Chapter 50 The Tangle of Truths and Lies
Liam's shock was palpable as Gabriel called out to him, the unexpected presence of his brother casting a long shadow. Gabriel's casual demeanor and cryptic smile did little to ease the tension. "Just checking on a sick business associate," he replied with practiced ease.
Patrick's remark about the brothers' serendipitous meeting was met with polite nods. Sophia chimed in with her own pleasantries. Her experience in retail giving her a knack for such exchanges.
Teresa, cradled in Liam's arms, couldn't help but bury her face deeper into his chest, her avoidance of Gabriel speaking volumes of their complicated history.
Gabriel's attention, however, remained fixed on Teresa, a detail that didn't escape the notice of the others.
As pleasantries continued, Liam's discomfort grew, and he suggested Teresa and Sophia retreat to the car while he and Gabriel spoke privately. There were explanations due, and Liam felt obliged to offer them, trusting Gabriel to keep their conversation as a secret.
Once Teresa had settled into the car, Liam and Gabriel stepped aside for a candid talk. Liam's admission about the child's paternity was blunt, and Gabriel's response was tinged with sarcasm. The conversation revealed past regrets and future plans, with Liam asserting his intention to marry Teresa despite the complexities.
Gabriel's parting words were a promise of discretion, a small comfort to Liam as he returned to Teresa's side.
Teresa's apartment was a heaven of space and light, a welcoming environment for family gatherings. Sophia, while sometimes exasperated with Teresa's stubbornness, couldn't deny her protective instincts.
Interrupted by his ringing phone, Liam stepped out, leaving Teresa alone with her thoughts and an incoming call that would worsen her already fragile state.
Yvonne accused Teresa of ensnaring Liam with her "vixen's spell," threatening her with exclusion from the Evans family. The harsh words left Teresa in tears, the sting of Yvonne's contempt cutting deep.
Liam, returning to find Teresa in distress, was met with a shocking pronouncement. Teresa, overwhelmed by the weight of Yvonne's disdain and the potential strife within the Evans family, and declared she couldn't marry him. Her words, heavy with resolve, left Liam reeling.
The argument escalated quickly, drawing the attention of Sophia and Patrick. Teresa refused to marry Liam, despite her parents' confusion and anger, led to a heated confrontation. Patrick's slap, a stark symbol of his fury, was a jarring pause in the turmoil.
As the truth emerged about Yvonne's callous words, Sophia and Patrick's anger was cooled down, instead, replaced by understanding and a sense of helplessness. The revelation of Teresa's pregnancy and Yvonne's knowledge of it added another layer of complexity to the already tangled situation.
Sophia's lament and Patrick's command for Teresa to call Liam were met with staunch resistance. Teresa refusedl to bend further for the family.
Patrick's words were a harsh reminder of the consequences of Teresa's stubbornness. As he left, Sophia's maternal concern shone through, advising Teresa to care for herself despite the emotional storm.
Teresa's compliance, a rare moment of acquiescence, closed the chapter on a note of quiet understanding between mother and daughter.
