Chapter: 25

Kathy looked around at her family, then said, "But, shouldn't Derek have a say in his marriage? Grandma, you were the one who insisted on bringing Norah into our home. Derek was too sick to know this arrangement back then. His heart had always set on Madeline."

The quietness enveloped the Carter family's living room.

Juliana, holding her bowl of soup, looked down into it and stated, "Let's start our meal first."

As lunch proceeded, everyone was lost in thought, trying to read the minds of others at the table.

Juliana couldn't hide her frustration at Madeline's innocent facade and abruptly set down her spoon, demanding, "Derek, I need to speak with you in the study."

Sharon interjected, "We haven't finished eating. Can't this wait until after the meal?"

"Missing one meal won't harm anyone." Juliana's sharp look quickly silenced Sharon, who dared not say anything more.

Derek's hold on his fork grew tense.

“Derek, why don't you head up first? Your grandma must want a private word with you. She's only trying to protect us from the conversation. After all, you're her favorite grandchild. She means well," Madeline suggested kindly, placing her fork down and gently taking Derek's hand.

Hearing Madeline's gentle words, Derek calmed down a bit. "Thank you, Madeline. I'll persuade my grandma to accept you. She'll come to appreciate you."

Madeline modestly averted her gaze. “That doesn't matter. Being by your side is all I ask for. I won't hate your grandma and mother even if they treat me with that attitude."

Sharon exploded, “What exactly are you implying? You bitch! How dare you talk about me like this in front of Derek? Is this how you repay our hospitality?"

Exhausted by the tension, Derek soothed Madeline and Sharon before heading to the study.

Quietly settling down beside Juliana, Derek hesitantly said, "Grandma, Madeline is the woman I want to spend my life with. Plus, the Powell family and Carter family share similar backgrounds. Why are you so against her?"

“You've been with Norah for two years, yet I've never seen you this committed to her. Why shouldn't I have reservations about Madeline? Must I remind you of her past actions?"

Juliana fixed Derek with a stern gaze, standing firm. “While you were bedridden, you were oblivious to the circumstances that led the Carter family to bring Norah into our home."

Derek responded with a touch of indifference, "The marriage between the Carter and Wilson family was nothing more than a_ strategic alliance. The Wilson family sought financial gain, while the Carter family hoped for a devoted daughter-in-law."

Everyone in Glophia knows about Luna's disgrace. Norah, a lesser- known daughter of the Wilson family, managed to secure her place and remained unproblematic as Mrs. Carter for two years. The reasoning behind it escapes me.

Juliana's voice was calm and measured, saying, “Back when you were confined in bed, I vividly remembered the seer's words who once foretold your destiny when you were just a child. He warned of a grave challenge ahead and mentioned that marriage to a guardian angel would be crucial for your recovery."

Yet, who among Glophia's esteemed young ladies would have looked your way back then? Norah stepped forward, courageously joining our family and dedicating two years to taking care of you with unwavering devotion. Have these efforts slipped your mind? Norah's marked the beginning of your miraculous recovery. Her contribution was vital.

Derek cast his gaze downward, his expression shadowed and complex.

"ALL this was beyond my knowledge. I'll ensure Norah is fairly compensated for her dedication over these two years."

“Is monetary compensation enough to replace two lost years of youth?"

Juliana sighed, her greatest concern being her usually sensible grandson's unexplainable stubbornness in a particular matter. "How can you overlook Norah's merits?"