Chapter 78
Chapter 78
"Ah, Georgia, this is not what Hansen or I want. You should know that Hansen's grandmother is still alive and she is the only one who has the final say in family matters, especially in the Richards Manor. After all, the Richards Manor is left to her by the Old Master. We're helpless too!" Marissa explained desperately.
Georgia's face was getting darker, and Earl's gaze was sharp. He was used to seeing such a big commotion. Nevertheless, he always kept his composure.
"Hansen, I want to listen to your opinion on this matter. I want to hear what you have to say," he spoke softly, but he was staring at Hansen. If Hansen was not calm and courageous enough, he would not be able to speak his mind.
However, Hansen said calmly, "Uncle, you know that this is my second marriage, and I am also a descendant of the Richards family. I can only listen to my elders in some matters. I have already made it clear to Aria that day and asked her to think thoroughly. In the beginning, I didn't want to talk about this, but now that we've talked about it, I can honestly tell you that I can't disobey Grandma and I don't want to either. She is the one who has the final say in the Richards Manor. Since I am the descendant of the Richards family, I should respect the ancestors of the Richards family and I can't afford to be cursed for being ungrateful." He said politely and sincerely without any hesitation. His grandmother's birthday was in two days' time. He initially did not want to discuss anything about the marriage as he did not want his grandmother to be upset on her birthday. However, now, he could not do anything about it since they had already brought up the topic. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
Earl narrowed his eyes and nodded in agreement. He solemnly said, "I never thought Hansen would be so filial to his elders. I'm impressed. It's very rare for young people nowadays. However, have you ever thought about it? Last time, you also married Minister Murphy's daughter on your grandmother's order but your married life had been unhappy and that's what led to the current ending. Are you sure you want to go down that road again?"
Marissa heard this and thought of the past. Her face darkened and she couldn't help but chimed in,
"Mayor McAdams, this matter is quite simple actually. As you know Hansen's grandmother is old and Hansen is filial, we don't want to disobey her just yet, but we don't know what's going to happen in the future. Hansen is devoted and will only marry Aria. He will definitely treat her well in the future. You can rest assured about this. As long as I am here, I can guarantee it."
Everyone could understand the meaning behind Marissa's words. She meant that, once Hansen's grandmother passed away, she would be the eldest in the family. She would make sure that Aria gets the title she deserved. After all, when there is a will, there is a way.
"No, Mom, it is not as simple as you think. You have to take it seriously, or it will be unfair to Aria," Hansen didn't think so. He sat up straight and was very dissatisfied with Marissa's statement as he immediately corrected her seriously.
Earl was not stupid. Marissa's statement was just an empty promise. There were too many variables in this matter. Hansen's cautious attitude spoke for itself. He had been in politics for many years, he knew too well that many things change in an instant. How could he do such an impossible illusory thing with no guarantee? After all, it was his only daughter's big day they were talking about. Therefore, he could not afford to be sloppy.
He adjusted his glasses and his pupils constricted. He said calmly, "Since Grandma Richards' 90th birthday will celebrate her ninetieth birthday the day after tomorrow, we should come over to celebrate it. It's not easy to live until this age. Our family should come over and help celebrate Grandma Richards' birthday. Since Hansen is having a hard time, we can't force him. Let's talk about it later."
"But..." Georgia was about to speak when she saw
Earl standing up and saying, "Georgia, it's getting late. Let's not disturb them any longer. We'll head home first."
Aria was very unhappy. She did not expect that they could not come to a conclusion. She thought that with her father's help, they would be able to come up with something. She didn't expect that they would come up with nothing. She was disappointed and disheartened.
She didn't want to leave and wanted to stay with Hansen in the Richards Manor. However, Earl looked at her sternly, so she couldn't resist.
"Let's go," Earl's said seriously. There was a hint of unhappiness in his words. She couldn't go against his orders. He thought that if his daughter kept pestering a man, she would demean herself.
When Georgia saw Earl's attitude, she had to go forward and take Aria by the hand, pulling her away from Hansen.
"Hansen, do you think we were a little disrespectful to Mayor McAdams?" Marissa complained to Hansen with anxiety and worry after the McAdams family left.
The corners of Hansen's mouth twitched. He was in a state of indifference and did not take it seriously. Marriage was not child's play. He had learned that from his previous marriage. This time, he must point out the important matters and make a thorough understanding of the things that should be clarified, lest they all regret things later.
"Mom, marriage is a huge deal and no one can change what Grandma has decided. We have to make it clear first. It is not good for us to hide it," Hansen was very dissatisfied with Marissa, "Mom, I think I did the right thing and I think Mayor McAdams understands. Besides, these are my private affairs, so please don't get involved in the future."
After saying that, Hansen ignored Marissa and walked outside.
