Chapter 80: Facing The Sandler Family
“I hope this is the last time I hear such words from you. You’ll know the consequences if you dare threaten to leave me so I can date a different woman a second time.”
Scarlett pushed him away. “What the fuck? Who do you think you are anyway? What makes you think you get to decide the rules all the damn time?”
“Scarlett!” Francis tried to pull her back, and she struggled against him.
“I don’t like this kind of unequal treatment. Yes, you are older and much, much more experienced than me, but you don’t have the right to change me!” Scarlett struggled harder to get away from Francis.
“I have the freedom to make mistakes, and I should also get the opportunity to do my best to correct them. I didn’t know you for the last twenty years, and I still lived extremely well. Actually, I’m not just talking about the smoking thing. You know I’ve taken your advice and practically quit. I was just stressed out. But I want to talk about your… your empathy and your affection towards me. I was feeling so stressed and afraid to get in the house that I wanted to smoke just to calm down a tiny bit. I need you to ask me what happened and give me a hug or kiss instead of ordering me around like you always do.”
Francis took her shoulders and looked into her eyes, “I’m sorry, babe. I will take your words and keep them in mind. Forgive me, I’m really so stupid and silly, and I would be grateful if you could teach me and tell me what you want. I need you to show me the right way.”
Scarlett didn’t reply but softened her struggle against Francis’s chest. Francis held her in his arms and said in a gentle voice, “Miss Scarlett, would you be so kind as to be patient with me? I would appreciate it very much.”
Scarlett couldn’t help but laugh at his simpering tone. “I hate you, stupid!”
“But I love you so much.” Francis smiled and held her tightly.
They walked into the hall together. Mrs. Sandler came out from the kitchen holding a big crockpot in her hands. As she spotted Francis and Scarlett, she waved to them and said, “Hey, Scarlett. Welcome! Come on, try these braised short ribs!”
Scarlett smiled politely and walked towards the kitchen. At this time, Stella came down the stairs, dressed in casual clothes, and said with a smile, “Mom, Scarlett’s our guest. How can you ask her to help you out in the kitchen?”
“Just try the dishes.” Mrs. Sandler turned to Stella and said, “Don’t stand there, come and set the table.”
“Wow, it’s so flavorful, and the meat is really tender.” Scarlett took a bite of the braised beef and said.
“Oh, thank you. I’m happy to receive compliments from a good cook like yourself!” Mrs. Sandler smiled and looked amiable.
Scarlett felt a bit embarrassed. She waved her hand and said, “No, no, I’m not as good of a cook as you think. Certainly not better than you! I wouldn’t dare flaunt my paltry skills in front of you. I’m clearly dealing with a master here.”
“Not many girls know how to cook now. Stella was spoiled by us and knew nothing about cooking. She can’t even fry an egg!” Mrs. Sandler pretended to be angry and disappointed.
Francis came in at this time. He took Scarlett to the dining room and settled her beside him. The exquisite dishes were put on the table already.
After a while, the old Sandler and the lady came in hand in hand and were seated at the head of the table. After everyone arrived, the family dinner started.
***
The meal threw Scarlett into a spiral of deep embarrassment, shame, and anxiety. But she knew she had to act calm for everyone else who was present.
“So… what do you do, Miss. Scarlett?” In the middle of the dinner, the old Sandler looked at Scarlett and asked.
Scarlett put down her forks and replied. “I’m a college student.”
“Oh, so young.” Scarlett seemed to hear a sigh after his words.
“She’s only 21.” Mrs. Sandler said with a smile.Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.
“She’s an excellent student, by the way. She wins the UI scholarship every year.” Scarlett couldn’t believe that Chuck was coming in to defend her.
But the old Sandler just nodded his head and seemed to have no interest in knowing more about her.
At that moment, Scarlett felt like her entire body had fallen asleep; she felt pins and needles everywhere. She could tell that the old Sandler was not satisfied with her, but she was in no position to defend herself. She imagined that they would sneer at how pretentious she was if she told them she wasn’t even interested in getting married to Francis. She wanted to tell them that there was no need for them to worry or consider her a candidate for their son, but she knew she couldn’t express herself so freely.
On the other hand, trying to prove her worthiness before this panel of judges seemed like a violation of her principles. With such a dilemma at hand, she chose to remain silent.
It was the old lady who broke the long silence and said, “It’s too early to talk about Francis and Scarlett’s marriage, right? But the great celebration around the corner is Stella’s wedding!”
“Oh, I didn’t know. Congratulations, Stella!” Scarlett immediately turned to Stella and said.
“Thank you. It’s at the end of this month, and I haven’t sent the invitations out. But you’re now part of the family, so there’s no need for an invitation for you. Just come with Uncle Francis!” Stella said with a bright smile.
“Of course!” Scarlett nodded her head and agreed.
After dinner, Francis and Scarlett waved goodbye to the other family members and headed back home together.
After getting in the car, Scarlett immediately took out her phone and called Sophie.
“Hey, Sophie. How are you doing these days?”
“Scarlett Morris! I haven’t heard from you in over a century, you little bitch! What happened to you?”