Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21 Dinner Tension

This was about family interests.

Finished

But more than that, Martin was a man with authority. The younger generation both respected and loved him.

Years ago, Troy had saved Ayla from drowning in the ocean. He left without giving her his contact information, so Ayla searched for him.

On her way to find Troy, she happened to save Martin after he was in a car accident.

That accident led to everything that followed.

Even though things didn’t turn out well, winning Martin’s affection was still Ayla’s good fortune.

As Ayla thought back, she watched Draven, Bria, and Troy take their seats one after another.

Eric and his wife, Ruby Winston, didn’t come tonight.

With Draven here, their presence might have caused trouble. Avoiding the conflict was probably best.

The seat between Ayla and Draven was reserved for Martin.

Ayla glanced at Bria. She was glaring at her with obvious hatred.

Ayla almost laughed. To have dinner at the same table as someone Bria feared–that was probably one of the few hardships Bria had ever faced.

Bria’s life was far too easy.

Just as that thought crossed Ayla’s mind, Martin walked in.

Everyone quickly stood up.

Martin was 73. His sharp features still carried traces of the good looks of his youth. At six feet tall, he stood straight, his back unbent.

In his younger years, he was a tough, iron–willed man. Now age had softened him.

The grandchildren weren’t nearly as afraid of him as their parents once were.

Bria sighed in relief at the sight of her grandfather. “Grandpa, I heard from Lincoln feeling well. Why didn’t you tell us? You can’t keep things like that to yourself.”

you

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Chapter 21 Dinner Tension

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“It was just a viral flu. Nothing serious,” Martin said calmly. “If I had told you before I got better, you all might have caught it.”

Then he nodded. “Everyone, sit and eat.”

After he sat down, Martin looked over each of the younger ones. His gaze finally stopped on Ayla. “Have you lost weight?” he asked with concern.

Ayla quickly made up an excuse. “I’ve been working out lately. That might be why.”

Before, all her free time and energy had gone into Troy. She never had time to take care of herself.

This past week, even her coworkers said she looked worn out. After the miscarriage and divorce, it was impossible to look healthy. She’d put on light makeup today. Her face looked fine, but she really had lost weight.

Ayla hated feeling weak. She wanted to rebuild her health through exercise and good food. More than anything, she wanted to feel strong again.

By next week, she should be able to start exercising again.

Martin nodded with approval. “Working out is good. Keeps the body strong. But don’t get too skinny.”

Ayla agreed with a small nod.

Bria jumped in right away, tattling. “Grandpa, you don’t even know how much Ayla has changed lately. We were just talking, and she called me insensible!”

Ayla tried to stop her from making up lies.

Bria kept going, spinning lies without pause. “She even blamed me for showing up late for the dinner. But the only reason I was late was because I was picking out the perfect gift for you. How could I show up with something less than the best?”

Then she pressed further, smiling sweetly. “Ayla, you misunderstood me. Say you’re sorry, and I’ll forgive you.”

She wasn’t yelling or harsh. She made it sound playful, almost like a joke.

To anyone who didn’t know better, it could look like Ayla was just being difficult.

And just like before, when Bria stirred things up, Ayla’s only choice was to dodge.

Was it better to just swallow it down like always? Things could go back to before.

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Chapter 21 Dinner Tension

Ayla hadn’t even reacted yet when Troy spoke up. “This one’s on you. Apologize.”

Ayla looked at him.

He gave her a look, signaling for her to behave, keep the peace, and not ruin dinner.

Of everyone at that table, Troy knew his sister best. He also knew Ayla.

He didn’t need proof to see Bria was stirring up trouble on purpose.

Yet he still sided with Bria, pushing Ayla to bow her head.

If they had been alone, Ayla would never have apologized.

Finished

But Bria was very smart with her words. She’d pulled Martin’s gift into the story, making herself sound thoughtful.

If Ayla refused to apologize, Bria would act hurt, maybe even cry. Everyone would see Ayla as the troublemaker.

Ayla tried her best to hold it in again and again. In the end, she decided to let it go.

She only got to see Martin once in a while, and she didn’t want to waste it fighting.

Ayla lowered her head slightly. “I’m so-”

Martin cut her off. “You actually tattle over something so small? Drop this! Let’s eat.”

Ayla looked at Martin. His eyebrows were already gray, his eyes clouded with age, but he saw everything clearly.

To Martin, this was just kids squabbling, not worth taking sides.

But for Ayla, it meant swallowing another insult.

Martin cared for her, and that was why he showed his favoritism so openly.

Her chest tightened with a dull ache.

Since Martin had spoken, Bria had to hold back, even if she was fuming inside.

Bria regretted coming more than anything. Why had she insisted on showing off? Now she had

to live in fear of Draven while also putting up with Ayla.

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