"Stop, stay right there! What are you talking about?" Marissa was embarrassed by Hansen's words. She shouted at Hansen, who was about to go out, "I'm doing this for your own good. The last time I listened to your grandmother, I allowed that b*tch to marry into our family and make a mess of our house. Why should we listen to her now? What era are we in now? She still has that old school mentality and wants to control your marriage, with no regard for your feelings. There is no such thing in the world. Do you think this is a feudal society? Let me tell you this, you are my son and I will not let history repeat itself again."
Hansen stood still. His eyes turned cold as he turned around and said to Marissa, "Mom, Grandma doesn't care about me. She allows me to make my own life choices, but Richards Manor belongs to Grandma. Grandpa left everything to Grandma and she has the right to decide, that's a fact that no one can change. She is the only elder in the Richards family. We can choose to leave, choose to live our own lives, and choose not to inherit the Richards Manor, but are you willing to forgo everything? Would Aria be willing to let go? Even if I never marry again in my life except for Aria, without Richard Manor, she would not be able to be recorded in the family tree; she will always be a concubine. Do you think she would be willing to marry me?"
The strange light in his eyes shone, and he said solemnly, "Mom, please stay out of my affairs from now on. You should just live your own life and take good care of Dad. Also, when Jenna lived in Richards Manor, ask yourself, we didn't treat her fairly either. We cannot blame her entirely, don't you think?"
After saying that, Hansen stepped out of the house and soon disappeared into the night.
Marissa's face suddenly turned pale. She stood rooted to the spot and couldn't speak. She watched as Hansen walked away and took a step back in shock.
Had her son, Hansen, changed? His behavior was getting weirder and weirder these days. Even she, as his mother, couldn't understand what he was thinking. Perhaps her son had sided with that
woman? She stood there bewildered.
Below Collier Manor.
As soon as Hansen parked the car, he eagerly headed upstairs. At the thought of a woman waiting for him in the once deserted house, the corner of his mouth raised slightly.
As he stood in front of the door and was about to open the door, he suddenly remembered something. After hesitating for a while, he put the key away and gently knocked on the door instead.
After the light but clear knocking on the door for a while, there was no response. It was eerily quiet! He frowned when no one answered the door. Suddenly, he felt dread in his heart and a sudden thought flashed across his mind. Did she not listen to his orders?
Or maybe she didn't come back at all and had already run away!
How dare she!
Thinking about it, Hansen's heart beat fast and he cursed with chagrin in his heart "B*tch, if you dare to disobey me, I'll punish you!" He quickly took out his key and unlocked the door.
The windows in the living room were all slightly ajar allowing the fresh air to circulate in the house. The thin window screens were green. The warm light softly shone on the crystal- shaped glass dining table in the dining room, creating a yellow halo. The house smelled fresh and clean. There was a bunch of fresh white lotus flowers, which was Hansen's favorite, placed in a porcelain vase on the coffee table, emitting a refreshing fragrance of flowers.
Hansen seemed to be in a dream. A warm and peaceful home was exactly what he had always been looking forward to and what his heart had longed for, for so many years. Finally, after so many years, he was able to experience this kind of feeling. Although it was below his expectations, he was still delighted.
The corners of his mouth rose slightly again.
Jenna had fallen asleep on the dinner table. She was still wearing the same yellow sweater that she wore yesterday. She huddled in front of the dining table, a lonely figure.
Hansen's back stiffened for a while, and he was a little stunned. Only then did he remember that he was the one who had asked her to prepare dinner and wait for him to come home. He totally forgot to inform her of the change of plans.
Has she eaten yet?
As he approached the table, he saw that there were four dishes and a bowl of soup, all of which were his favorites. However, they were all cold now! It seemed like no one had touched the food. Did this mean that she hasn't eaten yet?
He was slightly surprised. He quickly reached out and gently nudged her, "Jenna, wake up."
Jenna spent the whole night, crying. She was extremely exhausted. As soon as she got into the house, she was busy preparing dinner. She waited for Hansen to come back, and sat at the dining table to please him. She didn't know what it would take for him to leave her alone or if he would cure her mother's illness, but there was nothing she could do but wait.
Right now, she hated the person who caused the accident. All the misfortunes in her life were caused by this car accident. Her father's death, her mother's injury, and her kidney disease.
She didn't dare to think too much about it. She was afraid that she would collapse!
After waiting for a long time, Hansen didn't come back. He was probably with Aria or he had gone to a nightclub. She was a little happy. Would that mean that she wouldn't have to sleep with him?
He had labelled her as a sl*t. Did it mean that he would never touch her?
She consoled herself, but she didn't dare to go against his will. Her mother's illness depended on him, and she didn't dare to upset him. She just sat at the table waiting for him and unexpectedly fell asleep.
A warm big palm landed on her. Someone nudged her. She opened her sleepy eyes and saw Hansen's deep black pupils, and his handsome charming face. She was dumbfounded, and soon jumped up in fright.