The Strongest Husband: A Man of Duty

Chapter 3

Just as surprised as Brian, Marry stood there with wide eyes. "You?!" she exclaimed.

"Do you two know each other?" Brian's mother, July Knight, asked eagerly, her face beaming with a smile. She glanced at the middle-aged woman sitting next to Marry.

"Actually, we just met earlier," Brian walked toward his mother.

"Really? Tell me, how did you meet? Wait, wait." July put her hand over her open mouth. "Brian, don't tell me Marry is your blind date?"

Brian forced a bitter smile.

Marry responded, "Stop your little act. I know you planned this." She glared at Brian as if she wanted to swallow him whole. "I understand if my looks might have made you fall for me, but this is just cheap."

"Marry, I don't understand what you mean," July still smiled.

"Aunt July, don't lie. I know Brian was mesmerized by me, then he called you and asked you to set up this dinner. Then he pretended to be surprised, acting as though I was his destined match, that we were meant to meet again."

Brian was taken aback by the fairy tale Marry had just fabricated in her imagination.

"Mom, she might be your friend, but I won't tolerate being matched with a man who works as an obstetrics nurse," Marry stated firmly, addressing Grace Wexler, her mother.

With furrowed brows, July asked, "What's wrong with my son's job? And besides, I didn’t know you two were on a date earlier. Brian didn’t even know that your mother is my friend. Marry, I invited you both for dinner simply because your mother is my friend. That’s all. There was never any talk about matchmaking."

Marry burst out laughing. "Look at your friend here, Mom. Do you really think this blind date with Brian was just a coincidence? Lies! Mom, I waited for so long at the café just to meet an obstetrics nurse. Isn’t that ridiculous? And now, she’s using her friendship with you to get to me. Do they really think Brian is good enough for me?"

Grace sighed and shook her head slowly, looking at July in disbelief.

Seeing this, July shook her head as well. She moved closer and took Grace’s hand. "I swear, it’s not like that."

July didn’t want any misunderstandings. She and Grace worked at the same place. They often shared stories, vented, and tried to enjoy the bitterness of life. She didn’t want their friendship to become awkward over this, even though Marry’s accusations had already insulted her.

"Auntie, stop trying to convince my mom. You should explain to Brian, if he wants to date me, at least he needs to buy me expensive gifts—like a luxury bag, a beautiful dress, or diamonds. And he should pick me up in a fancy car!"

"This isn’t about being materialistic, it’s about being realistic. A man can’t get a beautiful woman like me without having all that," Marry said, stepping closer to Brian and speaking right in front of his face. "You need to be rich, so you can satisfy my demands, buy me what I want. I don’t want to live poor and deprived like your mother."

Marry turned to look at her mother. "Mom, I know you don’t want me to work hard like you. I’m sure, with my beauty, someday we’ll live well."

"You’re right, Marry," Grace said. She held July’s shoulder. "Actually, I’m disappointed in you. But if you can make sure Brian gives in to everything Marry said, then I’d gladly continue our friendship and even consider you family."

Brian, who had been silent, then refused, "Marry, what you’re saying is just your own opinion. This meeting was purely a coincidence. And about the gifts and fancy cars or whatever, I’m not going to fulfill them. Besides, who would want to date you again?"

Marry’s jaw dropped to the floor.

"Enough. I’ve had enough of being splashed with coffee in my life," Brian added.

At this point, July realized her son had come home without his suit, and his shirt was stained. She gently wiped the stain on Brian’s shirt with her right hand, while her left hand was covering her mouth. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

"You scoundrel! Be grateful I only threw coffee at you and not rotten eggs. You know you deserve it."

"ENOUGH! Stop insulting my son!" July had lost her patience. Even if it meant ending her friendship with Grace and becoming enemies after that, she didn’t care.

Not accepting her daughter being yelled at, Grace shouted, "Hey! Lower your voice! You’re speaking to my daughter, not a mannequin. She can hear your words without you shouting!"

July chuckled, not looking like she wanted to back down. Even though Brian tried to mediate to prevent a bigger quarrel, his mother was still determined to continue.

"Your daughter was the one who started yelling first! You yelled too! No one forced your beautiful daughter to date my son. She came willingly. If she doesn’t like it, fine, no need to curse or throw coffee. What’s so hard about speaking nicely? Besides, who would want a disrespectful daughter-in-law?!"

"WHAT?!"

"Aunt, please stop. Instead of fighting, let’s go to the dining table and enjoy my mom’s cooking. Isn’t tonight supposed to be about dinner together? I’m sure you’ll like it."

Brian's attempt to diffuse the anger shifted Grace's irritation onto him. The plump woman placed both hands on her hips, glared at Brian, and spat on the floor.

"No way! Who can guarantee that the spoons, forks, plates, and your dishes are free from bacteria? You’re too poor to afford to dishwash soap!"

"Watch your words!" shouted July.

"My mom’s right. Our stomachs will hurt after eating in this house. This house is so filthy, dusty, and completely unhygienic!"

Marry and Grace took turns insulting them. The insults were becoming more and more unbearable.

Brian looked at his mother closely and then shook his head gently.

July started to understand the situation. She rubbed her temples, seemingly suffering from a migraine, as she continued to hear Marry and Grace yelling. July lost her appetite for arguing and decided to respect her son’s wishes.

Helping his mother sit on the sofa, Brian wisely said, "Our mouths are too noble to insult those who are beneath us."

"What did you say?!" Marry snapped.

"You’re disrespectful!" Grace joined in.

Before more insults could fly from Marry and Grace, the doorbell rang, halting their arguments.

Moments later, a beautiful woman entered the house. Everyone froze, stunned by her appearance. They were even more shocked when a man entered, carrying many gifts.

The man, who came with the beautiful guest, was impeccably dressed in a suit and shiny black loafers. He was carrying luxury items, such as a limited-edition watch, an expensive crocodile leather bag, branded shoes, suit from top designer, and many more.

"Awesome!" Marry gasped, almost unable to blink as she stared at the gifts.

She turned to her mother, who also looked mesmerized by the luxurious presents. They both smiled and nodded in agreement, seemingly coming to some understanding.

"Sorry, my assistant and I came in uninvited. The door wasn’t fully closed," the beautiful woman said gently.

July, who didn’t recognize either the woman or the man accompanying her, slowly approached. She asked anxiously, "Dear, are you lost? Tell me, where are you trying to go? Who are you looking for?" She had no idea that the luxurious-looking guest wanted to visit her small house.

Marry laughed. She rolled her eyes. Unprompted, she commented, “Auntie, why is your tone sound so sweet? Believe me, even if you do it 1000 times, it won't make this young lady interested in your son, not even for a glimpse.”

Marry and her mother smiled smugly.

Unexpectedly, the beautiful woman called out, "Mr. Knight!" She smiled warmly. "I’d like to return your suit."