Chapter 17: Madam Harper and Mr. Richard Got Into an Argument
Caroline’s heart pounded as she stood frozen, caught between the fury of David and her desire to protect the child growing inside her. To save herself and the baby, she had no choice but to deceive him, to lie her way through this moment.
David’s eyes darkened, and his entire demeanor radiated danger. His voice was a low growl, one that sent chills down her spine.
“Caroline,” he said, his voice dripping with menace, “Are you playing with me?”
Caroline shook her head quickly, trying to calm the storm brewing within him.
“You never gave me the chance to explain, you just grabbed my neck right away.”
David’s expression twisted with anger, and his lips curled into a sneer.
“And now you’re blaming me?” he shot back.
Caroline shook her head again, not daring to speak out of turn. She needed to tread carefully, even as she felt the walls closing in around her.
“I don’t dare,” she finally said, her voice trembling slightly. “I hope you understand that I don’t want to and won’t bear your children. I just want a quick divorce and to move out of the Ellison residence.”
David’s gaze hardened. His posture stiffened with displeasure.
“Whether we divorce or not is my decision,” he said, lifting his chin arrogantly. “I decide when we get a divorce! It’s not for you to decide!”
With a swift motion, David tore up the pregnancy test report that had caused so much tension.
“Go to the hospital now,” he ordered, his voice cold and commanding. “You, get a full-body checkup again.”
He wasn’t going to take her word for it; he had to see it with his own eyes. Caroline’s stomach twisted in fear. If they went to the hospital, her secret—her pregnancy—would be exposed, and everything would be over for her and the baby.
But if she refused, it would only make David more suspicious. Her mind raced, searching for an escape from this trap.
Suddenly, Paul entered, his face urgent.
“Sir, there’s been a situation with the Ellison family… You should go check it out as soon as possible.”
David turned to Paul, his brows furrowed in confusion.
“What happened?”
“Madam Harper went to the Ellison family, it seems like it’s because of your marriage… she and Mr. Richard got into a heated argument, and it has become quite tense,” Paul reported. “I don’t know the full details.”
David’s brows furrowed deeper. His mother, Madam Harper, had always been kind-hearted and had never been one for conflict. The news of an argument was surprising.
“Ready the car,” David ordered, standing up and casting a glance at Caroline. “You’re coming too.”
Caroline nodded reluctantly, though she had no idea what awaited her at the Ellison family home. Anything was better than going to the hospital.
At the Ellison family residence, the atmosphere in the living room was thick with tension. Richard’s face was grim, and Harper’s expression was tight, filled with frustration.
David walked in, and both Harper and Richard turned to face him. Caroline followed quietly behind, her head lowered, her hair cascading around her face, hiding her features. She remained silent, knowing her place here—silent and invisible.
Harper gave her a brief glance but didn’t pay much attention. Instead, her focus was on David.
“David,” Harper said, her tone firm, “This marriage was arranged when you were unconscious and disoriented. Now that you’re awake, things are different, and naturally, we should discuss it again, right?”
Richard snorted, his temper flaring.
“What you’re saying is clearly directed at me,” he snapped. “This marriage was entirely arranged and decided by me. If you divorce, isn’t that slapping my face and embarrassing me?”
Harper didn’t back down.
“Dude, is your face more important, or David’s lifelong happiness?” she retorted. “The girl married him when he had nothing and was on the brink of death, with no complaints. Now that David’s in power, do you just want to kick her out? As the saying goes, a wife who shared in the hardships shouldn’t be discarded once fortune arrives!”
Richard’s expression twisted into a sneer.
“What can money compensate her for?” he demanded, his tone sharp.
The two continued to argue, each unwilling to give an inch. It was clear that neither would back down.
Finally, David, who had been silent until now, stood up, his expression cold and commanding.
“Enough!” he declared, interrupting their bickering.
The room fell silent as David turned his attention back to Caroline, who remained quiet in the corner. Her presence felt almost invisible, but her mind raced with the chaotic tension of the room. Would this meeting bring the answers they all sought, or would it only serve to complicate things further?
