Too Much to Bear, My Love novel Chapter 329

Chapter 329 Talking It Out

Over in the study, Kate’s beautiful eyes burned with anger. “Derrick, you and Crystal were arranged to be married since both of you were young. Both of our families have agreed to such an arrangement, and you’ve never said otherwise. You can’t just marry someone else now, especially someone who is in no regard better than Crystal. Do you know what this means for the two families?”

Derrick looked at her face intently. After all these years, age had not left a single trace on her face. With a heavy sigh, Derrick responded, “Mom, you know I said my piece of mind a long time ago. I told you that I didn’t want to marry her from the very beginning. I even said I would give up the right to inherit everything in the family, so why do you and Dad insist on me marrying her? Do I mean anything to both of you? Is money more important than my happiness?”

Hearing that, Kate turned grim. “How could you say that, Derrick? This is so hurtful. You know I did everything for you. Our family is extended and huge. There are so many family members who are vying for the inheritance. I don’t understand why you’re giving away everything that’s meant for you. I will never allow you to do something this stupid. Everything in the family is rightfully yours, so you’d better come home, inherit the family business, and do what you’re supposed to do instead of wasting your time and effort on that shabby publishing company of yours. End things with that girl. She’ll only drag you down.”

Derrick was dismayed at his mother’s words.

When Kate realized how her words had disturbed him, she softened her tone. “Derrick, I don’t mind you having some fun around before you get married. I believe Crystal will understand too. She might even turn a blind eye to your behavior after you guys get married, but she still has to be your wife. I have other ways of making Tiffany leave even if you insist on continuing this relationship. Don’t forget the whole Clinton family is looking for that friend of hers.”

Derrick’s heart smoldered with rage. He hated his mother’s entitled behavior to the core. To her, everything—including relationships—were nothing but tools.

“You should get going, Mom, since you’re still unwell. I’ll ask the chauffeur to send you to the airport. Dad must be worried if he knows you came all on your own.”

Kate, however, stood up and moved closer to Derrick. “Are you hurrying me off, Derrick?” she asked, her eyes curved into a smile.

Derrick looked her in the eye. “No way. I’m just concerned about your health. You should be resting at home. Imagine what Dad will feel with you coming here unattended.”

All the while, Derrick had always respected Kate. Yet, their relationship had never progressed beyond pure respect, simply because he never felt it was possible to draw closer to someone like her.

Meanwhile, Kate felt exasperated. Derrick was her only son. Now that he refused to budge, she felt she was losing control over his life.

Hence, she swept her silky hair on her shoulder and put up a pitiful look. “Derrick, are you going to just dismiss what I said and continue dating her?”

The man was caught in a difficult spot. He did not want to vex his mother. After all, she was still weak, and Derrick did not want to agitate her. People always said that God was fair, and Derrick could not agree more. Kate had the beauty all women coveted, but she did not have health. She looked perfect, but no one knew she had always struggled with enduring headaches. It would happen about every half a year. Her sickness was unpredictable, and she had combated it for dozens of years. Every time her sickness recurred, she would be in great pain. That was why Derrick would try his best not to provoke her.

“Mom, you know I’ve always listened to you, but I love Tiffany. She’s the only person I will marry. If you’re set on objecting to our relationship, I will give up everything I have from the family, including my right of inheritance. Everything you’ve been planning will go to ashes if that happens.”

This was the best Derrick could do, but Kate was not satisfied.

“Is this a threat?” Kate blinked her eyes.

“I’m just stating the truth, Mom. I’m not threatening you. I’ve just started dating Tiffany, and I don’t want you to become a drag on our relationship. I hope you’d understand.”

After some thought, Kate rolled her eyes around and decided to drop the matter. She knew that this was not the best time to act. If she were to chase Tiffany out right now, then she would be in for an ordeal. After all, Derrick was fixated on this relationship, and it would only make her the bad person if she came in between. What was more, Derrick might even revolt and walk out of the house, and this would be too much of a loss for her. Therefore, she decided to just watch and wait for now. She would be constantly on the lookout. When the timing was right, she would exploit every crack in their relationship and drive a wedge between them.

Kate relented after some deliberation. “Fine. Both of you can go ahead if that’s what you want, but she’ll have to meet our family’s standards, else a breakup will be the only option for both of you. Then you’ll have to marry Crystal.”

“You have nothing to worry about, Mom. I’m sure Granddad will be fond of her. They have a lot in common—especially their temper.”

Kate rolled her eyes and pursed her lips. “I don’t care if your granddad likes her or not. She will have to learn the etiquettes if she wants to step into the family. Also, Amelia is Oscar’s ex-wife. The Clintons have already spread words around asking people to keep an eye out for her, so she can’t stay here anymore. I don’t want her to be the reason for contention between the two families. You have no say over this matter because it concerns the whole family. Our family might be huge, but the Clinton family is no mean character either. You’ll have to concede on this, or I’ll inform them right away.”

When Derrick heard that, he pondered in silence.

“Derrick?” Kate called him again since he did not reply. She thought he was going to take Amelia’s side, but to her surprise, Derrick was sensible.

“I’ll sort this out, Mom. You don’t have anything to worry about,” he said after some thought.

Kate wanted to add on, but before she uttered a word, she figured she should just let Derrick settle this on his own.

“Mom, I hope you’ll at least try to get to know Tiff. Both of you are my two favorite people in the world,” Derrick said earnestly.

“I’m sorry, Derrick, but as I said, Crystal is the only suitable candidate for you in my heart. This means I will never like Tiffany. I don’t mind you dating her, but you’ll have to marry Crystal. I’ll never agree to you marrying Tiffany.” With that said, she turned and left.

Behind her, Derrick fell into a profound silence as if he was contemplating something.

Kate left right after. Just as her arrival was abrupt, her departure was a quick one too. She bid Derrick farewell and had the driver send her to the airport after that.

Tiffany and Amelia stood outside the hall, watching her car pull off. “Let go inside,” Derrick told them.

Tiffany sighed when the car was finally out of sight. “She’s not satisfied with me, is she?”