“Oh, Ethan. I know you have a lot on your belt. The last thing you need is another responsibility. Since you already divorced her, you should be more intent on your new woman who is now with your child.” Mrs. Rivera stated with a mild smile. “I will handle things as I have always done.”
“Don’t worry Mother, I will be more present at work to alleviate the stress from the business,” April said, hoping to put the matter to rest. She wanted her future husband the farthest from June and her grubby slutful ways.
Especially now that her body would be undergoing a big change in the future. She didn’t trust Ethan when it came to things behind skirts.
Thankfully, her soon-to-be mother-in-law spoke, “That’s settled then. I think we should go on and talk about more important matters.” She said with a wave of her hand.
Mrs. Rivera swallowed her words and nodded. She had hoped to verify if Ethan still held a semblance of emotion for her older daughter, but she wasn’t still clear on the matter.
Nevertheless, she put the matter to rest, deciding She was going to check in when another opportunity presented itself, as well as solicit some funds for the business that dwindled as the days rushed past.
“April is carrying the first grandson of the Lontoc family.” Mrs Olivia declared proudly, gazing at her son like a priced possession. “I’d like to know everything we need to make everything official.”
“The Lontoc family will not have any child outside wedlock, so I have come to know your mind on getting our children married once again. Hopefully this time, we get things right.”
An awkward moment passed in the room due to her choice of words, but Mrs. Olivia was done addressing them with respect. They were in no way equals and she was incessant to establish that before they became in-laws once again.
“Oh yes. I am more than happy to have my daughter go into marriage with your son. I apologize for the misfortunes my eldest daughter has brought upon you.”
Sitting up, Mrs Olivia smiled. “Good. In the absence of any objections, I will go on to prepare for the wedding ceremony.” She announced, getting up on her feet. “You must understand that April will be living with us so I can take proper care of her until the wedding.”
Mrs. Lontoc’s tone left little room for refusal, establishing her dominance. “We will keep in touch.” She added, and got on her feet, happy to have established her point.
Ethan looked like a deer in headlights. He put up a strained smile and hoped his in-law would understand. When Mrs Rivera smiled, he felt a bit of relief.
“Thank you for coming. I will keep in touch.”
That marked the end of their interactions and soon enough, the Lontoc family was driving out of the Rivera mansion, leaving behind their lavish gifts.
Ethan, April and Mrs. Lontoc came back to a flaming house. Ethan’s father, Gary Lontoc had just returned from a trip and met with the news of June’s divorce and absence in the house.
In a tension-riddled dinner, he brought up the case with his estranged wife. “I cannot find my daughter-in-law.” He started, speaking to Ethan. “Did you send her on an errand?”
Gary Lontoc asked, knowing exactly what had transpired in his home during his absence. Ethan and his father never had a smooth relationship due to his strict upbringing.
One of the reasons why the Elder man never saw eye to eye with his wife who pampered their child spoiled, alongside a couple of other reasons that shredded their once lovely marriage, turning them into willfully bonded strangers in their home.
“June has been divorced from this home,” Olivia spoke with clenched teeth. “She will no more be returning.”
“Says who?” Gary said in a strict tone and his son shifted in his seat. “For as long as I am concerned, June Lontoc is and will continue to be my daughter-in-law. I want her returned to this house by morning.”
At the command of his father, Ethan felt the room enclosed and April shivered in her seat. She had always been afraid of Ethan’s father and hated that her sister was able to gain the favour of a man who was a cold fort to even his family members.
Nevertheless, she decided to speak, hoping to gain the heart of her soon-to-be father-in-law. “Father. My sister has-”
“Who are you?” His tone was sharp and cutting as he turned to his wife. “Why is a stranger sitting at our table, Olivia?”
“Father-” April tried to speak, which earned her a cold look from the elderly man, causing her mouth to snap shut.
Ethan who was done having his father speak to his intended wife in such a manner couldn’t hold back any longer.
“She is the mother of your grandchild, father!” He said in a raised tone, “If you had at least given me an opportunity to introduce her.”
“No grandchild of mine will come from a strange woman! The only grandchild I will acknowledge is one born from my daughter-in-law!” Gary emanated royalty as he spoke, domineering and powerful.
“June is incapable of giving birth! We have gone through this already.” Olivia intervened. “Our son has proven that he is indeed a man and that the problem has been that slut all along.”
Moved by anger at his wife’s choice of words, Gary raised his hand, stopping himself mid-way from dishing out a slap on the elder woman’s face.
“Do not speak foolishly woman!” He opted and got on his feet, shaking the table. “I don’t want to see this woman anywhere in this house! The earlier you bring my daughter-in-law back home, the better it is for us all!”
Filled with anger, the elderly man made his way out of the dining room, leaving his family with a bewildered look on their faces.
“I am so sorry, mother. Father..” April became teary. “I didn’t mean to cause such trouble. I will leave the house and get rid of the baby. I will do anything to please Father.”
The words were piercing needles in Olivia’s ears.
“You will do no such thing to my grandchild.” She dropped her fork loudly on the plate, every former trace of anger dissipated as anger filled her stomach. “I don’t know what that wench has done to my husband, but I promise you will be fine,” Olivia reassured but tears kept streaming down her eyes.
Heartbroken and upset at the ill treatments meted out to April, Ethan drew closer to her and engulfed her in a hug. “I’m so sorry, baby. Please don’t cry. We will get to the bottom of things.”
April shook her head and sniffed, “I don’t want this family to be divided because of me. I can’t sit here and watch you suffer at the hands of your father..” April said in a small voice, moving the heart of Ethan the more.
“My father and I have never been in the best relationship. He has always been against anything that brings me joy and happiness. You have nothing to do with it. You just need to sit back and relax while I take care of this, okay?” He begged.
Meanwhile, somewhere along the line, Olivia left the dining room to see her husband. The distinct sound of misunderstanding and loud exchange of words could be heard in the hallway.
And it continued all through the night.