Chapter 144
Chapter 144
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Laura, Doris, and Rupert arrived at the room where Jimmy and Peyton were staying and rang the doorbell. Peyton answered the door, and seeing all three siblings together, she was happy.
“You guys come in quickly.” Peyton moved aside.
They entered the house, and Laura and Doris placed the fruit and milk they had bought on the coffee table.
Rupert carefully set down the local specialties he had brought from out of town. He nervously called out, “Dad.”
Jimmy was sitting on the sofa, ignoring him, looking somewhat displeased.
“Rupert called you.” Peyton stepped in as the peacemaker.
“Just because he calls me, do I have to respond?” Jimmy’s words were filled with dissatisfaction and resentment. He looked at Rupert. “Do you think your mom and I can stay with you?”
“Dad, of course we can,” Rupert smiled nervously.
“Can your words even count? Do you have any authority? Are you still a man?” Jimmy shot out several questions, letting out everything he had been holding in these past few days.
“We worked hard raising you, we spoiled you, put you at the top of our hearts. Whatever you wanted, we gave you. You got married, we bought you a house and gave you a wedding gift.
“Now you’re married, have your own home and wife, and look at how you’re treating me and your mom? Think about it, your mom just had surgery. And you–you’re making meals for your high–and–mighty wife every day.
“And she’s constantly thinking about kicking us out of the house.” “You don’t dare say a thing in front of her. Do you think you’re treating me and your mom right?
“If it weren’t for Doris helping us settle into this hotel, your mom and I would be on the streets. How heartless can you They always say you raise kids to prevent old age, but what use is it now?
be?
“I think you just can’t wait for us to die so we don’t become a burden on you.” Jimmy was very emotional, and Rupert didn’t even dare lift his head.
“Dad, I didn’t mean that.” Rupert
denied.
“You didn’t mean that? But what about your wife?” Jimmy accused him, “Tell me, did she change the door lock on purpose so we can’t stay?”
Rupert lowered his head, his fingers twisting together. “Dad, there must be some misunderstanding.” Rupert searched for an
excuse.
“Misunderstanding?” Jimmy scoffed, “You’re still protecting her? I must’ve been blind to let you marry such a wicked
woman.”
“Dad, don’t be angry. I couldn’t even get into the house when I went back.” The lock had been changed while Rupert was away, so he didn’t have a key to get in. He had to leave his luggage at the community’s security guard station.
“This house was bought with the Reed family’s money. We sold the house your mom and I had lived in for years just off debts. And now we can’t even stay here? Is she trying to take it all for herself?” Jimmy thought it was an absurd joke.
y
“Tell Claudia this house is ours to stay in. You two didn’t contribute a cent. Either she behaves, stops causing trouble, or you both should move out,” he added.
Chapter 144
Rupert was stumted—this time, he really had angered his father. He looked to his mother and two sisters for help.
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Peyton felt sad too, “Rupert, when you and Claudia started dating and got married, your dad and I really liked her. Whatever you asked for, we never turned you down. Now we have nowhere to go. Look at how she treats us. Always as if we owe her something.
“I am her mother–in–law. I’ve done nothing wrong to her. But why is she so harsh? Why can’t she just accept us? I know Claudia is pregnant now, and we understand that, we’ve been giving in to her. But she can’t take advantage of that.
“Don’t you think your dad and I are hurt too? If Claudia could just calm down, we’d still be willing to live peacefully with her, and I’d treat her as I did before. If she’s unwilling, then I’ll support your dad’s decision. We’re not leaving.
“We didn’t raise Claudia, and I don’t expect her to treat me well. But you’re our son, and you have a responsibility to treat us
well.”
pregna
I’d definitely make you divorce her. What good is she? She can’t be trusted now,
Jimmy continued, “If she weren’t and don’t expect anything from her in the future.”
“Rupert, you can see for yourself–this
th, you’ve really hurt Dad’s feelings,” Laura spoke up, reprimanding him.
“Dad, I won’t divorce Claudia. I love her, and she loves me. We promised to be together forever,” Rupert said anxiously. “Claudia changing the lock without telling us was wrong, but it wasn’t intentional. I’ll talk to her about it.
“Dad, please forgive her this time. She’s carrying your grandchild. Dad, I know you love me and want what’s best for me, but if you really want me to be happy, let us live our life peacefully, okay?”
“What do you mean by that? Am I stopping you from living a good life?” Jimmy glared at him. “Clearly, it’s Claudia causing trouble, she’s the one who doesn’t want to live well with
you. Can you imagine what she’d do if you treated her parents this
way?”
Peyton shoved a water cup into Jimmy’s hand. “You’ve talked so much, you must be thirsty. Drink some water first.” Jimmy drank a few big gulps from the cup.
“Dad, Mom, I have a suggestion. How about I rent a place for you to live, close to me, so I can take care of you?” Rupert thought maybe this was the only way to ease the tension.
“Rent a place for us? Then why don’t you rent a place?” Jimmy angrily slammed the cup onto the coffee table. “This is our house, why should we leave?”
“Dad, you said this house was bought as my wedding gift–Since it was bought for me, then it should be mine,” Rupert said helplessly. “Dad, Mom, I won’t forget the kindness you’ve shown me. But can we not live together? I really can’t take it
anymore.
“On one side is my wife, on the other is my parents. I can’t please anyone, I’m stuck in the middle, and it’s really hard for me.” Rupert felt like a sandwich cookie–caught in the middle, getting pressure from both sides, yet he couldn’t afford to offend anyone.
“We’ve already been understanding enough, but who’s going to understand us?” Jimmy shot back. “We’re getting old, we’re out of money. Do you think we’re just a burden to you, and you want to kick us out?”
“My sisters are here. I wouldn’t dare do something like that even if I was heartless.” Rupert denied. “Laura, Doris, could you please talk to Dad for me?”
Laura and Doris exchanged a glance, not sure how to start.
“Dad, if living together isn’t making you happy, then it’s fine to live separately.” Doris tried to reason with her parents. “Jus rent a place. You and Mom can be happy together, do whatever you want, and there won’t be so many
Laura agreed, “Dad, I think it’ll reduce a lot of conflicts, and you both will be happier.”
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troubles.”
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“Stop talking, both of you. Your mother and I have spent our whole lives on Rupert, and now it’s his turn to give back. What’s wrong with us living in a house we paid for? If you want us to leave, fine. Give us a million dollars, and we’ll go. Jimmy made
AD
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