Chapter 142
Chapter 142
Ella was momentarily taken aback, seemingly caught off guard by the situation.
It took a considerable amount of time before she came back to her senses. “Aunt Andrea, did you hear the way your granddaughter-in-law was speaking? Her husband works so tirelessly to support their family financially. She doesn’t even have a job and relies solely on Alastor for financial support. Doesn’t she care about her husband at all? How can she speak so callously?”
Andrea had grown accustomed to such remarks. With a hint of frustration on her face, she retorted, “I was finally discharged today. This should be a cause for celebration. If you have something to say, please, continue. If not, then please, shut your mouth. A wife’s role is to be loved and supported. Will your satisfaction only come if your children tread the same path as you, living in discomfort? Both of them have their own lives to lead. Why do you feel the need to pass judgment?”
A faint smile curled at the corners of Anastasia’s lips as she observed Andrea. She couldn’t help but think that Andrea might be the only rational person in the entire Lopez family.
“Aunt Andrea, look at what you’re doing. You must stop spoiling her. I’ve heard from Naomi that this daughter-in-law of yours isn’t as pleasant as she appears,” Ella retorted, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. When she spotted Naomi entering the scene, it was as if she had found an ally. “Naomi, see this for yourself! Your daughter-in-law won’t even move. Even Alastor had to take care of washing the fruits for her.”
A shadow passed over Naomi’s face. No matter how she looked at it, she found nothing appealing about Anastasia. However, Alastor had previously warned her about Andrea’s fragile health and her inability to endure shocks. So, she chose not to cross the line. “Humph, she’s not one to tolerate being controlled, is she?” Naomi mocked.
Anastasia remained composed in her seat, a sneer playing on her lips.
“Annie, come join me in the other room. The atmosphere here is suffocating,” Andrea urged in a low voice as she gently took hold of Anastasia’s hand, guiding her to another room.
Anastasia offered a grateful smile to Andrea. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
“Annie, tell me the truth. You and Alastor… Are you two fighting?” Andrea murmured.
Despite her age, her sixth sense remained keen.
Anastasia lowered her head. Not a single word escaped her lips.
“Annie, even if you are not my biological granddaughter, I’d like to understand things from your perspective,” Andrea said, sighing softly before retrieving a bracelet from a jewelry box. “This bracelet was originally meant for my daughter-in-law, but Naomi didn’t like it, and found it old-fashioned. Perhaps it suits you better.”
“Grandma Andrea…” Anastasia hesitated, wanting to decline the offer. However, if she did that, she would have to tell her about her impending divorce from Alastor.
“Annie, whatever may be happening, I want you to think it through. You and Alastor must trust one another. That child… He had never received much paternal affection during his childhood, and that’s been his loss. Not to mention, his mother is a woman with an assertive personality. He mostly grew up with his grandfather. The wound from his own family would inevitably leave some lingering scars,” Andrea said tenderly.
She hoped Anastasia would show more empathy towards Alastor.
Andrea continued, “But if you genuinely feel mistreated, then you must prioritize your own well-being. If Alastor truly lets you slip away, it would only mean he was unworthy of you.” She let out a sigh.
Anastasia looked at Andrea, and a twinge of anxiety crossed her expression as she wondered if Andrea had discovered something.
“That girl, Felicia, I don’t particularly like her. Her utilitarianism is overbearing. Having lived a lengthy life, I must admit to having a keen judgment. Even so, onlookers see most of the game. I’ve said what I have to say. If Alastor can awaken and regain his rationality, please consider affording him another chance. But if he remains obstinate, then perhaps it’s best to move on.” Andrea’s voice grew slightly husky.
She picked up an album from the table, adjusted her glasses, and began leafing through it. “I realize I might come off as self-centered when sharing all this with you. The issues with Alastor were primarily his fault. I have no right to ask you to forgive him. But, I can see that that child still holds feelings for you. He just doesn’t know how to express it properly.”
Anastasia lowered her head and remained silent.
“This is his grandfather,” Andrea said as she smiled, pointing to the photo of a young Maverick.
Alastor bore a striking resemblance to him. In an era where beautifying filters were nonexistent, he was truly a handsome and charismatic man.
Andrea began reminiscing about her past. “Back in our day, marriages are not based on looks but rather arranged by our parents. But me and Maverick chose to fall in love freely.” As she spoke, her face lit up with a triumphant gleam.
“Come on, Grandma Andrea. You’re a beauty yourself.” Anastasia smiled.
Her praise elicited a smile on Andrea’s lips. “You might not know but, Maverick and I were divorced twice before. Despite everything, we managed to find our way back to each other.”
Anastasia glanced at Andrea in shock.
The idea that Andrea and Maverick had gone through divorces was unexpected.
Suddenly, Andrea shared a surprising revelation. “Let me tell you a secret. Alastor’s father is not my biological son. I am not capable of bearing a child.”
Anastasia stared at Andrea in astonishment.