---
Elizabeth looked at her son and observed him for a moment before asking gently:
"Lucas, how is your work going?"
He replied calmly, setting his glass down on the table:
"I'll be traveling to the south in a few days on a business trip… I might stay there for a while."
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise, while Violet said with enthusiasm:
"Really? Actually, I've been wanting to visit the south for a while. The winter there is milder than this freezing cold, and snow is rare. The sea is stunning, and the luxurious houses overlook breathtaking views."
She then turned to Irene with a smile:
"Maybe next year we could go together, Irene. It's so different from the capital—I think you'll fall in love with the south."
Irene smiled politely and said:
"Alright… I'll think about it."
Before the conversation could shift, Richard spoke with his confident tone:
"Why don't you go with Lucas this time? It's only natural for a wife to accompany her husband on such trips."
A heavy silence fell. Even Irene didn't know how to respond—her eyes nervously scanned the faces around her.
Elizabeth said cheerfully:
"What a wonderful idea! You're still newlyweds; it could be like a honeymoon. Most newlyweds spend their honeymoon in the south."
Irene's face flushed with embarrassment, and she stole a glance at Lucas, only to find him looking at her with a cold, emotionless gaze. She quickly lowered her eyes, as if blaming herself for even looking.
Violet laughed and said:
"Mother's right, Irene! My mom used to always go with my dad on his long trips.
And the south is perfect for newlyweds—it's so romantic. What do you think, Irene?"
Before she could answer, Anita's mocking voice cut through the air:
"What a joke."
Lucas suddenly said in a harsh tone:
"It's a business trip, not a vacation. I'll be extremely busy and don't have time for such trivial matters."
Irene looked at him and said softly:
"He's right… I don't want to be a burden. If you're busy, I understand."
But Richard interjected sternly:
"Even if you're working, Lucas, Irene won't disturb you. That's how business trips are—you can tend to your work, and she can enjoy some exploration. Don't make up weak excuses."
Lucas finally turned to him and said bitterly:
"You never miss a chance to make my decisions for me."
Elizabeth immediately raised her voice:
"Lucas! Watch your tone when speaking to your father!"
Richard responded firmly:
"I'm your father—I have the right to interfere in your life, whether you like it or not. You're expected to listen and obey everything I tell you."
Lucas scoffed and said mockingly:
"I should've left from the beginning. Staying here is such a nuisance."
Richard stood up from his seat, furious:
"What did you say?"
Elizabeth quickly rose to calm him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder:
"My dear, please… calm down. Lucas!! How many times must I tell you to show respect to your father?"
But Richard said resolutely:
"You will take your wife with you. That's not a request—it's an order. And I don't want to hear another word. Defy me, and you'll see what I'll do."
Then he left the hall.
It was the first time Irene had ever seen Richard this angry. She felt frightened by his overwhelming presence.
Violet shouted:
"What's wrong with you?! Why ruin a day as special as this?"
Lucas turned to her with a scornful look and said:
"You're the one who asked me to stay."
Then he too left without another word.
Silence blanketed the room, with only the tension still lingering in the air. Elizabeth sat down, her face filled with sorrow, then began to cry.
Irene didn't know what to do—she froze in place.
Violet approached her mother, placing a hand on her shoulder in comfort:
"Please, Mother… don't be sad. On your birthday, you shouldn't be crying. You'll make me cry too."
But Anita turned to Irene and said sharply:
"This is all your fault. You ruined everything."
Violet snapped:
"Irene didn't do anything! The problem is with Lucas."
But Anita stood up and shouted:
"Why is everyone always defending her? Ever since her name entered this house, the family has fallen apart! My brother doesn't sit with us anymore—he barely comes home! And i understand him because I can't stand living in this house because of her! She ruined our family!!"
Elizabeth said weakly:
"Anita… please, that's enough…"
But tears streamed down her cheeks.
Violet shouted at her sister:
"Your mother is crying! Do you realize what you're doing? At this point You've stopped respecting anyone!"
Anita retorted stubbornly:
"This is my house! I'll say whatever I want! And if anyone doesn't like it, they can pack their bags and go back to their own country."
She looked straight at Irene, then turned and left arrogantly.
Violet moved closer to her mother, hugged her, and said:
"It's alright… this is just a rough time—it'll pass. You know how Lucas always is with Father. Don't cry because of him please mom you're going to make me cry too"
Irene remained standing, watching them silently. She felt her heart sinking.
She confirmed that ...
She didn't belong in this place.
She was just an extra burden in this already fractured family.
After Elizabeth calmed down, she turned to her and said:
"Irene… forgive me for what happened."
But Irene gave a faint smile and replied:
"I should be the one apologizing. I'm truly sorry… please, don't cry on your birthday."
She stood up, then bowed quickly and said:
"... I'll return to my room now. Good night."
She bowed again and left the hall
On her way back to her room, a flood of emotions swirled inside her.
Her entire perception of this place had changed.
But she also understood something else…
The relationship between Lucas and his father was extremely strained.
Perhaps even the day he met her for the first time, he had been forced to.
Back then, the marks of a beating were still fresh on his cheek.
She felt a pang of sadness, then finally reached her room. She sat by the door, rested her head against it… and sighed.
Even the day that was supposed to offer her some peace… had turned into something heavy and exhausting.
The room was quiet. No one was there.
After taking a shower and having the servants leave, Irene took the sleeping pills.
They had worked well the night before.
She laid her head on the pillow, and for the first time, seriously thought about Anita's words.
Then she glanced toward Lucas's side of the bed and wondered where he had gone at such a late hour.
---
I feel evil make it even harder for irene but at the same time I'm really liking what I'm writing ~~
Now the question do y'all think luke will take irene with him 🙃?