The woman let out a friendly chuckle and turned to Armond. “You should have informed me earlier that we’re expecting a guest so I can be more prepared. After all, this is the first time you brought a female friend over here.”
The woman then walked toward me and asked kindly, “You must be hungry now. What would you like for dinner?”
I hesitated for a brief moment and shot Armond a quick glance. He was now looking at me with his darkened expression, causing me to respond accordingly, “Thanks, Mrs. Murphy. I’m easy.”
The woman continued to exchange more pleasantries with me before she headed out to get dinner ready.
The second the woman left our sights, a glint of malevolent reappeared in Armond’s eyes. “Cooperate with me, and I’ll tell you what you need to know.”
I pursed my lips and asked, “She’s your mother?”
“Hmm.” He nodded. “For years, she has been hoping that I’ll get married and settle down with a family. When she comes back, just go with whatever she says and don’t you try to get at her.”
I replied flatly, “Don’t worry. It’s you that I despise. Unlike you, I won’t lay a finger on a sick person. I’m not a monster.”
“How did you know she’s not well?” he asked with his brow lifted.
“I’m not blind. Her complexion is too pale for a normal, healthy person.”
“Well then, make sure you’re on your best behavior,” he snarked.
I looked at the certifiably treacherous man before me and lost in thoughts for a brief moment. I remember having read somewhere that stipulates that the more wickedly evil the person is, the easier it is to search for his soft spot. No one can be categorically judged as good or bad, as they are merely driven by their respective motives. People can be motivated by money, their loved ones, or even the people of their country. Whatever actions that follow are only means to an end.
“So how am I supposed to address her?”
The man raised an eyebrow and curled his lips while watching me. “Well, you can call her…Mom, just like I do.”
Furrowing my brows, I decided to ignore him.
Not long after, Armond’s mother came knocking on our door again. With an apron still wrapped around her waist, she happily announced, “Dinner is ready!”
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