Upon returning to the office, I quickly grasped the meaning behind his previous remarks. All of my ongoing projects had been reassigned to Sophia Rice, who had been promoted to team leader. She constantly wore a cheerful expression and delegated various tasks to me.
Michael Anderson would take Sophia Rice out for lunch daily. Whenever he encountered me, his gaze was frosty, as if I were a
complete stranger.
The online controversy surrounding the Anderson family was intensifying, attracting more attention each day. He then requested that I join him at a press conference organized by the Anderson family on Monday.
At the event, I was expected to clarify that Sophia Rice was not involved in an affair. Instead, he wanted me to claim that I had exploited her absence abroad to interfere in their relationship and had coerced him into marriage due to pregnancy.
He presented it as a favorable arrangement, stating that I would remain the envied Mrs. Anderson, but would need to endure some temporary criticism. This would resolve the Anderson family’s internal conflict and protect Sophia Rice’s reputation.
He insisted that my impulsive behavior at the wedding necessitated this solution, so I should accept the consequences. I promptly refused and blocked all communication with him.
< 4.04
Michael Anderson’s parents approached me again, cautioning that
it would be wise to comply with their plans and not to assume I had free rein simply because I was carrying an Anderson family
child.
I treated them similarly to Michael Anderson and decided to resign from the company immediately.
My professional skills are considerable, and numerous companies had previously sought to recruit me. However, as I reached out to them one by one, everyone seemed evasive. I realized the Anderson family was behind this, attempting to pressure me into agreeing to the press conference.
This time, I refused to yield. After another failed application, a former client contacted me about a new overseas industrial project requiring personnel. The salary would match Anderson’s, but the position would be abroad. I considered whether to pursue this opportunity.
As an only child, thoughts of my parents made me hesitate. I have agreed to contemplate the offer for now.
Upon returning to my hotel, my father called to inform me that my mother was experiencing another headache. I rushed home in a taxi.
As I opened the door, I discovered Michael Anderson waiting inside. My mother took my bag, appearing surprisingly energetic. I looked at her intently and felt a sudden realization–I had once again been betrayed by my own parents.
At dinner, Michael Anderson sat beside me, constantly adding food
4.04
to my plate. The three of them acted jovially, as if they were the perfect family. My mother lavished praise on Michael Anderson, saying, “Michael Anderson is such an exceptional son–in–law. Not only does he come from a respectable family, but he’s also so
attentive to Emma.”
Even my father, despite being the elder, poured wine for Michael Anderson with a sycophantic smile.
As the conversation progressed, I found myself saying that I had been too rash at the wedding and thanked Michael Anderson for his forgiveness.
Their fawning attitude shattered my resolve. I felt my eyes welling up with frustration, but I clung awkwardly to the glass of milk my mother had just handed me.
Michael Anderson, still smiling, said, “It’s alright. After all, we’re going to be married. Even if Emma makes mistakes, I’ll try to be understanding. It’s just a press conference…”
His eyes lingered on me, filled with disdain and the confidence of someone who believed they had already won.
I gripped the glass tightly, causing milk to spill over, dripping down the table and pooling on the floor. Unable to contain my
frustration, I looked at my parents and asked, “Am I truly your biological daughter? Why have you never supported me through any difficulties since childhood? I’ve already told you–I will never be with Michael Anderson again!”
Michael Anderson frowned, clearly confused as to why I was being so obstinate this time after having compromised so often before.
4:04
My mother paused her frantic wiping of the table, and the milk–soaked rag fell onto my head. Sticky milk mixed with dirt trickled down my face.
She turned to Michael Anderson, smiling apologetically, and said, “Michael Anderson! It’s all Auntie’s fault. She didn’t raise Emma properly, and now she wants a divorce over such a minor issue.”
Then, without hesitation, she slapped me and angrily exclaimed,
Emma, do you think you’re still a twenty–year–old girl? You’re thirty! A woman in her thirties is considered a failure. Michael Anderson doesn’t look down on you for being older, but I certainly do for being so stubborn! You should be grateful he even tolerates you, and yet you still want a divorce! How poorly brought up can you be?”
“How long are you going to make a fuss over something so trivial from the wedding? If you can’t think about yourself, at least consider the child and the parents in your belly!”
My face was turned to the side, stinging painfully. Michael Anderson seemed taken aback by his mother–in–law’s sudden aggression. He quickly stood up and reached out to support me, but my mother’s next slap landed on his shoulder instead.
With a sympathetic tone, he asked, “Are you alright? I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Then he turned to his mother–in–law, his expression serious. “Auntie, she is my woman, and she’s pregnant with a child from the Anderson family. If this happens again, even if you are her mother, I won’t hold back.”
< 4.04
My mother looked stunned, momentarily at a loss for words. I sneered, feeling disgusted. “Michael Anderson, why are you pretending to be a good person now? Isn’t this what you wanted to
see?”
He seemed flustered by my gaze, and the aloof man I once knew looked genuinely lost. “Emma, you…”
“Oh, so you really want me to take on Sophia Rice’s reputation as a mistress, do you? Fine, I’ll go to the press conference! Just don’t come crying to me later!”
With that, I slammed the door of my house behind me, the sound echoing my frustration.
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