Stefanie’s face was awash with relief when she heard about Jewel’s resignation, and she reached out to pull Alex over. “Okay, sit down and talk. Let her resign, then. If you prefer female bodyguards, I’ll look for one for you tomorrow.”
Alex jerked away from her hold and demanded, “You recognized her since day one, didn’t you?” The look on her face turned solemn in an instant. “Yes, but I don’t get it. Aren’t there any other women in this world? Why do you only like her?”
He narrowed his eyes at her furiously. “Yes, she’s the only woman I like! It doesn’t matter whether it was eight years ago or not; she’s the only one I like!”
Stefanie immediately jumped from the couch, raised her hand, and slapped him across the face. “Have you been enthralled? Have you forgotten the embarrassing things she did in the past? What makes you think that I’ll allow someone like that to be my daughter-in-law?”
Alex held his cheek as his eyes turned bloodshot. “What happened back then must have been a misunderstanding. Speaking of which, if you hadn’t opposed our relationship so strongly, I wouldn’t have left her in order to coax you, thus causing such a consequence!”
Disbelief appeared in her eyes as she stared at him. “Are you blaming me? Was I the one who pushed her into another man’s arms in the hotel? I’m your mother, Alex. How dare you repay my love with callousness!”
“Yes, you’re my mother, and I’ve always respected and appreciated you. Even Jean from eight years ago and Jewel from eight years later told me the same thing. They have requested me to treat you well. But, Mom, put yourself in her shoes! She had always tried her best to gain your approval, but you’re the one who refuses to see her efforts the entire time and insists on walking in blind and bigoted.”
Stefanie’s eyes turned red-rimmed from anger. “Did I ask for any of that? From the very beginning, I asked only one thing from her, and that is to stay away from you. Who would have thought that she would be like a leech? I drove her off eight years ago, but she returned with a new name eight years later!”
A knot appeared between Alex’s brows. “Did you drive her away eight years ago?” Panic flashed past her eyes as she tried to deny her claims, “I didn’t.”
“Why?!” he yelled. “Why did you drive her away?!” The muscles in her neck tensed as she snapped, “There’s no reason. She’s not good enough for you. That was the case eight years ago and even more so now!”
He staggered backward, utterly disappointed in his mother. “I didn’t know you could be so unreasonable. What do you mean she’s not good enough for me? Only the individuals involved in a relationship would know if they’re compatible with each other, so I know she’s the one for me. How can you draw such a conclusion based on twisted facts?
Do you know what happened to Jean after you drove her away? Did you see the aftermath with your own two eyes? She has amnesia, forgot everything that happened between us, and became a mute. She had only recently received treatment and could finally give voice to her thoughts. I have no idea what you discussed with her today, but it must have been unpleasant enough that it caused her throat to turn worse. She’s such a nice girl. Why can’t you accept her?”
“Nice?” Stefanie screamed shrilly, wholly furious. “Just look at how tightly she gripped my hand. Look at the bruises! You have no idea how strong she is.”
“And I’m confident that she was only defending herself,” he retorted hotly. She was so incensed that she barked, “Alex Road! Is she the only woman in your heart?”
“Yes!” Alex snapped angrily. “Mom, if you truly love me as much as you claim, stop causing trouble for her!” Stefanie finally confronted him and asked with indignation, “What if I strongly oppose this?”
Alex took another step back with disillusioned eyes, but his voice was exceptionally calm. “Then, you’re forcing me to draw a line between us!”
