Chapter 7

Rebecca’s head buzzed as the call ended. Theodore’s parents had found out? And his grandmother had an episode this morning? She felt worried for them. Ever since she married Theodore, his grandparents, Sam and Melissa Edwards, had been incredibly kind, treating her like family. Every time they met, Sam and Melissa showered her with attention. She’d never told them about the past because of her grandmother’s fragile health, fearing the impact. But now, they knew everything. Rebecca just hoped they were alright.

“Becky, what’s wrong?” Debra asked cautiously, sensing her daughter’s distress.

Rebecca hesitated before explaining Theodore’s grandparents were coming. Debra frowned. “Theodore rushed out this morning. Do you think it was because his grandma fell ill?” Her expression quickly soured. “Anyway, Becky, we can’t keep someone like Theodore. When his grandparents come tonight, don’t let them sway you. We still need to go through with the divorce. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Don’t let this jerk hold you back!”

Rebecca looked at her mother, feeling grateful. She was lucky to have her.

That evening, Sam and Melissa arrived with Theodore. They looked at Rebecca immediately—seeing her in her coat, sitting on the bed with the baby—a mix of joy and heartache filled their faces. “Theodore, get over here and apologize to your wife!” Melissa scolded sharply.

Rebecca was surprised. Melissa was making Theodore apologize?

Theodore looked at Rebecca, and she looked back. After a moment, he said, “I’m sorry.”

Melissa swung her cane, cracking it against Theodore’s shin. “Keep your head down! Apologizing shouldn’t be done so arrogantly. Show some sincerity!”

Theodore was stunned. He looked at Melissa, shocked.

Holding the cane, Melissa scolded, “What are you looking at? Just because you’re a grown man doesn’t mean I can’t teach you a lesson! Now, apologize to your wife! And mean it this time!”

Though frustrated, Theodore didn’t dare defy her. He turned to Rebecca, lowered his head, and apologized, “I’m sorry, Rebecca.”

After his apology, Melissa grunted, satisfied. Sam, meanwhile, was already stealing glances at his great-grandchildren. He clearly adored them.

Melissa walked over, her eyes sweeping over Rebecca and the children. The longer she looked, the wider her smile grew. These were her great-grandchildren! “Rebecca, don’t be scared of him. This marriage isn’t ending. As long as I’m breathing, he won’t even think about divorce! You married him when he was in a vegetative state, took care of him every day, and brought him back from the brink of death. You saved his life. If he dares to let you down, I swear on my life, I’ll beat him to death. My grandson better not be ungrateful, or I’ll be turning in my grave.”

Melissa sat by the bed, comforting Rebecca. She was as protective as ever, but Debra, nearby, couldn’t hold back. How could they not get a divorce? Her sweet daughter had her whole life ahead of her. She couldn’t be tied down to that good-for-nothing Theodore.

“Ma’am, I have to say I disagree. Rebecca and Theodore are young. If they’re not happy together anymore, why force it? They’ll both end up miserable, don’t you think?” Debra spoke up. Melissa paused and looked at Debra.

Rebecca quickly introduced, “Grandma, um… Debra is my friend.”

Chapter 1 (This section appears to be misplaced and should be reconsidered for proper placement)

“Debra, this is Theodore’s grandmother, Melissa,” Rebecca said, introducing her mother.

At that moment, they silently agreed to keep their true connection secret, not wanting the Edwards family to know.

“Friend?” Melissa stammered, confused. “Rebecca, how can you two be friends with such a big age…”

“Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I can’t be friends with Rebecca! I could be eighty and still be besties with a six-year-old!” Debra, disliking the Edwards, fired back. “That’s called intergenerational friendship!” Theodore’s grandfather chimed in.

“Melissa, your grandson is a jerk. Rebecca gave him her all, and look how he treated her. Do you really think your good-for-nothing grandson deserves our Rebecca? If they want a divorce, then go on! Rebecca has a whole wonderful life ahead of her. Why should such a good girl waste her life on a piece of trash like him?” Debra’s voice dripped with sarcasm. The memory of being left in the courthouse was fresh. They were this close to finalizing the divorce when Theodore took that damned phone call and vanished, abandoning her daughter and ruining the appointment. She was livid!

Melissa, never insulted in her life, paled. She struggled to breathe, feeling faint.

Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat. She jumped out of bed to help Melissa. Theodore and Sam reacted quickly, catching Melissa before she fell. Sam quickly got a pill bottle from Melissa’s pocket, helped her swallow a pill.

Moments later, color returned to Melissa’s cheeks.

Theodore’s face was grim. “Rebecca, have you had enough of this? If you want a divorce, let’s get this over with, now!” he roared.

But before anyone could react, Melissa raised her cane and hit Theodore repeatedly, chasing him around the room. Melissa wasn’t in good health, so Theodore didn’t dare fight back. He was humiliated and furious, and it was all Rebecca’s fault!

He began to suspect Rebecca had deliberately told Melissa about the divorce, causing her episode at the courthouse… The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He was convinced Rebecca had orchestrated the whole thing, feigning a desire for divorce while secretly rallying Melissa to her side! ‘Heh, she is now even more annoying than before!’