Early the next morning at breakfast, Richard predictably raised the subject again. “Sylvia, eat more. You look thinner again,” he said with a sigh. “It seems this pregnancy really is taking a toll on you. I think letting Alaric marry into both families to take care of you would be best.”
Christine nodded encouragingly. “You’re Azazel’s wife, and Alaric is our eldest son. As Azazel’s older brother, he should take responsibility for the family. It’s only right that he cares for you—you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about it.”
I didn’t know what Azazel had told Rebecca the night before, but this time she didn’t object. She merely looked unhappy, clenching her fists and staring at me with jealousy and hatred.
I looked up at Azazel. His face showed impatience, his tone harsh: “Hmph. You brought up terminating the pregnancy yesterday just to force me into this arrangement, didn’t you? Fine—for my brother’s child, Rebecca and I will make this sacrifice. I’ll agree!”
He added, annoyed: “After I agree to this arrangement, stop these childish tantrums, saying things about termination that hurt us and the baby.”
Hearing his words, I nearly laughed from anger. He had committed the most unconscionable acts yet still wanted a child? May his lineage end with him!
Initially, I’d had genuine feelings and reluctance regarding my in-laws. But after hearing their conversation last night, I felt nothing for this family anymore. Their kindness toward me was only because of my father. To them, I was just an outsider they could use.
This made things simpler—I had nothing to hold me back now. I shook my head and said coldly, “The marriage arrangement won’t be necessary. Alaric and Rebecca should live their own lives. As for my child, don’t concern yourselves.”
I had called my father early that morning and asked him to send a driver for me. The driver hadn’t arrived yet, and I was surrounded by the Winters family—it wasn’t in my interest to cause a scene. So I spoke as calmly as possible to my in-laws: “My father’s worried about my grief and fears I might do something drastic. He wants me to stay with him for a few days.”