Chapter 41: Trouble Brewing
Amy wasn’t angry about the housekeeper’s subtle digs at her mother–in–law; in fact, a strange satisfaction bloomed within her. It meant they weren’t ignoring her, that the family was actively involved in this drama.
If Mia had maintained her act, appearing as a sweet, innocent victim, Amy might have felt sympathy, siding with her against the perceived family bullying. But Amy had seen through Mia’s charade. Watching her feign discomfort in the hospital bed, her whimpers a calculated performance, only elicited a wry smile.
“Hanson, my
heart aches! They look down on me, it doesn’t matter, but I’m afraid you’ll suffer…”
Mia, lying in bed, pounded her chest dramatically, her eyes narrowed, stealing glances at Amy standing in the background. She was displeased with Amy’s lack of reaction. This was outrageous! Where was the concern, the apology?
Mia’s theatrics were meant to gauge Amy’s response, but Amy remained impassive, her expression unchanging.
Hanson, his son, dabbed Mia’s face with a damp cloth.“Mom, stop it. Just rest.
“Stop?” Mia’s eyes snapped open, her gaze meeting her son’s.
Hanson, his back to Amy, wore no smile. His brow was furrowed, his eyes cold, a silent warning etched into his expression. Mia, sensing her son’s displeasure, quelled her outburst. She pushed away the cloth, turning away.“Fine, I’m tired. I’ll sleep.”
The scene appeared motherly and filial, but in truth, Mia feared her son.
Hanson and Amy stepped out onto the hospital’s rooftop, overlooking the sprawling cityscape. Hanson sighed, a heavy sadness in his voice.“Amy, it’s my fault.”
Seeing Hanson take the blame, Amy’s heart ached.
“Hanson, you’re a good man. They dislike you because they don’t know you.
Hanson turned, pulling Amy into a hug. His voice was low, tinged with despair.“Amy, you’re too good for me. I don’t deserve you.”
Amy blushed, enveloped in the comforting scent of his soap. She reassured him that the housekeeper’s message likely didn’t reflect his father’s true feelings, that his father wasn’t someone who valued social standing, and she listed his many admirable qualities.
“Amy, for you, for our future, I will strive!” Hanson’s eyes, though closed, held a fierce determination. But this wasn’t solely about love; it was a burning ambition for power and wealth.
Back in the hospital room, Lily received regular updates. When Hanson didn’t explode with anger but instead calmed his mother, Lily knew – he was completely invested in Amy. Good. She had a backup plan.
That afternoon, David Brown stormed into the hospital, barking orders for Mia to return home and cook him dinner; he claimed he had no one to wait on him.
Hanson prepared to confront his father, but Mia held him back, pleading with him not to fight. Then, against all expectations, she insisted on leaving the hospital, refusing to be dissuaded. They packed up and went home.
The Brown family lived in a semi–basement apartment in a less desirable, cheaper part of town. Since Hanson was in college dorms, Mia had rented a small place near her factory.
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Chapter 41: Trouble Brewing
Amy wanted to stay at a hotel; the thought of living with Hanson’s family felt incredibly awkward. She borrowed some money from a friend she had a few thousand in savings. Hanson mentioned a small, self–contained apartment next to their basement. Mia urged Amy to come home and try her cooking, assuring her the little apartment had a strong security door.
Amy finally agreed. Hanson explained that he wanted to be close to her.
Mia was overjoyed to have her husband home. She forgot about manipulating her ‘daughter–in–law, focusing instead on pleasing her husband and winning him back. To secure him, she told David Brown that Amy was a rich girl, implying a future of financial benefits. David Brown, thrilled at the prospect of a new ATM, decided to settle down, at least for now.
He still didn’t know who had been harassing him or their motives. He was too scared to cause any trouble, content to stay home and wait for things to settle.
Hanson worked during the day and returned home at night. Mia tried to cook for Amy twice a day–well, two meals; Amy was a late sleeper, missing breakfast.
This routine lasted two days before Amy couldn’t take it anymore. The hospital stay had masked the stark difference in their lifestyles.
First, there was David Brown: spitting incessantly, flicking ash everywhere, a perpetually stained toilet seat…
Then there was Mia: rinsing a cleaning rag and using it to wipe down the dishes; picking up dropped spoons with her hands and putting them back in the soup; constantly finding ways to
cut corners…
And finally, Hanson: at school, he was an ethereal lotus flower to Amy, every movement elegant and refined, radiating an alluring aloofness. At home…
Amy hated to admit it, but the fantasy had faded. Years of living with his parents had, despite his best efforts, rubbed off on him. Small, everyday habits that Amy found repulsive. Things Hanson didn’t even seem to notice.
Yes, repulsive.
Previously, there had been a distance between her and Hanson, a distance Amy had romanticized, adding to his mystique. Now, that distance was gone. Even in the hospital, she had glimpsed the cracks in her idealized image. Hanson, unwittingly, had sabotaged his own efforts.
He’d kept Amy close, hoping for her compassion. He thought she’d see the dysfunction of his family, his struggles, and her heart would melt, motivating her to help him escape. That was his plan.
But Amy’s thoughtful silences weren’t driven by pity; they were self–reflection.
Was this even love?
Two more days passed, and Hanson grew restless. Why hadn’t Amy mentioned going home? “I have tomorrow off. How about we go for a walk around the neighborhood?” He really wanted to know what she was doing, since Mia had overheard Amy’s phone call. But a direct question would feel intrusive.
I’m going home tomorrow.”
“What time? If it’s not too late, we can buy a housewarming gift tomorrow, otherwise I’ll go now.” He was implicitly stating his intention to join her. He knew if he didn’t ask, she wouldn’t offer.
He had to take the initiative.
Chapter 41: Trouble Brewing
go back myself first, to see what the situation is like.
When Amy refused, Hanson didn’t press further. He simply smiled, agreeing, showering her, with sweet nothings, reminding her to call if she needed anything, not to argue with his father. Amy responded politely, but didn’t change her mind about Hanson accompanying her. Back in his room, Hanson’s face darkened. He pulled up a number on his phone, and half an hour later, he left the house.
At the Janson residence, John rushed in, eager to report his success.
“Lily! Big news!*
Boss Janson, banished to the study for his excessive demands, had spent days searching for a way back into his wife’s good graces. Now, he had it!
