Chapter 536 Frustration
After clocking out that day, Susan dragged her feet before heading home.
Honestly, before she saw Catherine today, she was all set to tell her to dump Todd ASAP. But then she saw Catherine's tear-streaked face, and her resolve crumbled.
Catherine had it rough. She finally found someone who treated her right—Todd—but he had a family. Life was just plain unfair to her.
Susan felt bad for Catherine, but her moral compass was still pointing north. Until Todd got a divorce, she didn't want Catherine tangled up with him.
With her mind made up, Susan walked into the house.
By now, it was dark outside, but the villa was lit up like a Christmas tree. Mary was playing with Spring, Hayden was buried in homework, and Kathy was whipping up dinner.
"Mommy!" Spring spotted Susan and waved her tiny hands like crazy.
Susan walked over, ruffled her hair, and gave her a quick hug before letting her get back to playing with Mary.
Next, she headed over to Hayden and asked softly, "Where's Grandpa?"
"He's in his room," Hayden said, looking up from his books.
"Alright, keep at it with your homework." Susan patted his shoulder and made her way to Todd's room.
She knocked first.
"Come in!" Todd's voice called out.
Susan pushed the door open and saw the room was lit up bright. Todd was at his desk, rocking reading glasses and flipping through a book.
He had on a white shirt and black pants. Even though he was pushing sixty, his hair was still thick, with just a hint of silver at the temples, which only added to his dignified look.
At his age, Todd's face showed the wear and tear of time and wisdom. Not just Catherine, but probably any middle-aged woman would be drawn to his charm. Susan got why Catherine was into him; his looks were one thing, but Todd was also a grounded guy with his own ideas.
The looks were just a bonus. Especially since Todd was ready to drop everything for Catherine, giving up wealth and status—this kind of love was rare. Susan felt really bad for Catherine; if she missed out on Todd, she'd never find another guy like him, and she'd never fall for anyone else. Once you'd seen the king, how could you settle for a pawn?
Seeing Susan come in, Todd took off his reading glasses and smiled. "Susan, is it dinner time?"
"Not yet, Dad. I need to talk to you about something." Susan looked a bit uneasy. Talking about Catherine with him was awkward, to say the least.
Todd glanced at the hesitant Susan and seemed to get what she was about to bring up. He cleared his throat and said, "Okay, go ahead."
"I went to see my mom today," Susan started.
Todd was taken aback for a moment but stayed quiet, still unsure if Susan knew about his thing with Catherine.
Susan looked Todd straight in the eye and said, "Mom told me to tell you she never wants to see you again."
Todd's face went blank, like he'd just been sucker-punched. He tried to keep it together in front of Susan, but she could see the disappointment and panic in his eyes. A guy like Todd, who'd been through so much, should've been able to brush off women and emotions like they were nothing. But from his expression, Susan knew he had real, deep feelings for Catherine.
After a long pause, just when Susan thought he wouldn't say anything and was about to leave, Todd finally spoke up, "You know about me and Catherine?"
"Yeah," Susan nodded.
"Do you disapprove of us being together?" Todd asked, frowning.
Meeting his gaze, Susan replied firmly, "As long as you still have a family, I'm totally against it. Mom and I have always hated mistresses. I don't want to be that kind of person, and I don't want Mom to be that kind of person either!"
Todd clenched his fists, his face tense. After a moment, he said, "Go back and tell Catherine that I will definitely get a divorce. Ask her to wait for me. Once I'm divorced, I'll go find her."
Seeing Todd's serious and determined look, Susan felt uneasy. How did she end up as their go-between? No way, she couldn't do this.
"Dad, you should tell Mom that yourself," Susan said.
With that, she turned and left Todd's room.
Closing the door behind her, Susan sighed.
Honestly, she thought Todd was a stand-up guy. Just for saying he'd get a divorce before being with Catherine, she respected him. But he and Catherine probably met the right person at the wrong time. Maybe it was just bad luck.
Seb didn't come back for dinner, and Todd said he wasn't hungry and skipped the meal too. So it was just Susan and the kids at the table. Susan didn't have much of an appetite either, picked at her food, and then went upstairs to rest after spending some time with the kids.
It was past ten when Seb finally came home, reeking of booze.
Susan took his coat and frowned, "Why'd you drink so much?"
Seb leaned against the headboard, looking worn out. "Got a few drinks with a couple of friends in a bar."
Susan knew he was feeling down. His parents were talking about divorce at their age.
She felt guilty towards Seb. Catherine was the catalyst, and now that she knew the whole story, she had to keep it from him.
Susan turned and poured a glass of warm water, handing it to Seb. "Drink this, it'll help with the alcohol."
Seb's expression softened a bit. He took the glass and downed it in one gulp.
Susan took the empty glass and asked tentatively, "Did you see Mom?"
He must've gone to see Carol today. She was probably still fuming.
Seb nodded. "You know how Mom is. Dad embarrassed her so much this time, she's really upset and keeps saying she wants him to leave with nothing."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
