THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 43: I Take Exception To People Calling Me Names
Shawn’s action of taking her hand as they went through the main door reminded Kathleen of the first time he held her hands through this same door to introduce her to his family after their secret marriage.
She had been very nervous to meet the elders and held little hope of their acceptance considering her humble background, but Shawn had assured her that despite the reaction from his family, he would always stand by her.
When they entered the sitting room that was decorated in exquisite detail, revealing the opulence of the Hudson family, she was awed as she had never seen such a display of wealth in her entire life.
The odd thing about it all was that the occupants turned out to be emotional peasants. If it were not for the reassuring squeeze she constantly got from Shawn’s hand clasped in hers and the sincere welcoming smile she received from Shawn’s grandmother, she would have fled the house the next minute as everyone else had a hostile look that could freeze the hottest of iron in minutes.
Since that day, she made up her mind never to step foot in that house unless it was absolutely necessary.
Shawn was so considerate of her feelings then and would only bring her back to see his grandmother when he was sure his mother would not be around.
Now she was back again but only for the same reason that always brought her in the past, Nana, and that was why she could put up with Joanne’s rudeness.
"Where are you going with her?" Joanne dashed to the door, spreading her two arms out to stop them. "Don’t you dare bring her into my house if you still regard me as your mother."
"Mom... can you be reasonable for once? It’s like you want your mother-in-law to die on that sick bed."
"You unfilial son." She raised her hand and punched Shawn in the arm as her 5’2" height didn’t afford her the luxury of reaching up to slap him on the face. "How dare you curse your grandmother because of this woman? What has your grandmother’s life got to do with this wench?"
"A lot mom. Please give way. I need to take her to see grandmother at once." He shoved his mother aside and directly took Kathleen inside the house.
Shawn didn’t use much force so she didn’t fall but staggered slightly.
Joanne’s nostrils flared as she stared at Shawn and Kathleen’s backs. She couldn’t believe he pushed her just now.
"It’s all that opportunist’s fault," she mumbled through gritted teeth. Her glare alone was as sharp and fatal as a dagger.
"Everything was fine until she came. With her here again I’m sure, we will never have a peaceful day. But this time around I will make sure she disappears before she even knows what befell her."
After stabilizing herself, she rushed after them to stop them again. They had already walked through the glass door leading out of the sitting room when she caught up with them.
She intercepted them on the long corridor leading to the left wing of the house and stepped in front of Shawn, glaring at him.
"Shawn David Hudson!" she screamed at the top of her voice and at the same time, pointed a finger at Shawn. "I am warning you now, you’d better not take her anywhere close to your grandmother. If anything happens to her, I’ll never forgive you."
Shawn stopped in his tracks and glared at his mother who was blocking his path again.
"And if anything happens to grandma due to delay in medical treatment, I’ll never forgive you either." Shawn snapped back, his voice cold and emotionless.
"Where is the delay coming from?" Joanne sneered. "The doctor is not even here. Instead of finding out why she’s not here yet, you’re busy socializing with this thing."
Before Shawn could react, Kathleen who could no longer put up with Joanne’s overbearing attitude, wriggled her palm which was clasped in Shawn’s hand free and snapped, "Mrs Hudson. I take exception to people calling me names. If you don’t want me to treat your mother in-law I might as well get out of here. I have nothing to lose anyway." Her tone was flat as she made to turn back and leave the house.
She knew her major obstacle was going to be Joane but she didn’t expect her to be this obstinate and vindictive.
She would have insisted they use the hospital for the treatment, at least there, she can stop her from getting in anytime she’s seeing Old Mrs Hudson.
But when she considered that a homely environment will facilitate faster recovery she decided to use the Hudson manor due to its therapeutic environment. The lush landscape tapering off into a small beach was as close to nature as possible.
Shawn had been observing Kathleen closely, so he did not miss the sudden change in her eyes just now.
Whenever she was angry, those captivating amethyst eyes would turn a darker purple hue. So he quickly spoke up to douse the flame.
If Kathleen really left, he doesn’t know how he would be able to convince her again, especially now that she has really changed with a strong temperament that is beyond recognition.
He was clueless about what her limit was and he didn’t want to cross it for anything. Nana’s survival totally depends on her now.
"Mom, Kathleen is here to treat grandma. Please don’t make things difficult for her. If she leaves out of anger, how is grandma going to be alright? If you can’t stand her, you can as well excuse us so that the treatment can commence in peace.
"Wait... What did you say? She’s here to do what?" The corners of Joanne’s mouth turned down in a disdainful arch, then a sudden burst of mirthless laughter escaped her mouth.
"Ha ha. Ha. Ha ha. Ha..... I think you really need to see a hypnotist my dear child. How can she treat your grandma?"
