Stefanie’s eyes flickered with panic. How did she know about this? However, she still instinctively defended herself, “Nonsense! Who used your name? Don’t bull in front of the children!”
“Are you scared?” Winnie taunted coldly.
“As if! I’m saying you’re spreading lies!”
At that, Winnie withdrew her gaze indifferently and turned back to Alex. “Your father came to me in a panic the next day. He didn’t say anything, just held me tightly in his arms. I asked him what was wrong, and he said it was nothing. I sensed something was off, but I only guessed that he was keeping something from me. I didn’t know it was something this big.
Two months later, your mother approached your father and told him she was pregnant. Your father couldn’t hide it any longer and revealed everything to me. We cried for a long time, and your father kept apologizing to me. I didn’t know what to do!”
“Back in the day, people still held traditional values,” she continued. “Unwed pregnancy was almost a disaster for young men and women. If this matter had been exposed, the consequences would range from being fired. from the factory to writing self-criticisms and undergoing criticism sessions. It would be a lifetime of shame. That’s why, given the circumstances at the time, your father felt responsible toward you and your mother, so they got married.”
Everyone felt a twinge of sympathy at that. So, this was how the marriage came to be….
Alex looked somewhat lost as he stared at Edmont and Winnie sitting across from him. He didn’t know whether to blame them or not. They were lovers torn apart by an unexpected turn of events.
He could somewhat empathize with them. Although their situation differed from his and Jewel’s, the helplessness and pain of separation were no different, but should he blame his mother for this? Although his mother. had used despicable means, it was somewhat understandable that she did it to be with the person she loved. Should he blame Edmont, then?
He was drunk and probably thought he was sleeping with his beloved. Should he blame Winnie?
No, he couldn’t blame her. She was innocent! Moreover, they were a couple in love, but they were torn apart. So what if she managed to win Edmont back? It was just tit for tat!
While he understood where everyone was coming from, Stefanie was indignant. “I had no idea you were dating him. Stop talking nonsense.”
To that, Winnie argued, “Do you want me to find the note you wrote using my name to ask Edmont out back then? I’ve kept those things all along. Although they can’t be used as evidence, they can prove that Edmont never liked you the whole time. You’re the one who intruded into our relationship!”
“Nonsense!” Stefanie barked. “Whether he likes me or not, we were legally wedded. You were the one who intruded into our marriage, and you can never wash away the guilt of being a homewrecker in your lifetime. Every word you said is baseless in the face of the law! You’re cowardly and incapable of fighting for it yourself, yet you shamelessly interfere in other people’s marriages. And now you’re playing the victim?”
“I’m not playing the victim.” Winnie’s gaze turned piercing. “I just don’t want my niece to feel ashamed in front of you. You stole the man who should’ve been mine. Your marriage was protected by the law, but no one intruded on your marriage!
After you two got married, I cut off contact with Edmont. We only happened to meet again by chance. We were extremely cautious, afraid of crossing any boundaries. But you still harbored suspicions and wouldn’t let go. Your words were even beyond humiliating.
It was because Edmont couldn’t stand your suspicions and jealousy anymore that he divorced you. It was you who pushed him into my arms. What right do you have to claim to be the one who’s been wronged? The consequences you face today are entirely your own doing!”
