Chapter 85: The argument between Ansel and his mother
The sight of Erica nestled in Ansel’s arms easily captured the attention of Mrs. Hani and Desi, as it happened right before their eyes.
“Erica, are you okay?” Ansel tenderly asked Erica, causing Desi to become infuriated and blush with jealousy. Desi couldn’t help but feel envious of Erica receiving Ansel’s caring and gentle treatment. On the other hand, Mrs. Hani displayed her discomfort openly.
As for Erica, a mixture of embarrassment and happiness flooded her when Ansel embraced her. She had to exert great effort to control the chaotic emotions that yearned to burst forth upon encountering Ansel’s affectionate gaze. When asked, Erica shook her head and smiled gently, saying, “I’m fine, thanks to you.”
After helping Erica regain her balance, Ansel looked at his mother with annoyance and asked, “What are you doing?”
“I should be asking you that question. What are you trying to achieve, Ansel?”
“I’ve already explained. Erica is a doctor. I want her to check your health.”
“She’s a doctor? That’s bullshit. Don’t try to fool me.” Mrs. Hani deflected the topic and stubbornly avoided Ansel’s intention.
“Why won’t you let Erica examine you? She’s just doing her job?” Ansel asked seriously.
“I don’t like it.” Mrs. Hani defiantly said, “Someone like her doesn’t deserve to be tested for me.”
As Mrs. Hani insulted and demeaned Erica, Desi found pleasure in it. In return, Ansel felt anger welling up inside him. Erica, on the other hand, being resilient by nature, made an effort not to reveal any signs of hurt to others.
“Ansel, I don’t know what you’re planning, but I don’t like her; it’s best to tell her to get out of here.” Mrs. Hani bluntly chased Erica away.
“Has the play ended, Mom?” Ansel exclaimed, his composure slipping away. The agitated reaction from Ansel took all three women by surprise.
“What are you talking about, Ansel?” After a moment of confusion, Mrs. Hani asked in bewilderment, “What play are you referring to?”
“That’s enough; stop pretending in front of me.” Ansel lowered his voice and demanded, “I know all about your lies and deceitful actions. It’s time to stop.”
“What are you talking nonsense about, Ansel?” Mrs. Hani still insisted, pretending not to understand.
“The doctor has told me the whole truth. You don’t need to pretend anymore.” Instead of making direct accusations against her mother, Ansel only gently offered a hint.
“What are you saying?” Mrs. Hani stammered, unable to find the right words. Her face turned pale as a natural reaction to the realization that her wrongdoing had been uncovered. Was what Ansel said true? Had the doctor betrayed Mrs. Hani? It couldn’t be possible; Mrs. Hani refused to believe it.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Pretending about what?” She intended to deny and conceal it until the end, but the reaction on Mrs. Hani’s face indirectly exposed her deceptive actions.
“I’ve said enough. Stop it.” Ansel demanded loudly, filled with frustration. This time, Mrs. Hani didn’t know what else to say, and she couldn’t continue to cover it up because Ansel’s reaction at that moment looked truly terrifying.
At that moment, the room fell into silence, weighed down by the gravity of their words. The ultimate truth had been spoken, and now Ansel and his mother had to face a heated argument.
“Mother, why? Why are you lying to me?” Ansel asked bitterly, “Tell me why.”
Ansel’s mother hesitated for a moment, her eyes shifting between Ansel and Desi. The weight of guilt and the consequences of self-inflicted actions were evident in Mrs. Hani’s weary eyes.
“Ansel, Mom… I don’t want to hurt you. I just think I’m doing what’s best for you and for our family.”
Ansel’s eyes were filled with pain and disappointment, and his voice was tinged with sadness.
“What you did was not right, Mom. Lying to me and manipulating my emotions only caused more harm. We deserve honesty, even when it’s difficult. We need to rebuild trust and find a way to move forward. That is the real family.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“Ansel…” Mrs. Hani cried, recounting, “I never intended to deceive you; if you hadn’t resisted my words then…”
“So, it’s my fault, huh?” Ansel scoffed. “Are you saying that I’m wrong? Am I wrong for wanting happiness?”
“Not like that… I… ” Mrs. Hani suddenly didn’t know what to say anymore. This was the first time she witnessed such an unfamiliar reaction from Ansel. The first time she saw Ansel express strong emotions, even crying, Suddenly, Mrs. Hani felt a deep pang of regret tearing at her conscience.
“Ansel, I..”
“Enough. I don’t want to hear anything more from you,” Ansel interrupted Mrs. Hani with a resolute tone.
Ansel’s behavior left Mrs. Hani taken aback. Mrs. Hani was greatly surprised by Ansel’s refusal and rudeness towards her.
“Ansel, you’re being disrespectful to your own mother.” Desi intervened, realizing that Mrs. Hani was on the verge of giving up. If that happened, her plans would crumble. Desi couldn’t let that happen and decided to speak up.
“Shut your mouth.” Ansel turned towards Desi, glaring at her. “Outsiders like you have no right to speak here.”
Ansel’s aggressive demeanor frightened Desi. Nervously, she swallowed and instinctively chose to remain silent.
“Mother, you have truly disappointed me.” Ansel looked back at Mrs. Hani and said bitterly, After speaking, he turned to leave. Erica hurriedly chased after Ansel, trying to catch up with him.
“Ansel, stop right there!” Mrs. Hani called out desperately. However, Ansel didn’t bother to listen.
“Ansel. If you don’t come back, I’ll die for you.” Hani shouted menacingly, but Ansel didn’t stop. This time, Mrs. Hani’s words were no longer Ansel’s fears.
“Ansel,” Mrs. Hani desperately called out, even stepping out of bed to chase after him, but Desi stopped her.
“Aunt, please don’t get agitated. It could affect your health,” Desi said as she approached Mrs. Hani.
“But Ansel…” Mrs. Hani said with sadness, “If I don’t do something, Ansel will leave.”
“Ansel is just momentarily angry. I believe that once he calms down, he will come back and apologize to you,” Desi reassured.
“Desi, is that true?”
“Trust me, Ansel wouldn’t abandon you. You are his mother,” Desi sweetly coaxed. “Listen to me, Aunt. Go back to bed and rest. I will talk to Ansel and persuade him to help you.”
“Thank you, Desi.”
“Don’t mention it, Aunt,” Desi smiled insincerely, “let me assist you.”
Mrs. Hani accepted Desi’s help and returned to bed.