Chapter 4: A mother's warning
575 Words
Chapter 4: A Mother's Warning
The atmosphere at Hayes Manor felt different that evening.
For the first time in years, Alexander sat at the dining table with Isabella and Ethan. The six-year-old chatted happily about school, telling amusing stories about his classmates while stealing glances at both his parents. Every time Alexander smiled at Ethan, Isabella silently wished he could look at her the same way.
After dinner, Ethan yawned.
"I'm sleepy, Mommy."
Isabella chuckled and kissed his forehead.
"Let's get you ready for bed."
As she led Ethan upstairs, Alexander remained in the dining room, answering emails on his phone. His expression turned serious when the butler approached.
"Sir, your mother has arrived."
Alexander stood immediately.
"Show her in."
A few moments later, Margaret Hayes entered the room wearing an elegant navy-blue suit. Her graceful appearance reflected years of influence and dignity, yet her sharp eyes missed nothing.
"Mother," Alexander greeted.
"You've been busy," Margaret replied, embracing her son briefly.
"I have responsibilities."
"And a family."
Alexander looked away.
"They're the same thing."
Margaret sighed. She knew her son well enough to recognize the walls he had built around his heart.
Just then, Isabella returned downstairs after putting Ethan to bed.
"Good evening, Mrs. Hayes."
Margaret smiled warmly.
"You may call me Margaret."
"Thank you."
The older woman studied Isabella carefully. She had expected an ambitious woman who manipulated people to get what she wanted. Instead, she saw someone gentle, respectful, and exhausted.
"Would you join me for some tea?" Margaret asked.
Alexander frowned.
"Mother..."
"I'd like to speak with my daughter-in-law."
There was something in Margaret's voice that left no room for argument.
The two women moved into the sunroom overlooking the gardens.
For several moments, neither spoke.
Finally, Margaret broke the silence.
"Tell me honestly, Isabella. Are you happy?"
The question caught Isabella off guard.
She looked down at her hands.
"Happiness isn't always simple."
"No," Margaret agreed softly. "Sometimes it's hidden beneath pain."
Isabella forced a faint smile.
"I only want Ethan to grow up in a peaceful home."
Margaret reached across the table and gently squeezed her hand.
"My son is stubborn."
"I know."
"He believes things too quickly when he's hurt."
Isabella's smile faded.
"I've tried to explain the truth."
"And he refused to listen."
A tear formed in Isabella's eye, but she blinked it away.
"I don't blame him anymore."
Margaret's heart ached.
She had watched Alexander become colder over the past six years, but tonight, for the first time, she wondered if he had been punishing the wrong person all along.
As Isabella excused herself and walked upstairs, Margaret remained seated in deep thought.
She had built successful businesses by trusting her instincts.
Tonight, her instincts were telling her one thing.
Isabella Laurent was hiding a secret.
But it wasn't guilt.
It was sorrow.
Outside the mansion gates, a dark sedan sat with its headlights off.
Inside, the mysterious man lowered a pair of binoculars and smirked.
"So," he whispered, "even Margaret Hayes is beginning to doubt."
He picked up his phone and sent a single message.
Accelerate the plan. Isabella must never tell the truth.
Within seconds, a reply appeared.
Understood. The accident is ready.
Far away, unaware of the danger closing in, Isabella stood by Ethan's bedside, gently brushing his hair as he slept.
She made herself a silent promise.
No matter what happened...
She would protect her son.
Even if it cost her everything.
- Writer
