With

Chapter 25

Ever since Calla graduated from college, she worked hard to support the family financially and fund Zoey’s education. She didn’t think she’d ever done anything wrong.

“The nerve of you to ask me why! Although I’m a weak woman, I’ve always lived a principled life. You’ve humiliated me! Carol shouted.

“What on earth did I do, Mom?” Calla asked even though she had an idea what this could be about. Could it be that Carol found out about her pregnancy?

True enough, Carol questioned her, “Are you pregnant?”

“I am,” Calla admitted. She had never lied to Carol before.

Carol slumped onto the couch and started sobbing. “Why is my life so hard? My husband abandoned me so early on in life. It wasn’t easy for me to raise you myself, but I did it in the hopes that you would make me proud someday. Yet, look what you did. You went and got yourself pregnant! How disgraceful is this!”

Calla instantly figured out that Peggy was it again. Peggy was hellbent on messing with her life.

Despite feeling infuriated about Peggy, Calla decided to console Carol first. After all, she understood all the hardships Carol had gone through.

“Let me explain, Mom-*

“What’s there for you to say? How long has it been since you and Tim broke up? How can you be pregnant already? Have you decided to become a loose woman and sleep around with random men?” Carol screeched. She was so outraged that she started hitting Calla again.

Calla didn’t try to dodge. She let Carol hit her to her heart’s content. As it was, she thought Carol was right. She had messed up by having a one–night stand and ending up pregnant afterward. However, she couldn’t admit that to Carol–not because she feared being scolded, but because she didn’t want Carol to feel upset.

“You misunderstood me, Mom! Even though Tim and I broke up not too long ago, I didn’t fool around with other men. When I was down in the dumps, I met a man I got along very well with, so… we started dating. Here, look at this. We even registered our marriage today. We’re serious about our relationship!”

While speaking, Calla hastily took the marriage license out of her bag.

She was genuinely relieved that she had agreed to marry Mercer. Otherwise, she didn’t know how she would explain the situation to Carol.

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415 BONUS

Feeling doubtful, Carol took the marriage license and studied it carefully.

“Mercer Garland?” Carol read the name out.

“That’s right,” Calla hurriedly said with a nod.

“How old is he?” Carol asked.

Calla was stumped. She didn’t know his age. Nevertheless, she took a quick glance at the date of birth listed on the marriage license. He was born four years earlier than she was, so she hurriedly replied, “He’s 29.*

“Does he have siblings? What do his parents do? What does he work as? What’s his personality like?” Carol questioned in a rapid–fire manner.

Rolling her eyes, Calla had no choice but to come up with a story on the spot. “He’s the only son in his family. His hometown is somewhere in the countryside, and he… doesn’t come from a well–to–do background.

“He’s just a regular office worker. He’s not doing very well financially–he can’t afford to buy a house yet. That’s why I dared not introduce him to you. But, he’s a good person, and he takes good care of me.”

She couldn’t believe it. She, who had never lied before, was lying through her teeth now. In all honesty, she was impressed with her ability to form such an elaborate lie.

“Is that all he is? He’s nowhere near as decent as Harlan, the guy I found for you a while back,” Carol remarked while pursing her lips.

“Well, that professor doesn’t like me, Mom, Calla reminded Carol. To avoid being pestered by Carol, Calla had previously told Carol that Harlan wasn’t interested in her. “That’s true. There’s no point in marrying someone who doesn’t like you, no matter how good he is. All that matters is you marry someone who has good character, is hardworking, and treats you well.

“I’m not the kind of mom who insists that you marry rich. Anyway, tell your husband to come over tomorrow. Let me meet him,” Carol declared. She was finally smiling.

D

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