Can Get Married
1055 Words
That morning, the Hartwell dining room was filled once more.
Brandon sat at the head of the table. His suit was neat, his tie perfect. There was no trace of last night's exhaustion—only a feigned calm.
Celline sat to his left. Silent. Her back was straight, her hands folded in her lap.
Teresa poured tea with graceful movements. Maxel had just sat down when he noticed something.
He raised his eyebrows.
"That's unusual," he said lightly but suspiciously. "You're having breakfast with us."
Brandon lifted his coffee cup without turning his head. "This is my house."
That tone immediately wiped the smile off Maxel's face.
Teresa glanced at Brandon. "You look different this morning."
"I'm always like this," Brandon replied briefly.
Celline looked down, feeling her heart beat faster. She knew this was coming. But not this soon.
Brandon put down his cup. The sound of porcelain hitting the table was clear.
"I want to say something," he said.
Maxel leaned back. "About what?"
"Marriage."
Teresa's spoon stopped in mid-air.
Celline froze.
Maxel chuckled. "You're joking."
"I'm going to marry Celline," Brandon continued flatly.
Silence.
One second. Two.
Then Maxel's chair creaked loudly as he stood up. "Are you out of your mind?"
Celline gasped. Teresa, on the other hand, smiled slightly.
"Legally," Maxel continued loudly, "she's your sister."
Brandon turned slowly. "No."
"She's Teresa's legal child!" Maxel argued. "It's on record!"
"Adopted," Brandon cut in coldly. "No blood relation. No legal relationship to prevent it."
"This is disgusting," Maxel hissed. "You're only doing this to fight us."
Brandon leaned back. "I'm not doing anything for you."
Celline finally spoke, softly but clearly. "This is my decision too."
Maxel turned sharply to her. "Celline—"
"Enough," Teresa cut in suddenly.
All eyes turned to her.
Teresa put down her cup slowly. Her face was calm. Too calm.
"I agree."
Celline turned quickly. "Mama?"
Maxel froze. "What?"
Teresa looked at Brandon, then Celline. "If this is what's best for Hartwell's future and your future," she said softly, "I don't mind."
Maxel slammed his palm on the table.
"Are you out of your mind, Teresa?"
He turned sharply to his wife. "That's your son!"
"He's an adopted son," Teresa replied emotionlessly. "And you know that."
"And I'm your husband!"
"And you're not my father!" Brandon cut in.
"Well, so there's no blood relation, and they can get married." Teresa said.
"But still. This is crazy! I'm known to the outside world as Brandon's father and your husband, Teresa."
Teresa stared at him for a long time. Then she said softly, "Not for much longer."
Celline gasped. "Mum, what do you mean?"
Teresa turned to her, her smile gentle—too gentle. "I'm going to divorce Maxel."
The room seemed to lose all air.
"What?" Maxel's voice was hoarse.
"If it makes things easier for you, Brandon," Teresa continued, "I don't mind letting anyone go."
Brandon stared at Teresa expressionlessly. "That's your decision."
Maxel laughed short, crazy. "So this is your plan?" He looked at Brandon and Celline alternately. "You think you're winning?"
Brandon stood up. "No," he said coldly. "I just want to fight for my love."
"You've only known each other for less than a week," said Maxel.
"Love doesn't need much time."
"But it doesn't make sense."
Brandon turned to Celline. "Breakfast is over."
Celline stood up, her legs trembling, then followed Brandon out.
Teresa stared at their backs—her eyes sparkling.
**
Teresa's bedroom door slammed shut.
Maxel stood in the middle of the room, breathing heavily. His jacket was off, his tie thrown onto the sofa. His face was red—not just from anger, but from loss of control.
"You've completely lost your mind," he said. "You're selling your own child."
Teresa stood in front of the dressing table, adjusting her earrings. Her movements were calm, almost relaxed. "I'm not selling anyone," she replied softly. "I'm making sure Celline is happy."
Maxel laughed short, bitterly. "Happy? With Brandon? Do you hear yourself?"
Teresa turned around. Her gaze was sharp. "Brandon loves her."
"He's her stepbrother!"
"Not by blood," Teresa cut in quickly. "And you know the law doesn't care about feelings."
Maxel took a step closer. "I won't divorce you just because of your ambition."
Teresa looked at him for a long time. Then she smiled slightly. "Fine."
That tone made Maxel shiver.
"Then," Teresa continued softly, "you agree to their marriage."
Maxel froze. "What?"
"You heard me," said Teresa. "If you don't want a divorce, then stand by us. Don't resist. Don't open your mouth."
"Are you blackmailing me?"
Teresa sighed, as if tired of explaining something simple.
"I'm giving you a choice."
"What's the choice?" hissed Maxel.
"Divorce me," Teresa raised a finger, "or stay my husband—and approve of Brandon and Celline."
"It's the same thing," Maxel said harshly. "You're forcing me."
Teresa stepped closer. They were now only inches apart. "No," she whispered. "I'm saving you."
Maxel stared at her intently. "From what?"
"From total destruction," Teresa replied without blinking. "If you go against Brandon now, you will lose everything. This house is just the beginning."
Maxel fell silent. His jaw tightened.
"You know I can talk," he said. "About Eleanor. About that night's will."
Teresa smiled. "And who would believe you?"
Silence fell.
"You have no proof," Teresa continued. "You only have anger."
Maxel rubbed his face roughly. "Celline doesn't know anything about this."
"And it's better that way," replied Teresa. "Let her believe it's about love. About choice."
"This is cruel," muttered Maxel.
Teresa stared at him impassively. "This is survival."
"We are husband and wife as well as in-laws."
"Brandon isn't your son, Celline isn't my biological daughter." She turned away, took a cup of tea, and sipped it slowly. "So?" she asked lightly. "Do you want to be a supportive husband, or a man who's been left behind?"
Maxel closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, the anger was still there—but now it was mixed with fear.
"I won't divorce you," he said finally.
Teresa nodded with satisfaction. "A wise choice."
"But I won't happily approve of the marriage," added Maxel.
Teresa smiled slightly. "I don't need your heart. I just need your approval."
"Are you sure about this?" asked Maxel once more.
- Writer
