Chapter 3 No one expected Isaiah to be so resolute.
The living room fell into a dead silence.
However, as Esme looked at the man who was fiercely defending her, her heart remained unmoved.
Seeing that their son was serious, Adeline relented with a sigh.
Fine, lets eat.
At the dining table, the only sounds were the clinking of utensils and the occasional disapproving huffs from Adeline.
Esmes hand tightened around her utensils.
She knew those huffs were a prelude to what was coming.
Sure enough, Adeline put down her spoon and said, We wont meddle in everything, but at the very least, you owe us a grandchild.
You cant just let our family line end with you two.
Isaiah immediately set his utensils down, his expression sharp.
Ive told you before, Essie is afraid of the pain.
I wont let her go through that for me.
Id rather never have kids than see her suffer! Isaiahs parents lost their appetite entirely.
Just as another argument was about to erupt, Esme suddenly spoke.
In two weeks, Dad, Mom, youll have a grandchild.
Her words left everyone stunned.
Isaiah grabbed her hand, his tone filled with concern.
Essie, what are you saying? We agreed not to have kids.
You dont need to sacrifice yourself for me.
Esme glanced at his righteous expression and curled her lips into a faint smile.
She had promised them a grandchild, but she never said it would be hers.
In two weeks, she would be out of the country.
If he liked Audrey so muchspending every night with herit only made sense for her to be the one to bear his child.
With a calm smile, she said, Its what they want.
We should respect their wishes.
Isaiah looked at her, and for a moment, unease crept into his heart.

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Her sudden understanding felt unsettling.
However, Isaiahs parents were delighted, their frowns turning into smiles.
Adeline even cheered, Thats more like it! Isaiah still felt something was off and was about to ask more when his phone buzzed.
Glancing at it, his expression shifted slightly.
Esme, sitting close, caught a glimpse of the screen.
It was a message from Audrey, reading, Isaiah, theres a guy here whos interested in me and wants my number.
Should I give it to him? She silently counted in her head, One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds… Right on cue, Isaiah stood abruptly.
Im sorry, Essie.
Something came up at work.
Stay here and finish dinner; Ill come back to get you later.
Before she could respond, he rushed out the door, leaving even his coat behind.
As soon as Isaiah left, his parents dropped the pretense.
Their criticisms came at her like a storm.
How many years have you been married now? And still no child? Arent you ashamed? You come from a small family with no status.
Both your parents are gone.
If it werent for Isaiahs feelings, do you really think you could be Mrs.
Jabs? He married you, and its the worst luck of his life.
And dont you dare cry! Dont think you can go tattling to Isaiah later.
Every daughter-in-law gets scolded.
Isaiahs busy enough, so dont you dare trouble him with trivial things! … Isaiahs parents berated her for five hours.
It was not until evening that Isaiah returned to pick her up.
As the car smoothly cruised down the road, Esme suddenly asked, Did you finish everything at the office? Isaiah hesitated for a moment before replying warmly, Its all taken care of.
He drummed his fingers lightly on the steering wheel, a small habit of his when he was in a good mood.
When she did not respond, Isaiah seemed to sense something and asked, They didnt give you a hard time, did they? Esme was about to answer when something under the passenger seat caught her eyea torn pair of polka-dot stockings.
She instantly knew he had gone to meet Audrey, but she had not expected that they would do it in the car.
They had been married for five years, and she had always been conservative about intimacy.
Afraid he might find her boring, she had once asked, blushing, if he wanted her to change.
He had pulled her into his arms, kissed her, and said, Baby, I only have feelings for you.
Even if you wore rags, Id still be drawn to you.
You dont have to force yourself to do things you dont like.
The one who loves you will always cherish you.
Yet, the man who had once been so devoted to her was now indulging in things with someone elsethings that he had never even hinted at with her.
Her eyes reddened as she quietly asked, What do you think? Isaiah was oblivious to the fact that she already knew everything and assumed her tears were from dealing with his parents.
He quickly pulled the car over and hugged her tightly.
Im sorry, Essie.
This is my fault.
I shouldnt have left you alone.
I promise I wont let you go through this again.
Trapped in his embrace, Esme felt suffocated.
She fought back her tears and pushed him away.
Just drive.
After all, there would not be a future for them anyway.