Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Lennon let out a sigh and said, “Alicia is a good-hearted girl, but she’s far too impulsive. She focused on making a big splash without thinking about the fallout. Lilliana dares to have someone lip-sync because she has the Green family backing her. What was Alicia thinking, challenging Lilliana over a man?”
Monica’s eyes flashed with fury. “Challenging Lilliana over a man? That worthless piece of trash isn’t even worth mentioning. Alicia agreed to write songs to earn a living. If she wanted to compete, she’d choose someone who actually deserves it. What talents does Lilliana even have to her name?”
“Young ladies shouldn’t speak so crudely,” Lennon said.
Monica’s voice grew even louder. “I haven’t even started on Lilliana. She knew that jerk was already taken and still got herself pregnant before marriage. If I see her on the street, I’ll make sure she regrets it!”
Lennon swiftly placed a hand over her mouth. “Monica, please stop talking!”
He realized he couldn’t offer any help with the situation and was wary of getting involved. However, back when the Bennett family was flourishing, the Flynn and Bennett families had a strong relationship. Remembering this, he decided to prepare some financial assistance for Alicia.
Alicia managed to overhear most of their heated argument.
She declined the money that Lennon offered and apologized sincerely.
She realized she hadn’t been keeping up with entertainment news lately and hadn’t noticed how dangerous her situation had become.
Because of that, she figured she couldn’t bring trouble to others.
Anger surged within Monica as she walked with Alicia to the door. “We should call the police, Alicia. We can’t just ignore this,” she said.
Alicia pressed her lips together and gently shook her head.
“Involving the police won’t help,” she replied.
After all, no one would dare oppose the Green family for someone like her.
Alicia didn’t want Monica dragged into her problems. She was determined to keep Monica out of it.
For that to happen, she had to carefully consider her next move.
At the Green family estate, Lilliana rested during her pregnancy in the wake of the scandal.
She scrolled through her phone, taking pleasure in the spiteful comments aimed at Alicia. The harsher the words, the more satisfied she became.
Still not content, Lilliana turned to her assistant. “Didn’t Alicia’s parents die tragically? Get someone to spread that information. I want to see how my fans will react.”
The assistant hesitantly asked, “Isn’t it going too far to involve her deceased parents?”
Lilliana’s expression hardened. “Why should it matter if they’re gone? They raised a daughter like her, so they deserve every insult. Alicia brought this upon herself!”
The assistant remained uneasy. “But Mrs. Bennett did a lot of charity work. If people find out, it could backfire.”
Her attempt to caution Lilliana only seemed to fuel her anger even more.
“Who do you think you’re working for?” Lilliana snapped. She grabbed a cup and hurled it at the assistant, commanding, “Just follow my orders and stop arguing!”
The assistant cried out in pain. She clutched her chest and stepped back, her face flushing with humiliation. “I understand. I’ll inform Stacey,” she whispered.
Stacey Cullen acted as the agent managing Lilliana. She was orchestrating the online smear campaign.
The assistant opened the door and bumped into Joshua. He saw the tears on her face.
“Is everything alright?” he asked casually.
Lilliana overheard and looked over. Her eyes narrowed sharply.
The assistant knew how volatile Lilliana could be. She didn’t dare reveal the truth. “I’m fine, Mr. Yates,” she said before making her exit.
Joshua entered the room carrying a bowl of fruit.
“Lilliana, the doctor advised you to avoid stress during your pregnancy,” he reminded her.
Lilliana sneered. “Are you pitying her just because she cried?”
Joshua looked down, trying to stay calm. “Why must you be jealous about everything? I was simply asking.” He picked up a piece of fruit from the bowl and offered it to her.
Lilliana refused to accept it.
She clung to Joshua and pouted. “I’m tired of eating the same food every day. Honey, I want some dessert. Go and get it for me.”
Joshua felt utterly exhausted. He had no desire left to move.
“I’ll order delivery,” he suggested.
“No, I want you to get it yourself!” Lilliana shook his arm. “If you won’t, it means you don’t love me.”
Even after seeing her beautiful face, Joshua felt no affection for her.
