Chapter 1659
“Winona doesn’t like me, and I don’t like her,” Keaton continued, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re not getting married, we’re not having kids, and she’s never going to give you grandchildren p>
Janelle’s voice trembled. “What… what are you saying p>
Keaton felt a thick lump in his throat. “I’m sorry, Mom. On behalf of both me and Winona, I’m sorry p>
Janelle finally broke free from his grasp, her eyes red as she stared at him. “Tell me the truth. Did you and Winona have a fight last night p>
Keaton shook his head. “No. I’m telling you the truth because I can’t stand to lie to you anymore.” And he couldn’t stand the thought of them constantly bothering Winona, putting her in an awkward position. As long as he kept up the charade, his parents would keep fussing over her. For Winona, their concern must feel like a heavy burden.
“I’m not in the mood for jokes right now,” Janelle said, her voice sharp with pain. “I’m going to ask you one last time. Are you telling the truth p>
Keaton nodded seriously. “Yes p>
Janelle’s jaw tightened. “So… you don’t have a child out of wedlock either p>
Keaton was a bit confused by the question but nodded again. “No p>
“You’re sure p>
“I’m sure!” Keaton insisted. “Mom, you and Dad want a grandchild so badly. If I had one, don’t you think I would have told you by now p>
That was the final straw. Janelle burst into tears, grabbing a decorative pillow and flailing at him with it. “You little monster! You’re going to be the death of me! Your father isn’t here right now, but you can bet if he found out, he’d kill you p>
Keaton didn’t flinch, letting her vent her frustration. “I’m sorry, Mom p>
Janelle sobbed as she swung the pillow. “Talk about a bad omen! Your grandfather must have been turning in his grave. He came to your dad in a dream last night and chewed him out, and now you pull this stunt on me today p>
The door opened and Tarquin walked in, freezing at the sight of Keaton being assaulted with a pillow. p>
Seeing Tarquin, Janelle threw the pillow down and stormed out of the room in a huff.
Keaton immediately grabbed his phone and called the driver downstairs. “My mom is on her way down. She’s really emotional and upset@ight now. Keep an eye on her, get her home safely, and make sure my dad stays with her p>
Tarquin walked in as Keaton hung up. “What’s wrong with Janelle? What happened p>
Keaton sighed and leaned back against the headboard. Ignoring the no-smoking sign, he lit a cigarette. “I told her the truth about me and Winona. She didn’t take it well p>
Tarquin studied Keaton for a
jet
moment, his brow furrowing. Keaton looked terrible; it was obvious he hadn’t slept at all. Thinking about Winona’s pregnancy, Tarquin let out a quiet sigh. He sat down on the edge of the bed, lit cigarette of his
own, and joined him. “Why tell her
now, all of a sudden p>
“Guilty conscience,” Keaton said. “I just didn’t want to lie anymore p>
Tarquin remained silent.
Keaton continued, “The higher their hopes, the bigger the
disappointment. They thought Winona and I were actually dating, so they kept expecting us to get married and have kids. And they. wouldn’t stop bothering Winona. She shouldn’t have to keep dealing with them p>
“So you want to cut ties with her?” Tarquin asked.
“That’s not it,” Keaton explained. “It’s just… there’s nothing between me and Winona. She’s not obligated to keep managing my parents’ feelings p>
Tarquin asked bluntly, “Do you have feelings for her p>
Keaton flicked the ash from his cigarette. “We’ve been over this. I don’t like her, and she doesn’t like me p>
“Have you ever thought about being with her?” Tarquin pressed.
Keaton paused for a moment, then shook his head. “No p>
Tarquin frowned, his tone serious. “Keaton, be honest with me. You don’t have any feelings for Winona at all p>
Seeing how serious he was, Keaton grew suspicious and turned the question back on him. “First, you be honest with me. Did Winona say something to Elysia p>