Deceitful Hearts

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

“Dear, I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet your parents. I even have butterflies in my stomach," I whispered happily. “Will they love me? I am a little bit scared.”

“Darling, I’m sure that once my parents meet you, they will adore you," he replied with a smile plastered on his handsome face.

“Really?” I asked.

“Yes, my dear Lauretta," he responded. “I love you, and I am sure my parents will too.”

“Honestly, I truly hope so," I muttered. "That’s my only wish because, as soon as they approve, we’re getting married right away."

“Yes!" he replied. “I can’t wait for that either. Afterward, we’ll return to England. Marrying you is my top priority right now, my darling Lauretta.”

“Oh my gosh. You make me blush. Thank you, Honey,” I replied with excitement. “Thank you for loving me. I love you so much, baby.”

“Me too.”

***

“It’s a joy seeing our son bring home a beautiful damsel,” Mr. Desmond said as they were having dinner with their family.

“Oh, yes, dear. I am so excited. After all, it’s been so long since I last saw my son. I’m only displeased with the kind of woman he’s bringing home,” she uttered, frowning in desperation.

“Hey, what the heck is your problem, woman? What do you mean by that?”

“How can my son, my beloved son, bring home a woman who’s older and richer than him? No, it can’t work,” she said, pushing her food aside. “I won’t accept it. Over my dead body.”

“Why are you like this? He is old enough to make his own decisions. If the lady he is bringing home is his choice, then so be it,” Mr. Desmond responded. “I won’t let you ruin it with your nasty decisions.”

“Excuse me! A grown man? Dear, was I just sitting here watching him while he grew? No, tell me?” She asked in annoyance, her anger evident. “I’ve fended for him, I’ve taken good care of him while he was sick. I’ve suffered for him, so for these reasons, I have a say in his life. That marriage will not work, not when I am still alive, old man,” she threatened.

“I know you too well. You always want to have the final say on everything you’re doing, but I will not argue with you. If Clinton allows you to decide for him, then we shall see,” he warned.

They both stared at each other in anger.

"Can you imagine? Did he expect me to stay silent while watching my son determined to marry a woman who is richer and older than him? No! It won't work, not when I am his mother," she stated firmly.

“Evan, what do you think about the woman your brother is bringing home? Do you think it’s gonna work?” Cassandra asked. She was Clinton's and Evan’s younger sister.

“Well, I know him well. My brother is smarter than that. He knows we will not allow him to marry her. He needs to explain to us why he wants to marry her,” Evan boasted. “He must marry someone from this town. And if he must bring that woman home, she should be ready for war. Her visit will be a remarkable one,” Evan said.

“Oh, yes!” Cassandra shrugged. “She needs to be taught the lesson of her life.” They both laughed.

“Oh, son! Welcome back home.”

Mrs. Desmond hugged her son happily as he arrived from an eight-hour journey back home.

“I’m glad you’re home. Welcome!”

“Thanks, Mom. How are you and Dad?” Clinton inquired joyously.

“We are both fine.”

“Good day, Mum,” Lauretta greeted, trying to hug Mrs. Desmond.

Her greeting was warm and friendly.

She turned around before uttering.

“Oh, dear! I would suggest you keep your greetings to yourself.” Then, she turned to her son. “My dear, let’s go into the house. I made your favorite meal.” She pulled her son in the direction of the entrance.

It was dinner time. Everybody was there at the table joyously eating their meals when Mr. Desmond broke the silence.

“Hey, daughter! How are you?” He asked.

“I’m good!” Lauretta replied.

“So, can we meet you?” He asked.

“Okay, my name is Lauretta Benson.”

“You mean the same Benson from England?” He questioned.

“Ye…….” Mrs. Desmond cut her off.

“Enough of all these questions and answers. Can’t we just have a peaceful meal?” She asked with a sneer on her face.

“Hey! Mind you, no one is stopping you from having a peaceful meal, okay? I’m just trying to get to know my daughter-in-law here.”

“Hey, Dad! Enough, please. Let’s enjoy our meal first, and then afterward, we can do anything else,” Clinton said, staring at everyone at the dining table.

“Can you imagine? She just arrived today, and she’s already causing trouble,” Cassandra mocked, looking at Lauretta helplessly.

“I’m so sorry. My bad!” Lauretta replied.

“Hey, keep shut! You useless and worthless scum!”

“Cassandra, will you shut your mouth? Enough of your nonsense. Don’t be rude!!!” Mr. Desmond yelled at her.

Dinner was over, and everyone was in the sitting room relaxing, except for Lauretta, who was in the guest room. Mrs. Desmond had been mute since after lunch and looked angry. Clinton broke the silence.

“Mom! What’s with this attitude?”

“What do you mean?” she replied.

“You’ve been mute since after lunch. Is there anything wrong, Mother?” Clinton inquired.

“No, I’m not good, Clinton. Everything is bad. How on earth will you choose that woman and shameless waste of space out of all the beautiful ladies on earth? She’s so disgusting,” she screamed at her son.

“What?” Clinton couldn’t help but laugh. “Hahaha. No, Mom, you should know me too well to know I’m a very smart boy. How can I settle for that old rag? I am still very young.”

She smiled happily, showing all her teeth. “Okay, my son, but you must get married someday.”

“Sure, Mom, but before then let me have a taste of wealth,” they both laughed aloud.

“Yes, son. I agree, but not with that woman who has a thick skin like a wall,” she continued.

“I’m only after her wealth, and after that, I will send her to her father’s house,” he sneered evilly.

“Wow, that’s a good plan, my son. I’ll do my best to support you.”

“You’re the best, Mom. Thank you.”