96 Chapter 96 Confronting Hometown Gossip
From what I’ve been hearing around town, his marriage to your cousin is completely miserable. They argue constantly, and her pregnancy has only made everything worse,” Mom revealed. Y
young
“But he’s also turned into a terrible husband, Dad added grimly. “He’s developed a drinking problem and started cheating with other women. He got hired at my old company, and an acquaintance informed me he’s been carrying on with the- receptionist there. She’s apparently only eighteen years old. Your aunt’s husband told me Ethan treats Jessica horribly. He doesn’t physically abuse her, but he calls her fat, calls her degrading names, claims she slept around before him, even suggests the baby might not be his. Just awful, cruel behavior.”
“You’re completely blind when it comes to your precious daughter, Arthur. She’s nothing but garbage who got herself pregnant and doesn’t even know who the father is, yet you still defend her behavior.”
“I’ll remember that, Mom,” I smiled warmly at her. “Speaking of the past, we encountered Ethan at the grocery store today. He looked absolutely terrible.”
“Liam mentioned you’re working for his friend now, but that you might return to work with him eventually,” Dad continued, his weathered hands folded in his lap.
“Then don’t let foolish pride stand in your way,” Mom interjected softly. “Forgiveness heals the heart, darling. Remember that stubbornness never brought anyone lasting happiness.”
Chapter 96 Confronting Hometown Gossip
“Yes, the baby is expected next month. They’re having a boy,” Mom confirmed. “Your cousin is completely useless around the house, refuses to work, and spends every waking moment glued to her phone scrolling through social media. Now that they’re living independently, their problems have multiplied. The house is always a disaster, so your aunt goes over daily to clean and prepare meals.”
“That’s enough, Bonnie,” Dad warned again, his anger building visibly.
“Hazel, your happiness is all we care about, Dad said gently. “I have to say, I’m
impressed with this young man. He has honorable intentions, shows responsibility and
98 Chapter 98–Confronting Hometown Gossip
maturity. When he came here today, he was completely honest about his mistakes and took full accountability. He strikes me as a good man, and the way you look at him tells me everything I need to know about your feelings.”
Noah’s scheduled arrival was approaching when my aunt suddenly burst through the kitchen door, immediately launching into an attack.
“I haven’t made that decision yet. We’ll have to see how things develop, I replied, avoiding his penetrating gaze.
“Well, they’re perfectly matched then. I don’t feel an ounce of sympathy for either of them,” I stated honestly.
“That would explain his wrinkled clothing and disheveled appearance,” I observed.
The following morning brought our usual routine. We rose carly, and Leo accompanied Grandpa to milk the cow before helping Grandma collect fresh eggs. After breakfast, we gathered around the kitchen table for more conversation.
“What exactly do you mean?” Curiosity sparked in my
Hazel’s POV
settled into the worn ar air that had been
my chest.
lidn’t want you both worrying about me. Besides, I had someone looking out for me
my favorite spot since childhood. “I vho helped me land another position just as good.”
I will not be quiet. This tramp went running after my son–in–law, throwing herself at im shamelessly, offering to become his mistress. What absolute trash. Ethan told essica everything that happened,” my aunt continued spewing vicious insults.
lifted Leo into my arms and started toward the door, then turned back to face her one nal time.
ower your voice in my home, Bonnie,” Dad commanded immediately. “And don’t you are speak to my daughter with that tone.”
ad’s expression grew more intense. “Did he ever treat you poorly, Hazel?” wished them goodnight and headed to my room. The day had been emotionally *aining, but being surrounded by my parents‘ love filled me with contentment. isten carefully, Bonnie. Actually, don’t call me your niece, because you’re not my
98 Chapter 96 Confronting Hometown Gossip
my
aunt. You’re simply my mother’s sister. But pay close attention to what I’m about to say. I never pursued that worthless excuse for a man you call a son–in–law. The truth Is your daughter was sleeping with him while he was still my boyfriend. But I’m eternally grateful she opened my eyes and helped me escape that piece of human garbage, I spoke with complete composure, though my voice carried ice. “As for
1 son’s father, whether I know his identity or not is absolutely none of your business or anyone else’s concern. I’m a grown woman, completely independent, and I support myself financially. I don’t depend on anyone for survival, which means I live my life exactly as I choose”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle, Dad. He’s just a worthless person. Like Mom said, some people are blessings when they exit our lives.”
“I don’t owe you so much as a greeting, Bonnie, let alone any explanations about my personal life.”
“She must be getting close to her due date by now, right?” I asked.
After Liam and Noah departed, I tucked Leo into bed and returned to the living room where my parents waited. The evening air carried the familiar scent of my childhood home, but tonight felt different somehow.
“You’re absolutely shameless, Hazel. You barely arrived in town and you’re already chasing after Ethan. He’s a married man who’s perfectly happy with your cousin.”
I embraced my parents goodbye, and Leo playfully stuck his tongue out at sister, causing me to exit the house with genuine laughter bubbling up from my chest. my mother’s
My father had always been perceptive, reading people like open books.
‘Why didn’t you tell us about the troubles at your job, sweetheart?” Dad’s voice cut straight to the heart of things, as it always did.
Yes, Dad. He is remarkable, and I am completely in love with him,” I admitted, the words feeling both vulnerable and liberating.
Mom’s expression shifted, becoming more serious. “Oh honey, some people are blessings when they leave our lives. You truly escaped disaster with that one.”
