Chapter 1060
"So there had to be some secret, at least," Ralph mused.
"Impossible!" Margaret declared firmly. "I've been married to your father for half a lifetime. He might be stubborn and eccentric at times, but he never lied to me. He would never hide anything from me! Where on earth did you hear this gossip? What kickboxing secrets could our family possibly have?"
"Heather mentioned it. She's adamant that Alex must have a secret handbook containing special skills." Ralph recalled Heather's determined eyes and the recent engagement. He wondered if her motives were solely tied to the supposed handbook.
"What special skills? I think she's obsessed with this idea and has been watching too much television! As you said, a woman like her shouldn't be so involved in this. Why is it constantly on her mind?" After a pause, Margaret added, "Speaking of Heather, aren't you two getting married next month? Why isn't there any progress? What else needs arranging? Did you prepare everything? Don't count on me to help you!"
The home lacked a festive atmosphere. Ralph's impending marriage was evident, yet the house remained undecorated.
After some hesitation, Ralph announced, "Our marriage might not happen."
Fearful of upsetting his mother, he delivered the news haltingly. Nevertheless, he knew he couldn't conceal it. Heather was likely to call off the wedding and had even raised the issue of equitable division of assets, treating the whole affair like a business transaction.
"What?!" Margaret's anger flared. She stared at him so intensely that she nearly fainted.
"Don't worry. It's not a big deal!" He quickly steadied his mother, grinning, eager to resolve the matter swiftly. "Even if it does happen, it won't end well. It's not like I can't find another partner."
"What nonsense are you spouting?" Margaret, never having struck him before, was so enraged that she raised her walking stick to strike him.
"So everything I said earlier was pointless? Did you forget everything I said? Have you forgotten why we arranged this marriage and why you should marry Heather? You must've forgotten what you can gain from this marriage, too!"
"How can you even say this? Didn't you just propose yesterday? How can you change your mind so fast? Are you out of your mind? You're embarrassing yourself and your family!" Margaret raised her stick again, but hesitated, instead lightly patting his body.
Ralph didn't dodge, sensing her reluctance to strike him. He said, smiling, "You even know about my proposal? You're still keeping up with the latest updates." Margaret's age was showing; a few scoldings and gestures had left her breathless, yet her anger persisted. "You must be kidding me!"
"You're not going to hit me?" Ralph smiled and offered his mother some tea. "Have a drink. Look at yourself. So old and still so grumpy. Don't be angry; listen to what I have to say first. It's not bad if Heather and I don't get married. I know what I deserve, and it's best not to marry a crazy person, right?"