“No, no! That’s not true!”” Sheila defended Dustin when they said he did something wrong. She shook her head and continued, ” He’s not a bad person. You can’t simply accuse him!'”
“Silly girl, you’re pretty young. Some people hide their true selves really well, and you might not notice it. Only someone like your dad, who can tell things apart, can see it,” Caden said.
“Yes, Sheila, Dustin definitely has ulterior motives. Don’t let him fool you, “the others chimed in and tried to persuade her.
“I don’t believe it! Dustin would never hurt anyone!” Sheila pleaded and turned to Lily. “Mom, please say something. You know Dustin saved me once and cured Dad’s illness, right?”
“Caden, is there a misunderstanding here?” Lily tried to mediate.
“Nonsense!” Caden shouted. With a frown, he said, “Sheila might not see it, but can’t you? I’ve met all kinds of people over the years. Some folks will do anything to gain favor or move up in society. I’ve seen it happen.”
“But-”
Lily wanted to say more, but Caden interrupted her. He asked, “Do you not believe my judgment?”
“That’s not what I meant.” Lily felt embarrassed and didn’t want to upset her husband. So, she stayed quiet instead of defending Dustin.
“Dad! Mom! Why are you doing this?” Sheila was upset because Dustin had saved her father’s life, but now he was being treated unfairly.
“Sheila, I know you care about Dustin, but don’t let your feelings blind you,” Caden advised.
He added, “He doesn’t have money or a high social status. You two are very different, and it won’t work out.”
“Dad, what are you saying?” Sheila felt embarrassed and angry.
“I’m saying this because I want the best for you. Your future husband should be successful and well-off. Dustin is from a different world. He doesn’t fit the bill,” Caden said, disapproving of a country doctor being his son-in-law.
“Listen to Uncle Caden, Sheila. Dustin and our family come from different backgrounds,” Jayden chimed in.
“Yes, Sheila, you need to face reality. Dustin might be charming, but people like him can be quite cunning,” Vivian added.
“Sheila, we’re just looking out for you. Consider our advice and maybe distance yourself from Dustin. Break ties with him if you can,” Evan advised.
“Stop it, please!” Sheila covered her ears. She couldn’t believe Dustin was a bad person, but she struggled with the obvious social gap between them. She wondered if she had the right to pick her friends.
“Sheila, this is the truth,” Lily whispered.
“Being friends with Dustin is fine, but don’t get too involved. In this world, some people are meant to be leaders, and others aren’t. Love alone can’t bridge such a big gap.”
She appreciated Dustin for saving her husband and daughter but didn’t support their relationship.
“That’s enough… I won’t listen… you’re all wrong!” Sheila couldn’t handle their criticism and left the room.
Her family’s opposition and her friends advice hurt deeply. She wondered if her feelings for Dustin were a mistake.
“Sheila!”
Lily wanted to follow, but Caden stopped her. “Let her be. She needs to grow up.”
“I hope she’ll come around,” Lily sighed quietly. In her experience, love often didn’t lead to happiness. She had seen many wealthy young women give up everything for love and end up heartbroken.
