Chapter 25 When Guilt Strikes
Desiree turned to Natalie, her expression softening with warmth.
Finished
A divorce was great. Once that woman was gone, Natalie could finally marry into the Pierce family. With Natalie’s family status, she certainly could help Francis climb even higher.
“Natalie, tell me the truth. Do you truly love Francis? Do you really want to marry him?”
Faced with Desiree’s sincere questioning, Natalie nodded firmly.
Hearing her answer, Desiree’s smile deepened. “That’s good. That’s very good.”
Dinner time arrived soon.
Scott frowned, puzzled as to why Clara had yet to appear. Normally, she would have arrived early. Tonight, even as dinner was being served, she was nowhere to be seen.
“Francis, where is your wife?”
Though Scott also disapproved of Clara, she had already married into their family and borne them a son. That made her a part of the Pierce family, whether they liked it or not.
“She…”
“Francis is preparing to divorce her,” Desiree interrupted before Francis could finish.
“Divorce?” Scott’s brows furrowed, his voice laced with discontent. “Why wasn’t I informed of this
sooner?”
Francis glanced at Natalie before turning back. “It’s something that came up recently. We had some disagreements. Whether we’ll actually go through with it, that’s still uncertain.”
Hearing him hesitate, Desiree grew displeased. “She was already lucky to marry into our family. And now she dares to quarrel with you? If you ask me, the sooner you divorce her, the better. Then you can marry someone of equal standing. Once she’s gone, she’ll never find someone better than you. Let her regret it.”
She then turned to Natalie with a bright smile. “Honestly, why not just marry Natalie? You two were engaged before, after all. This would simply be correcting a past mistake.”
Scott glanced at Natalie, nodding approvingly. “Your mother is right. Natalie is kind, well- mannered, and devoted to her family. She’s part of the Dawson family, making her a perfect match for you. I think you should divorce Clara as soon as possible and bring Natalie home.”
Francis’s hand, which had been holding his bowl, stilled. He did not respond.
He had no intention of divorcing Clara. When they had gone to the Bureau of Civil Affairs days ago, he had already begun to regret it. All he wanted now was for Clara to reconsider and not go through with the divorce.
נייד
8.32 PM d
Chapter 25 When Guilt Strikes
Seeing his silence, Desiree’s expression darkened. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
Finished
“Grandma, are you saying Ms. Dawson is going to be my new mommy?” A small voice suddenly chimed in. Wesley, who had been eating, looked up with innocent curiosity.
Desiree quickly placed a braised drumstick into his bowl. “That’s right, Wesley. Do you want Ms. Dawson to be your mommy?”
Seeing the drumstick, Wesley’s eyes lit up instantly. He nodded eagerly. “Yes! I want Ms. Dawson to be my mommy!”
Francis frowned at his son’s chubby figure. “Wesley, you’re not allowed to eat this. Eat some vegetables instead.”
Wesley pouted, reluctant to let go of the drumstick he had just picked up. He looked at Desiree pitifully.
Seeing his expression, Desiree’s heart ached. She turned to Francis. “He’s a growing child. Let him. eat. A little won’t hurt.”
She even pushed the drumstick closer to Wesley’s mouth.
“That’s right, Francis. Just let Wesley eat. It’s not like he eats much,” Natalie added softly.
“Mom, you know about Wesley’s health condition, Francis’s voice grew cold. “Back when Clara was here, she always kept an eye on him to prevent any issues. Do you really want something to happen to him?”
Then, he snatched the drumstick from Wesley’s hand and filled his bowl with vegetables instead.
Wesley, sensing his father’s firm stance, dared not speak further. He could only chew hist with teary eyes.
greens
“You!” Desiree clutched her chest in frustration. “Before this, Clara wouldn’t let him eat, and now
you
won’t either! Are you even his real father?”
Watching the scene unfold, Francis suddenly recalled how Clara had been treated when she lived. here. She had been in this same position. Criticized and accused
by
everyone in the house.
If he had not taken Wesley to the hospital recently, he would not have known how dire his son’s health had become. The doctor had explicitly forbidden greasy, fattening foods.
Remembering how he had once sided with his family to blame Clara, Francis felt a deep pang of guilt.
He stood up abruptly and pulled Wesley to his feet. “Mom, my marriage with Clara is my own business. It has nothing to do with anyone else, and you shouldn’t interfere. I won’t marry Natalie. That wouldn’t be fair to her.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the Pierce Residence with Wesley.
2/3
832 PM c d
Chapter 25 When Guilt Strikes
but Francis was already too far away.
Finished
“Natalie, let him go.” Desiree said through gritted teeth, her gaze fixed on Francis’s retreating figure. That unfilial son! His marriage is not up to him to decide. Once he divorces that woman, will personally make sure he marries you. You are the only daughter–in–law I recognize in this family!”
