Chapter 14
Chapter 0014 +15 BONOSExclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
It was already 9.30 p.m. in the quiet Belmont Hills, and the soon—to—be- demolished dilapidated buildings appeared even more eerie under the moonlight.
Except for Olivia, none of the Cheshire family were asleep yet.
Patrick and Susanne solemnly sat in the living room. The pale-faced Amber occasionally looked up at the small gold statue of Hygieia, the goddess of health, on the dining table. Her gaze was filled with sorrow.
They had made a mistake.
Earlier this afternoon, Amber had used her hard-earned savings of 4500 dollars to buy the statue, planning to give it to Donovan as a birthday gift the following day. However, everything changed just moments ago.
Donovan called, scolding Patrick and banning him and Susanne from attending his birthday celebration. Not only that, but he also cut all ties with Patrick.
Donovan’s anger flared as he recounted all of Alexander's recent misdeeds of causing trouble at the Tempest Hound Stadium and violently beating up Herbert and Elliot...
Alexander had effectively soured relations with the Dorvall family. “Alexander made too much of a mess this time!” Patrick grew angrier by the second, slapping the table.
Ever since their expulsion from the Cheshire family, Patrick had been holding onto the faint hope that Donovan would allow their family to return home. This birthday celebration was supposed to be their best chance.
Unfortunately, Alexander’s return changed everything. He stirred up a massive storm, jeopardizing their only chance of rejoining the Cheshire family.
They would never be welcomed back at this rate.
Susanne gleaned at Amber and said nervously, “Grandpa says you should take Olivia and Alexander to his birthday celebration. You need to explain everything in person and make amends with Herbert and Elliot. You shouldn’t worry about anything. If Grandpa wants to blame anyone, and if the Dorvall family seeks revenge, let Alexander face the consequences on his own.”
Amber’s face grew even paler. She bit her lip and, with trembling hands, began to sign.
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“Mom, Dad... Alex and I-.“!
Knock, knock, knock!
The knock on the door interrupted Amber.
Patrick opened the door, and his fury was evident when he saw Alexander. “It’s you!”
This good—for—nothing neglected his responsibilities. Instead of looking for
work, he vanished for hours, leaving Amber and Olivia waiting for dinner until well past eight!
Patrick could not help but wonder if Alexander still considered this place home, or if he still considered Amber and her family as his own.
Patrick would rather have his daughter marry a dog. Dogs would know to guard their homes, at least!
“Mom, Dad,” Alexander greeted as he walked into the living room. He saw the small gold Hygieia on the dining table and instantly understood.
They must have been discussing Donovan’s birthday celebration tomorrow and even bought a gift.
“Tomorrow, you, Amber, and Olivia will attend the birthday celebration,” Patrick said, his gaze locked onto Alexander's eyes. His fists clenched and then relaxed, repeating the pattern. Finally, he turned to look at Amber, who was as pale as a ghost, angrily adding, “When the time comes, bring that small gold Hygieia statue. Plead with Grandpa to show mercy, and hopefully, he'll cut you some slack. As for the Dorvall family... You’re on your own!”
Patrick huffed and grabbed Susanne, and they walked back to their room.
Alexander turned his attention to Amber and pulled out the Skyflower from his pocket with a smile. “Amber, | went to Serandsi this afternoon. This is...”
Amber tightly covered her ears, tears streaming uncontrollably. He was lying. He was lying all over again!
The frantic Amber gestured at Alexander, saying, “Alexander, | don’t mind that you’re a good—for—nothing! You lost your parents in that car accident, had no choice but to marry into the Chesire family, and become my husband. | accept that! I’ve accepted all of it! But when you enlisted and went off to war, after all these years of battle, can’t you be a bit more mature and responsible? Can’t you show some stability? Hiring a convoy and proposing to me was moving and thoughtful, and I’m grateful for that, but those are just superficial gestures!”
Amber stopped for a moment as she was too emotional. Then, she continued, The truth is, you've offended the Dorvall family and Grandpa. | can stand by your side and face the consequences with you, but you need to man up and face everything head— on! A trip to Serandsi? Why don’t you say you went to outer space? How long will you keep lying to me?”