He was completely drained. Right now, he felt like a machine operating without rest.
For some reason, he was starting to feel disgusted by this beautiful, scornful vixen of a woman.
“Fine, I’ll go get it,” he agreed, finally giving in. After investing so much in her, he felt he had no choice but to yield again. “Rest up. I’ll be back soon.”
Lilliana leaned in and kissed him.
He returned the kiss, then stood up to leave.
At the doorway, he wiped lipstick from his mouth and made a call.
“Has Alicia come to the office to see me?” he asked.
His secretary informed him that Alicia had not come by. Joshua’s expression darkened.
Despite the major scandal, Alicia remained remarkably calm.
Still, how long could she maintain her composure?
“Keep a close eye on her. Don’t allow anyone to assist her,” Joshua commanded.
After the call, a car drove into the driveway.
The vehicle hadn’t even stopped when the window rolled down. A middle-aged woman with curly hair smiled warmly and called out, “Joshua.”
Joshua immediately stepped forward and opened the car door.
“Mother, what brings you here?” he asked.
The woman, Shelia Yates-Joshua’s mother-wore an elegant short-sleeved traditional dress. A faint smile lit up her well-maintained face, giving her a radiant appearance.
She held up a container of food. “I prepared some nourishing soup for Lilliana myself.”
Joshua maintained a neutral expression. “There’s no need for you to go out of your way. Lilliana and I aren’t officially married yet. Besides, the Green family has everything she needs.”
She didn’t seem bothered by it.
“If I’m kind to Lilliana, she’ll be kind to you. It’s no loss for me.” She looked at him with concern. “You look exhausted, Joshua. Haven’t you been resting well lately?”
Joshua brushed off her concern. “It’s just how things are. Nothing unusual.”
“This doesn’t compare to what you faced two years ago,” Shelia remarked. “Back then, your father underestimated you. You built everything from scratch, working tirelessly day and night. Yet I never saw you this worn out.”
Her words left Joshua momentarily lost in thought.
Two years ago, he had nothing and worked even harder than he did now. But every night he came home, Alicia was there to ease his worries and fatigue.
Despite the increased value Lilliana brought into his life, Joshua didn’t feel any happier.
He questioned why the joy he had been longing for was missing.
Weary thoughts and tangled memories filled his mind, leaving him even more drained.
Joshua couldn’t remember the last time a genuine smile crossed his face.
“Go inside, Mom. I have some things to handle,” he said softly.
A pang of concern touched Shelia. “Come back early. I cooked a lot of nourishing soup. You should have some too!”
Lilliana remained courteous to Shelia, who was soon to be her mother-in-law.
However, when she noticed the soup, a wave of pregnancy-induced nausea made her wrinkle her nose in disgust.
Shelia observed her strong reaction. “Is something wrong, Lilliana? Don’t you like it?” she asked.
Forcing a smile, Lilliana replied, “No, I just ate and don’t have an appetite. Leave it here. I’ll drink it later.”
Shelia remained persistent, refusing to let the matter go. She poured the soup into a bowl and handed it to Lilliana. “Lilliana, I simmered this for hours. Please try some. It’s your first pregnancy, and you might not know everything. Don’t be picky. Nourish your body so the baby can grow healthy.”
Irritation surged within Lilliana.
Shelia ignored her earlier words and openly mentioned the baby, treating her like a mere vessel for childbirth. With a heavier tone, Lilliana pushed the bowl away. “I said I’ll drink it later.”
Shelia stopped in her tracks. She was an experienced woman and could tell that Lilliana was angry.
Lilliana held a high status, and Shelia had to endure, even if she felt wronged. She gently placed the bowl down. “Alright, remember to ask the maid to warm it up later.”
Lilliana felt no appreciation for Shelia’s concern.
Shelia was the mother of Joshua, but she came from a humble background. Jerald had an affair during his marriage, impregnated Shelia, and brought her into the family home. It was rumored that Jerald and Shelia first met in a nightclub.
Lilliana closed her eyes. “I’m tired, Shelia. You should leave,” she said.
Like mother like son