Chapter 121
Beatrice pulled Maeve behind her protectively, her face contorted in sorrow as she raised her voice.
“Look at what you’ve driven her to! Will you only be satisfied when you’ve completely broken her p>
A flash of helplessness crossed Frederick’s eyes.
“Grandma, I didn’t force her. I’ve always loved Mae p>
“Enough!” Beatrice glared at him.
“I may be old, but I am not blind to right and wrong p>
“A lover is supposed to bring happiness. Look at Maeve now—has she had a single happy day by your side p>
Frederick parted his lips, wanting to defend himself, but the sudden memory of Maeve’s dead, desolate eyes filled his mind. A lump formed in his throat, heavy as a stone, rendering him entirely speechless.
Seeing his defeated expression, Beatrice let out a heavy scoff.
“I am making the decision today. Maeve is moving out for ten days! You both need to cool off. You especially, Frederick. Figure out exactly what it is you want. If, after ten days, she still insists on a divorce, the family will sit down and discuss a final resolution p>
Arthur frowned in displeasure. “Mother, isn’t this a bit p>
“A bit what?” Beatrice snapped, ready to scold anyone who spoke out of turn.
“Maeve moved far away from her hometown to join our family, and the two of you have done nothing but bully her. How can you face the promise you made to her parents at the wedding p>
Arthur didn’t dare argue with Beatrice, terrified of giving her a heart attack in her anger.
He pinched the bridge of his nose and waved a hand in surrender.
“Fine, fine, whatever you say. We’ll do it your way p>
Beatrice took Maeve’s hand and patted it soothingly.
“Come upstairs with me first, sweetheart. There’s something I need to tell you p>
Maeve looked at the older woman with profound gratitude, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
“Okay p>
As Beatrice led Maeve toward the stairs, Frederick hesitated, taking a half-step forward as he called out in a low, desperate voice.
“Mae p>
But Maeve didn’t even turn her head as she followed Beatrice up the stairs.
Frederick stared at her retreating back from afar, his broad shoulders slumping in defeat.
In the upstairs bedroom.
Beatrice guided Maeve to sit on the edge of the bed. Looking at the younger woman’s red-rimmed eyes, she stroked her hair with maternal affection.
“You poor dear. Did you suffer terribly while we were away at Grace Sanctuary p>
The older woman’s hand was warm and dry. The gentle touch brought a heavy lump to Maeve’s throat, and she nearly broke down in tears. She lowered her head, unsure of how to even begin speaking.
“I heard a bit about what Zoe did,” Beatrice sighed heavily.
“Frederick and Zoe crossed the line entirely. You are not at fault p>
Maeve froze for a moment. A tear slipped unexpectedly down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away.
“But Grandma, didn’t you ask me to understand them before? I thought p>
“Yes, at first I thought Frederick loved you, and that even if he was taking responsibility for his late brother, he knew his boundaries. But I never imagined they would take it this far! Beatrice’s face flushed with indignation before she softened her tone and looked back at Maeve.
“But as the old saying goes, a marriage isn’t something you throw away lightly. You and Frederick have been together for five years. Are you truly willing to just walk away from all that history p>
“For now, move out and spend these ten days apart from him. I will watch his every move during this time. If his actions still leave youu disappointed, and you remain firm on getting a divorce. I will personally see to it that you get one. How does that sound p>