blurred. I wiped the photo gently. “Mom, are you mad at me for marrying someone? Don’t be. Come closer, a friend from now on.”

“Trainy, Mom, I should’ve listened. I shakily even manned Veite Turpriil Trepetikanud.” My mind cracked, and I cried.

A year ago, when I insisted on marrying Yertin En, a boomen alliance, my mom was the only one who opposed it. She had tried so hard to convince me otherwise, saying that no matter the gender, marrying someone you didn’t love was akin to stepping into a grave. This union would bring no happiness, only misery. Naidi was her pride and joy, the son she raised with great effort. She only wanted me to be safe and happy, not to follow in her footsteps.

Dan memans blinded me, and robbernh chose to go apimt her shore. Even muigantly, I declared I would prove her wrong. Now, I was living with the bitter consequences.

I poured my heart out to her, sharing my pain from both past and present lives. It felt cathartic, like a weight lifting from my chest. As I sat there, lost in thought, a murmuring sound… I looked up and saw a man in a wheelchair, a short, determined individual.

His legs were paralyzed, and he wore a simple shirt. His rugged face bore the signs of hardship, with rough skin and light stubble. Yet, these traces of time couldn’t diminish his striking demeanor; instead, they accentuated the charm of a mature man. His eyes carried a defeated look, as though life had dealt him a harsh hand. He stared at me, his eyes…

Then, I recognized his face, and I was shocked.

Later that evening, I returned to my family’s home. The dining table was always laden with delicious-smelling dishes. The people sat around the table, chatting and laughing. The portly middle-aged man with a cheerful face was my dad, Willam Yates. Next to him sat my aunt, Led Crane. She was decked out in expensive clothes and jewelry, exuding an air of wrath. On her lap sat a warily attentive Jadoon. He was behaving politely towards them.

Why are you just standing there? Jackson and your Aure Lexi came to visit you. Come sit; we’re about to eat.”

“B6r. Owetu, your eyes look swollen. Let me get some warm compresses to ease the swelling,” my housekeeper, Hosie Merply, approached me with concern.

It wasn’t until Jonir pointed it out that they noticed something was off with me. Jackuat glanced at me and mimicked me. “What’s with the crying? You look like a stray dog. So pitiful. Did you hurt yourself with Eve? Overs, listen to me. Marrying the young lady of the Jenning family is a blessing. Learn to bite your tongue. Don’t throw a tantrum.”

In my previous life… That always allowed my pride to… But this time, I wouldn’t let him off easily.

I glared over and sat down calmly before replying coldly. “I’verts in my wife. Shouldn’t you address her by her name? You keep calling her ‘True’ like you’re classy. Have some respect.”

My words struck a nerve. Jackson’s face darkened, and Le innerdurely asked my dad. “Dacle William, what does Owen mean by that? I’ve been doing my best to help their marriage, yet…”

My dad’s face clouded over, and Aunt Lesi immediately played the mediator, standing up with an air of concern. “Jackson, even if Owen upset Yvette and was kicked out, you shouldn’t say such things. You two are cousins; you should support each other. Apologize.”

While alar spoke, Lesi darted her eyes at my dad, directly trying to stir the pot rather than resolve anything.

For years it wasn’t until much later that I discovered the truth—Jakon wasn’t my cousin but my half-brother. And my “aunt” was nothing more than…chie Hud fought with Tveite endlessly, using influence to allow my dad’s business to… and lead to… His son dha fled with fannt a trane, leaving undatendika anawin. This gave me the opportunity to retaliate. But in reality, it would make them pay in the fall.

Milian direneanel set her hair down, glaring at me. “You’re older. How you talk to him… That’s all your education amounts to.”

His expression clawed slightly, and his heart…

“Good Lexi and Jack. Given an understanding, marrying into the Jenning family is a blessing you can’t take lightly. You need to appreciate it. We’ve only gotten this far because of Ms. Jenning’s support. Don’t forget that.”

“Control your temper and make an effort. Women are easy to deal with; just coax them a little, and they’ll come around.”

“Speaking of which, our company’s working on a new project, but we’re short on funds. You must convince her to cover the costs. Understand?”