Chapter 7
The living room of the Wilcox’s residence was so heavy with tension, that it felt hard to breathe.
Isaac sat on the sofa, his expression dark, his fingers tapping relentlessly against the armrest.
Vivian was curled up in a corner, her head bowed so low it nearly
touched her chest.
Ever since watching that video in the mall, Isaac had been desperately trying to reach Lori, only to discover that she had blocked him everywhere.
He was about to storm over to the Hoffman’s residence to demand an explanation when an urgent call from his parents summoned him home.
Now, both families were gathered around the dining table, scrolling through the latest news on their phones, their faces growing grimmer by
the minute.
HO APP!
Ding!
Isaac’s phone buzzed.
He stared at the screen–his suspension notice. His hand tightened unconsciously.
Almost at the same moment, Vivian received an expulsion notice from her university.
Only then did the elders set their phones aside, ready to discuss their next
move.
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Chapter 7
Isaac’s mother, Melisa Wilcox, forced a strained smile.
“Maybe we should put Isaac and Vivian’s wedding on hold for now. We can wait until after the baby is born to make arrangements.”
Vivian’s father, Gordon Foley, slammed his fist on the table.
*****
“Nonsense! My daughter’s already this far along, and you want to delay? They need to get married immediately!”
Isaac’s father, Randy Wilcox, rubbed his temples.
“Right now, things are too heated. If we hold a wedding, the online gossip will only get worse. Both our families have reputations in the medical field. The bigger this gets, the harder it’ll be to contain.
“Isaac’s only suspended for now. With his abilities, the hospital won’t fire him for good. Once things settle down, he can go back to work.”
Gordon shot back, his voice booming. “But my daughter’s been expelled! The whole internet is calling her a homewrecker. If they don’t get married, how is she supposed to clear her name?”
Melisa muttered under her breath, “She is indeed a homewrecker…”
“What did you say?!”
Vivian’s parents both rose to their feet, her mother Denise Foley grabbing a teacup from the table, ready for a fight.
The two families were on the verge of coming to blows.
Suddenly, Isaac slammed his hand on the table, his voice thundering, “Enough! All of you, be quiet!”
The living room fell instantly silent, everyone stunned by his outburst.
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His voice was icy. “First, I’m not marrying Vivian. Second, after the baby is born, she must go abroad for further studies.”
The air seemed to freeze. The four elders stared at each other, speechless.
Denise was the first to recover. “Isaac, what’s that supposed to mean? What do you take Vivian for?”
Isaac closed his eyes, his tone resolute.
“I made it clear to Vivian long ago–Lori is the only woman I will ever marry. That will never change.”
Vivian kept her head down, fat tears rolling down her cheeks, but she stayed silent.
Melisa was shaking with anger.
“At a time like this, you’re still thinking about that Hoffman girl? If it weren’t for her, none of this would’ve happened!”
“Mom!” Isaac snapped, “Lori is my fiancée. Don’t you dare insult her!”
He rubbed his temples, frustration etched across his face.
“This is my fault. Lori’s just angry right now. I’ll win her back.”
Hearing this, Vivian finally broke down, sobbing into her hands.
Randy slammed his teacup onto the table.
“Angry? She’s ruined both of our families! You’ve lost your job, and you’re still defending her?”
Isaac suddenly stood, his eyes rimmed red. “Dad, none of that matters to me… but I can’t live without Lori…”
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Chapter 7
His voice broke as he collapsed back onto the couch.
To everyone’s shock, this typically composed and cold man lowered his head and covered his face with both hands, his shoulders trembling
slightly as he released suppressed sobs.
Randy and Melisa slumped onto the couch as well, exchanging helpless looks.
Through her tears, Vivian choked out, “Isaac, even if Lori’s married someone else, you ́still… you still don’t want me?”
Isaac stiffened, then glared at her with pure venom.
“Shut up! If you hadn’t secretly filmed that video and sent it to Lori, she
never would’ve left me! I was drunk that night, those things I said–I didn’t mean any of it!”
He jabbed a trembling finger at Vivian.
“I must’ve been blind not to see how manipulative you are! Get out! Get out of my sight–now!”
Vivian stared at him, wide–eyed, tears streaming down her face.
The man who had once been gentle was now a stranger, his expression twisted with rage.
“Isaac, you were never like this before.”
“I’m sick of it!” Isaac raked a hand through his hair, exasperated. “You’re twenty–three, not three. Stop crying all the time!”
Suddenly, he remembered–Lori had almost never cried in front of him.
The only time she did, in the kitchen, he’d been angry, but it was because he hated himself for making her cry.
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Vivian suddenly clutched her stomach and shrieked, “It hurts… the baby… don’t scare me…
Not again.
Isaac let out a cold laugh, covered his ears, and stood up.
Under everyone’s astonished gaze, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him without looking back.
Right now, the most important thing was finding Lori and bringing her back.
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Chapter B
