Chapter 15

Just as Myra and Dexter stood in a tense standoff, Felicia emerged from around the corner, positioning herself directly before them. Dexter and Myra were startled, their faces betraying visible panic. "Licia, how long have you been here?" Dexter asked.

"I've been here all along," Felicia replied, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her expression remained indifferent and distant, making it impossible to discern her true feelings. Dexter felt a sharp pain in his head, realizing Felicia had overheard their conversation.

Myra clenched her jaw, deciding to be direct. "Licia, I need to talk to you!"

"Go ahead," Felicia responded, playfully rubbing her ear.

Dexter's heart tightened. He pulled Myra aside, whispering, "What do you want to say? Don't you think our daughter is already distant enough?"

Myra, suppressing her frustration, exclaimed, "Since things have come to this, it's better to just say it!"

"Licia, Kayla is your sister. At the party, I revealed your identity. It's unfair to Kayla; she'll be ridiculed as an imposter. She's been spoiled; she can't handle this humiliation—"

Felicia interrupted, "Get to the point."

"Licia, everyone knows your sister likes Arnold. They were childhood sweethearts! Everyone thinks they're a perfect match! So, I hope you won't take Mr. Lawson Senior's proposal seriously."

A laugh bubbled up in Felicia, but tears unexpectedly welled in her eyes. Past grievances, the humiliation and abandonment, overwhelmed her. Despite her smile, the tears flowed uncontrollably. With a touch of self-mockery, she asked, "What if I like him too, Mom?"

Since her return to the Fuller family, Felicia had never called Myra "Mom." Even at the party, Myra had hoped to hear it. Now, the word was spoken, but in a heartbreaking context.

Myra felt overwhelmed, her hands trembling. Loving both daughters, her heart ached with guilt. She covered her face and wept. Dexter embraced her, saying to Felicia, "Licia, your mother didn't mean it that way. Don't take it to heart; pretend you didn't hear it."

Could she pretend the harm hadn't been done? Could she ignore the growing rift? Felicia wiped away her tears, her vulnerability vanishing as her usual aloof demeanor returned.

"Don't worry, I won't acknowledge Mr. Lawson Senior's proposal, and I certainly don't want Arnold!"

Felicia turned to leave, but Myra's crying intensified.

Agitated, Dexter exclaimed, "Isn't this what you wanted? Why are you still crying?"

"Are you blaming me?" Myra retorted, lifting her head, anger flashing in her eyes. "Don't you think that way too?"

"Well, you can't say that! You're being unreasonable!"

"Who's being unreasonable? Tell me!"

The couple, married for over twenty years, argued more fiercely than ever before.

Meanwhile, a conflict brewed at the Lawson residence. Arnold, unexpectedly entangled in a marriage proposal, complained, "Grandpa, how could you propose to the Fuller family without consulting me? And to her!"

"To whom?" Matthew asked, sipping his tea.

"To—" Arnold hesitated, unable to utter Felicia's name. He only remembered her beautiful face and infuriating remark from the party.