Chapter 142
+25 BONUS
Evelyn was caught off guard.
She stayed silent for a moment, trying to unpack the meaning behind Ariel’s words.
She knew Ariel’s personality well–always good–tempered and considerate. If something was within Ariel’s ability, she rarely said no to any of Evelyn’s requests.
So now, Ariel’s sudden assertiveness made Evelyn instinctively wonder if she already had something else planned.
After some hesitation, Evelyn asked, “What’s going on? Why didn’t you make them? You know perfectly well those ladies love your desserts. Didn’t I tell you to remember this and prepare extras as gifts every year?”
Those ladies in Evelyn’s social circle would always exchange little holiday gifts. Their gatherings were about more than just tea; they were how power and relationships were maintained.
And Ariel’s baking had earned their approval.
For the past few years, Evelyn had her make more than enough to be boxed up and gifted to each household.
They were just small desserts–troublesome, yes–but wasn’t it Ariel’s duty as the Larkin family’s daughter–in- law?
Ariel kept her eyes calmly on her laptop screen. “Didn’t Jayson tell you I’m spending the holiday with my grandma and uncle?”
Evelyn spoke as if it were only natural. But the truth was, Ariel didn’t enjoy it at all.
Over the years, to keep the peace, she had said yes to everything, even if it meant exhaustion.
Yes, they were just desserts. But they took time and effort.
Every year at this time, she spent the whole day busy in the kitchen. By the time she went to bed past midnight, her back and legs felt stiff and sore. They almost seemed like they didn’t belong to her anymore.
But no one cared.
Evelyn was a little confused. She couldn’t figure out why Ariel had suddenly changed. Ariel had always tried to please them in the past, obediently staying at Larkin Manor during the holidays.
But Evelyn didn’t really care what was wrong with Ariel.
“If you’re married, then you should spend the holidays with your husband’s family. How could you leave without a word? Mrs. Fletcher even said she missed your desserts. There’s still time. Either come back after dinner with your grandma, or just make them there at your house and send them over.”
Whether Ariel came back to Larkin Manor or not didn’t matter to Evelyn. What mattered was Ariel still had value.
“I’m sorry. I don’t have time.” Ariel’s voice was calm but firm.
Evelyn bossed her around like it was nothing, expecting her to work hard even during a holiday, as if she didn’t deserve to enjoy the celebration herself.
But now, Ariel wouldn’t be so harsh on herself anymore.
1/2
Chapter 142
+25 BONUS
From now on, none of this was her concern.
Evelyn was left speechless for a moment before finally saying, “Ariel, what’s gotten into you?”
It didn’t even occur to her that Ariel might be rebelling or trying to disrespect her because Ariel wouldn’t dare.
She loved Jayson too much and valued her title as Mrs. Larkin too deeply. She had always treaded carefully, eager to please. How could she possibly be trying to go against Evelyn?
“You can ask someone else to do it. My grandma’s calling me for dinner. Happy holidays.”
Ariel said nothing more and hung up, not wanting to waste her holiday on an argument.
After that little episode, Ariel simply shut her laptop and went downstairs.
The resort restaurant had a unique design. The ceiling was a full glass dome offering panoramic views of the night sky and fireworks. The festive atmosphere was in full swing.
Katie and Leonard had already taken their seats. Ariel walked over and let the waiter know they could start serving
the meal.
People bustled in and out of the dining area.
Out of the corner of her eye, Ariel spotted Perry walking past the corner.
He saw her too, paused for a second, then gave a polite nod.
Ariel nodded back, her expression calm as ever.
They didn’t exchange a single word. But Katie had noticed the brief interaction.
She gave Perry’s retreating figure a once–over. “You know that young man?”
Ariel nodded. “Kind of.”
“A regular friend? Or… is he pursuing you?” Katie was surprisingly cool about it. Now that Ariel was getting a divorce, she had every right to pursue happiness again.
“That young man’s tall and well–proportioned. Not bad at all!”
