chapter 77

Kathleen understood that Wynnie was coming from a place of concern.

“Thanks for your understanding, Mom. I’ll think about it.”

Wynnie responded with a solemn nod. “Remember that no matter what decision you make, my husband and I will always be on your side.”

“Of course.”

“Why not show me around since it’s my first time here?” Wynnie grinned.

“I’ve just moved in today and barely know my way around.” Kathleen blushed.

“All the better! Let’s explore together,” replied Wynnie as she took hold of Kathleen’s hand.

Oh dear, her palms are freezing even with the heater on. I shouldn’t have let that she-devil Nicolette off so easily!

They began their tour of the mansion and finished by the time the sun started to set.

“Why not join us for dinner, Mom?” Kathleen invited.

“It’s all right, dear. I’ve already taken too much of your time.”

She did not savor being the third wheel in their relationship. It was best to leave them both to sort things out together.

Wynnie chose to take her leave promptly.

Kathleen ushered Wynnie to her car.

“Are you aware that Samuel intends to have the wedding ceremony as soon as possible?” Wynnie queried while getting into her car.

Kathleen inclined her head. “Well, it’s not as if there’s anything I can do about it.”

Wynnie heaved a sigh.

Samuel was still oblivious to the most pertinent part of getting back into Kathleen’s good graces.

It was just like him to be irretrievably set in his own ways.

After all, bad habits die hard. It would have been unrealistic to expect such a drastic turnaround from Samuel in such a short time.

“Fret not as I’ll be helping out with the wedding preparations as well. Samuel will have his share of work to do, but promise me you’d tell him off if you’re not happy with his choices? Don’t keep it all to yourself.”

“Sure, Mom. I’ll bear that in mind.”

“You best head in now that the weather has dipped. I shiver to think of what Samuel would do to me if you caught a cold,” Wynnie jested.

Kathleen’s face heated up with embarrassment as she stared after Wynnie’s car as she drove off.

Kathleen had just returned to the warmth of her home when Samuel arrived.

Kathleen stood and walked toward the entrance where Samuel was standing, his body emanating the residual cool of the outdoors. “Did you take your afternoon nap?”

Kathleen dipped her head in mute assent.

Samuel handed his coat to Sebastian and proceeded to drape his arm around Kathleen’s shoulder.

“Let’s eat. We’ll discuss our wedding after dinner.”

Kathleen felt weighed down with resignation.

Is there really any point in a discussion? Why not decide everything yourself and get things over with?

If only she had the courage to voice her thoughts out loud.

After their meal, Samuel led Kathleen to the study to begin their discussion.

Kathleen was at a loss.

She used to imagine what her wedding would be like back in the day.

Now, however, it seemed as if she were merely a shell of her former self.

All her hopes and wishes of a dream wedding felt like they had been dashed upon a cliff.

“Just do whatever you see fit.” These words tumbled out coldly as Kathleen stood and excused herself.

Samuel’s brows knitted. What now? Isn’t this what she wants, getting a say?

Just then, the shrill ringing of his phone broke the burgeoning silence.

It was Wynnie.

“What is it, Mom?” Samuel gruffed as he massaged his temples.

“I can’t believe you still plan on going ahead with the wedding.” Wynnie clucked as she beheld the wedding invitation in her hand. “You couldn’t even deign to consult your own mother before setting the date for such an important occasion! All the notice I got was a single wedding invitation and nothing else.”

“Would you have preferred that I sent you another one?”

Wynnie’s patience was wearing thin.

I can’t believe this rascal is actually my son.

“Have you conferred with Kathleen about this?”

“Yes, but she didn’t seem keen about it.” Samuel frowned.

“How could you be so clueless, boy?” Wynnie cried.

“Excuse me?”

“What Kathleen needs from you right now is respect, not self-centeredness!”

Samuel scoffed, “We would have been divorced by now if I had gone along with her.”

Wynnie launched into a tirade. “Good for her! Now that the child, bless their soul, is gone, I would have filed for a divorce too if I were in her shoes. Besides, what redeeming qualities do you have other than good looks and wealth?”

Samuel was tongue-tied.

“I didn’t call solely to lecture you. I was hoping that you’d address the elephant in the room and straighten the issues between you and Kathleen.”

“Regardless of that, divorce will never be an option. I won’t allow her to leave me.”

Wynnie shook her head in disappointment.

“Rest early, Mom. Your wrinkles are starting to show,” Samuel muttered curtly as he hung up.

Wynnie was positively fuming by then.

How dare this insolent brat try that tone of voice with me. Hasn’t he an ounce of respect for his parents?

Calvin sensed his wife’s growing displeasure and hurried over to placate her. “Whatever’s the matter?”

“This is all your fault for giving me such an incorrigible son!”

Calvin was taken aback by Winnie’s outburst. “Calm down, Darling. I’ll take the blame. It must have been some genetic mutation on my side to have birthed such an unfilial child.”

Hmph!

Wynnie continued to brood.

“Would you mind explaining the reason why?” Calvin ventured cautiously.

Kathleen gestured toward the wedding invitation. “Samuel got into his thick skull the idea of making it up to Kathleen by wedding her.”

“He can’t be serious in thinking that’s all it’s going to take to win her back.”

“See, that’s what everyone thinks as well,” mulled Winnie in dismay.

“However, I suppose we can’t blame Samuel for behaving as such. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, with every door open to his whim and fancy. Never has a day gone by where the needs and wants of another person had to be considered,” said Calvin.

“Still… That doesn’t mean he can simply disregard Kate in this matter. Her consent matters!”

Wynnie followed up urgently.

“Samuel’s methods may be uncouth, but deep down, all he wants is for Kate to give him another chance. He knows that she’s slipping through his fingers and is desperate to hold on to her. At least he’s aware of his feelings now, don’t you agree?”

That seemed to appease Wynnie.

“We promised never to interfere with their marital affairs unless they approached us for help.” Calvin gently held on to Wynnie’s hand. “Let’s have a little more faith in them.”

“Goodness gracious, Calvin! I can’t believe you have misread me all this while.”

“I understand that you worry Samuel will foil his chance at redemption. Kathleen’s a wonderful girl, and her intentions toward Samuel are pure, unlike that calculating Nicolette. Samuel is more than blessed to have her.”

“If only Samuel had your acumen! That would have saved him a great deal of trouble.”

Calvin chuckled. “I’ve lived twice as long and have learned more than my share of lessons, Darling.”

Wynnie remained silent.

“Give him time. Now that he’s sure of his feelings, there’s hope yet for Calvin to earn Kathleen’s forgiveness. As parents, all there’s left for us to do now is provide the moral support he so desperately needs from us, okay?”

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