Chapter 8
Elvira sneered. “Calvin and I are the real deal. Not that I need your blessing. But sure, enjoy my hand–me–downs. I’ve no interest in recycling garbage. With each return to this charade, her disdain only deepened.
As Calvin and his parents walked in, they caught Elvira’s biting comment. Calvin’s face instantly soured.
Roxanne Kennedy stormed over, hand raised to strike, bellowing, “Who the hell do you think you are, calling my son garbage?”
Elvira grabbed Roxanne’s wrist, halting her mid–strike, and shoved her away. Freed from any obligation to the Kennedys, Elvira wasn’t about to endure Roxanne’s barbs any longer.
Roxanne, shocked by Elvira’s boldness, stumbled and nearly fell, only saved by Calvin’s quick action, though she still twisted
her ankle.
Pointing at Elvira in pain, Roxanne exclaimed. “You dare push me! You’ve crossed the line!”
“You were about to hit me, and I can’t push back? Have you lost your mind?” Elvira snapped, no longer willing to play the pacifier now that any future with Calvin was out of the question,
“Elvira Calvin shouted in anger.
“Mrs. Kennedy, please, take a seat. Kay, fetch some ice for her.” Judy intervened, all sweetness and worry.
“Elvira, apologize to Mrs. Kennedy, now!” Vincent demanded coldly.
“Dad, you might want to distance yourself from the Kennedys. You’re spouting utter nonsense. Expecting me to apologize to someone who tried to hit me? If anything, my restraint shows class, Elvira countered, pitying Vincent’s blindness.
Silence enveloped the room.
“Elvira, Mrs. Kennedy is the elder. How could you raise your hand to her?” Judy chided, feigning disapproval.
“Well, let me just say this: Any ‘elder‘ who tries to hit me will get as good as they give. So, for everyone’s sake, keep your hands to yourselves, Elvira declared, setting her boundaries clear.
The room fell silent again.
Amber, having initially intended to use the gathering as an opportunity to call off the engagement due to other matters, remained quiet.
‘I won’t let my daughter carry the label of a homewrecker, Amber silently vowed.
“Elvira, since you’re married now, it’s time to end things with Calvin, Amber urged, switching to a softer tone.
“Absolutely. We couldn’t possibly take in a daughter–in–law who assaults her elders, Roxanne said with distaste as if Elvira was something vile.
“You don’t have to bother, I’m already on it. If there’s nothing else, I won’t keep you from celebrating the engagement of a cheater and his mistress, Elvira retorted before turning to leave, her parting shot leaving everyone visibly unsettled.
“Stop right there! Who said you could leave, you ungrateful brat?” Vincent exploded with fury.
Elvira didn’t even look back, just kept walking away.
Judy, feigning concern, said, “Dad, we must get to talk her into divorcing. The guy she picked up can’t be worth much. Only driving a car worth 20 thousand dollars definitely hints at a less–than–stellar background. We can’t have her settling for less.”
“Judy, you’re too good–hearted. Despite how Elvira treats you, you’re always looking out for her,” Roxanne remarked, her tone icy.
“But she is my sister. How can I not care? I think we should find her someone suitable, or I won’t be able to move for Calvin with a clear conscience, Judy insisted.
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Chapter 8
“I’ve got someone in mind actually. The owner of Walenburg Steel. Rich, but with a divorce behind him. Sounds like a match for Elvira, Amber chimed in.
“That settles it then. Elvira’s remarriage will save us face. Can’t have people knowing she married some nobody,” Vincent said, eager to marry Elvira off again, worried about the family’s reputation.
“Alright, I’ll set it up, Amber replied, her voice laced with triumph, knowing full well the match was anything but suitable. The man was nearly forty and known for his violent temper. Elvira was in for a rough ride.
To Amber, Elvira’s misery was her joy.
“Calvin, it seems Elvira isn’t keen on divorcing, but really, the guy she is with is a loser. How can a cheap car bring her any joy?” Judy said, latching onto Calvin’s arm, her voice dripping with concern.
“Don’t waste your sympathy on someone who doesn’t value themselves. I’ll talk to her. She can’t possibly be thinking of jeopardizing her happiness just to spite me.” Calvin was convinced Elvira had made a hasty marriage decision out of spite. “Enough about her. We’re here to plan for you and Judy. Let’s pick a date. Mrs. Karen will be thrilled to throw the party,” Roxanne suggested, all smiles, as she grasped Judy’s hand.
engagement
Meanwhile, Zach, the target of their disdain for his supposed modest vehicle, was sealing deals worth millions from the comfort of a luxury car that contradicted their assumptions entirely.
After exiting the Willis mansion, Elvira connected with Tracy for a day out, ready to shower her with gifts and company. Their day was interrupted by Zach’s arrival and Tracy’s sudden “headache,” leaving the pair to lunch alone.
Zach knew Tracy’s intent to set them up and watched her act coolly.
Elvira, worried, asked, “Is Mrs. Gilbert okay? The last time she collapsed on the street, she mentioned her heart was acting up. Is surgery a sure fix?”
“Surgery is a definite fix, which is why I agreed to our quickie wedding, under the condition she gets it done. Zach had been upfront about his reasons for marrying Elvira, which made their whirlwind wedding possible.
“Don’t sweat it. Once Mrs. Gilbert is on the mend, I’m on board with sorting out our divorce. Elvira reassured him, her tone understanding.
Zach watched her, her casual demeanor stirring doubts. Could she really be clueless about grandma’s and my real deal? Maybe I got her all wrong?”
But Zach wasn’t one to gamble. He mentally penciled in a generous payout for Elvira if she stayed the course and didn’t cross any lines until their split.
.16 PM
