HELLBOUND WITH THE THIRD HUSBAND

Mother's Concern

Vicky emerged from hiding now that the doctor had left. She went to the door, turned the lock, and went inside.

“Oh, you have come back, sweetheart?” asked her mom.

“Yes mom.”

“What kept you so long?”

“I couldn’t get the body lotion in the few nearby shops, so I have to walk down a bit.” She lied to her mom because she didn’t want her to know she came back a while ago, but she was just eavesdropping on her conversation with the doctor.

“It’s alright. I have a gist for you,” said the mom.

“What is it all about, mom? Is it about school stuff, or could it be one of those interesting historical stories?” She knew her mom was going to talk about her discussion with Dr. Harry but pretended not to be in the know.

“Please go and drop the lotion first, darling.”

"Okay, mom,” Vicky replied, and she hurriedly went to her room and dropped the lotion, then rushed back to the sitting room.

Now sitting besides her mom, she said, “Mom, I’m back; I’m all ears.”

“Okay, hmmm…hmmm… Before I start the gist, I just want to ask you a question first.”

“Please go on and ask mom.”

“Alright, what’s still your main focus now?”

"Oh, I predicated it’s going to be about my school stuff, mom. You know, I have always wished to further my education to the university level and graduate, so I could get to the top and give this family a better life. But why this question, mom? Has Uncle Joe brought good news about my intake exam?”

“You got it wrong, dear.”

“But why the question, mom?

”The doctor, the one treating you, Doctor Harrison, was here when you went for the lotion.”

“Doctor Harry is in my house for what exactly? Must he search every nuck and cranny just to inject me? He should have waited for me to go to the hospital myself.“ Just teasing her mother.

“ Hahaha…. That’s not why he came. The purpose of his visitation was different,” replied the mother.

“Then tell me, mom.”

“It’s alright. Now I will let the cat out of the bag. Dr. Harry came, asking for your hand in marriage.” She gazed at her daughter to see what her facial expression would be as she reacted to the piece of information she just received.

Her eyebrows raised and arched, followed by a small, controlled smile as she tried to hide her excitement from her mother and remained mute.

“Aren't you saying anything?" asked the mother.

“ Really? Dr. Harry? Mom, that’s... unexpected. But I have to admit, he has always been very kind and professional. Did he say anything more about his proposal?”

“Well, he did say he wants to marry you, but I’m not sure if it’s the best idea considering the age difference—you are just 23 and he should be in his late 40s. What do you think?” She really doesn't want to reveal the details of her discussion with the doctor, especially how he described her beauty, so Vicky won’t be amazed. She just wants to discourage her from approving him.

“Mom, part of me is surprised, but another part can’t help but feel flattered that Dr. Harry feels that way. However, there’s a lot to consider, like the age difference and what others might think. Maybe we would talk to him and see what he has in mind, then decide together.”

Now the air hung heavy after Vicky’s tentative suggestion. Still grappling with unexpected news, her mother chose her words carefully.

“Honey,“ she began, her voice a touch softer than usual. “I understand the appeal. Dr. Harry is a successful man, and he seems kind. But there’s just so much to consider.”

“Hmmm… the age difference… well, it’s significant. Wouldn’t you say? People might talk and whisper, which might be hurtful, especially in our locality.”

Her gaze met Vicky’s, a hint of concern flickering across her eyes. “Remember what happened with your father and me? We tried to ignore the disapproval, but it cast a long shadow over our happiness. Are you sure you want to risk that again?”

“Exactly, mom. Growing up and seeing you and Dad live like cats and rats is one thing I really want to avoid in my life. I just want someone who truly loves me and understands my strengths and weaknesses so I can have a happy home.”

“Great, I know you are looking for love, sweetie,” she continued. Her voice softening further, “And I truly hope you find it. But sometimes, chasing a fleeting spark can lead you down paths you might regret later. Take your time, think deeply, and don’t be afraid to say no if it doesn’t feel right from the very start.”

“You’re right, mom,” she admitted, her voice soft. “The age difference—I hadn’t really thought about it like that. Seeing Dr. Harry as my doctor kind of overshadowed everything else.”

Her eyebrows are drawn up in the inner corners, yet her mother’s words strike a chord with her, grounding her in the realities of the situation.

“Maybe talking to him isn’t the best idea right now,” Vicky continued, a hint of resignation in her voice. “I need more time to process everything and truly understand my own feelings. It wouldn’t be fair to Dr. Harry or myself to rush into something unexpected.”

“But mom, could you tell me more about what happened with you and Dad? Maybe understanding your perspective could help me handle this better.”