Chapter 96 - Mother’s Thought (1/2)

After the hearty conversation of bitter sweet memories of the tragic past, we decided to watch something to loose the tension. The time went by without our notice.

” We're back!” Stella called out while shutting the door. The ladies came back around the evening time. Me and Mr. Carlton were waiting for them, sitting next to the TV.

” Woah! You guys are glowing!” Making my mouth drop in surprise, I complimented them. Their skin looks so young and refresh. Maybe I should get a spa treatment next time.

” You don't need to say it like that.” Stella hushed me down as she got embarrassed hearing my sugar coated words.

” Please! You deserve more than that. Right dad?” At that moment their gaze fell upon me with a shock.

” Well... kind of.” He was still on his seat, keeping his eyes on the tv screen. Judging by his voice I can tell he's feeling nervous about his next move.

” We only went out for a day and you guys have gotten so close in that time. Very Impressive.”

Mrs. Carlton —— my mother-in-law stated bluntly. It sounded like a mockery with a hint of confusion. A smile peeked from her mouth as she was looking at her husband. Meanwhile Mr. Carlton did his best to stay fixed on the screen, avoiding their eyes.

” Did something happen?” Pulling my body closer towards her, Stella whispered into my ear.

” Nah. We just had a great time. Ever better than yours.” I gave her a smirk but that did not help her on loosing the stress. Her expressions were still tensed.

” ... Uh.... Stella.... I have.... I need to talk to you about something.” Getting up from his seat, Mr. Carlton shuttered while expressing his words.

” Oh okay.” She was still tensed.

” Not here. Let's go to the balcony.” Mr. Carlton let out a deep sigh and they went to the balcony.

I was sitting alone with my mother-in-law. Personally I never had a chance to chat with her. It were just usual conversations. She is probably thinking about what's going on.

Why did Mr. Carlton wanted to have a private talk with Stella? And what was he going to say to her.

It will be better if I let her know beforehand.

” Don't worry. He's going to confess everything to her.” At first she stared at me with a puzzled look. But when she realised the meaning of my words she smiled softly.

” And it was all your doing?” She asked me sweetly with a gentle smile.

” Indeed.” I said proudly.

” I always told him to sort out everything with the kids. They're smart enough to understand the situation and the circumstances. But he denied. He's such a fool.” She complains about her hopeless husband in front of her son-in-law. I can't help but chuckle.

” He's a fool for sure. But a loveable one.” Sarcastic as ever. My remarkable remark made her laugh.

” I'm really thankful to you, Theo. You have done something that not ever a real son would do.” A hint of sorrow splashed on her eyes. Perhaps she's thinking of Neil.