Ryan leaned toward Lucas, trying to get the full story. But Lucas was too busy texting Clara, offering nothing more than a few distracted responses. In the end, it was Madeline who filled Ryan in–with a conveniently edited version, of course.
Ever since the fiasco at the wedding, Ryan had begun to see things more clearly. There was something behind Madeline’s words–something manipulative–and while he couldn’t quite put his finger on it, the unease lingered.
Still, he tried to reason with Lucas.
“Lucas,” he said gently, “you were out of line. You should really apologize to Clara before this get: blown out of proportion.”
But Lucas, now fully under Madeline’s influence, barely gave him a nod in response. The concern i Ryan’s voice rolled right off his back.
After a moment of thought, Lucas finished typing and sent his carefully chosen reply.
[No, I’ve told you everything. Honestly, you were the one out of line. I still think you owe my mom an apology.]
It was a calculated test, just like Madeline had suggested.
If Clara really did apologize–then Madeline would be right. Everything she’d said about how to gain the upper hand in the relationship would be validated.
Back on Clara’s side, she froze as soon as she saw the message.
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Not only had Lucas not apologized, he’d actually turned the blame back on her.
She blinked in disbelief. Her throat tightened, eyes burning and before she could stop herself ears began to well up. Her mother reached for her, pulling her gently into a hug.
“It’s alright,” her mom whispered, smoothing her hair. “There are still a few guests around from their side, right? We’ll ask them directly. If what your Grace said is true, then we’re calling his wedding off. And thank God you two haven’t signed anything yet–it’s not too late.”
She let out a deep sigh, holding Clara close.
Despite the ceremony being over, some guests had stayed behind, especially since both families had planned for an overnight stay.
Without wasting time, Clara’s mother tracked down one of the Caldwell Family relatives.
But the moment she started asking questions, the man got visibly nervous.
He shifted on his feet, eyes darting. Clearly uncomfortable.
Yes, maybe he didn’t approve of what Ryan and his family had done over the years, but at the end of the day, he was still a Caldwell. If he opened his mouth and this marriage fell apart, there’d be hell to pay.
So instead of answering, he clammed up.
Clara’s mother caught on immediately. That silence–that guilt–it was as good as a confession. Still, she changed her approach.
“We’re not trying to stir up trouble,” she said with a calm smile. “We’re… Well, as you may know, it’s Clara’s wedding
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day. And yet she still hasn’t met her real mother–in–law, we’re just wondering if she’s someone easy to get along with, that’s all.”
The man’s face lit up, relieved by the change in tone.
“Oh, if that’s all you’re asking, then absolutely. You’ve got nothing to worry about on that front,” he said quickly, giving her a thumbs–up.
“Mrs. Caldwell–the one who raised Lucas? She’s the kindest person in the entire family. Truly Gentle, soft–spoken, hardworking… just one of those genuinely good–hearted women. She’s just… had a run of bad luck.”
He didn’t elaborate.
But everyone listening knew exactly what he meant.
Of course she had bad luck–her husband had carried on an affair with her so–called best friend for forty damn years. And to top it off, they had a child together.
The whole family had leeched off me for decades. And still, I stayed. Still, I cared for them, gave hem everything I had. It wasn’t loyalty. It was survival.
Clara’s mother felt a pang of regret.
She had done her homework before the wedding. She’d heard from others that Lucas’s mom–l- was lovely. Gracious. Patient. The kind of woman you’d want in your
corner.
If Lucas had been my biological son, this marriage would’ve been a blessing.
But unfortunately… Lucas was born from an affair. He was Madeline’s son. And that changed everything.
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