Chapter 54 A Choice Born of Despair
Hannah looked at Lauren intently; it was probably best. Lauren surely had a lot of pent-up feelings, and a trip out to clear her head could do her good.
"Of course, you can go. Just remember to come back in the evening, I had Ezekiel go out to get some soup, especially for today. Actually, I'll have Ezekiel drive you; I'd worry about you going alone."
"Alright, I'll head out after breakfast then," Lauren said lightly.
Hannah nodded, resolving her plan. Since Quentin wasn't around, it was time she sought him out.
Lauren wolfed down her breakfast and set out in a hurry. She was in a dreadful mood, fully expecting a grilling from Kimberly and Ulysses upon her return to the Walker family home.
Bracing herself mentally, Lauren took solace in the fact that she still had a place at the Walkers, unlike with the Robinsons, where she had to tread carefully, as if on thin ice.
The previous day, when Quentin had shown up at Hannah’s birthday banquet with Wendy in tow, Ulysses had turned green with rage. He castigated Lauren for her lack of fight, allowing "the other woman" to appear so boldly within the Robinson family circle, leaving him no place to save face.
Kimberly, on the other hand, felt even more sympathy for Lauren. She wanted to have a word with Quentin, but couldn't find the words, and ended up sulking through the remainder of the dinner.
Opening the door, Kimberly was shocked to see Lauren’s pale face. “Lauren… why are you here? Did Quentin kick you out?”
Lauren managed a bitter smile; her mother really knew her well enough to consider even that possibility.
“How could that be? At the least, I'm still pregnant. I just thought... I haven’t been home in so long, and I wanted to check in today.”
“Oh, come in, honey, come sit down and rest,” Kimberly said as she helped Lauren into the house, quickly pouring her a glass of plain water.
“You scared me to death. I thought... Well, never mind that now, does Quentin know you’re here?” Kimberly relentlessly began her questioning.
“Hmm, staying at the Robinson Estate all day is just too stifling. Getting out once in a while is good for the baby, too.” Lauren caressed her belly, content just to have her child.
Kimberly opened her mouth as if to say more, then stopped herself. She, too, had seen the day's entertainment news; she knew about Quentin and the ambiguous nature of his relationship with Wendy. She feared Lauren finding out would upset her and potentially harm the baby, so she wanted to keep it from Lauren as much as possible.
“Alright then, since you're back, stay a few days. This way, I can look after you and give you some TLC,” Kimberly offered.
Lauren hugged her gently, “Mom, I’ve grown up. I can take care of myself. Besides, Hannah has been really good to me, and I promised to go back tonight. Anyway, our houses aren't far from each other, I'll drop by more often when I have the chance.”
Kimberly held skinny Lauren close, feeling that her daughter had lost even more weight.
“You’ve grown up, become stronger, and you've moved beyond my embrace. I can’t help but miss the days before you got married…”
Lauren choked back tears, hiding behind Kimberly, trying not to let her see. Just before stepping out of her embrace, she quickly wiped her tears away.
"If I never grow up, won't you be even more tired? Let's not talk about that now. I want to check on my room, Mom. Will you come with me?"
"Of course, sweetie. Your room has been kept just the way it is. I've been changing your bedding regularly too, so just relax and rest," Kimberly said, holding Lauren's hand.
On the other side, after the butler, Ezekiel, returned, Hannah immediately went straight to the Robinson Conglomerate. She was intent on seeing just how busy Quentin's job was that he could neglect his own darling and child.
Secretary Shaw saw the furious Hannah and immediately backed down. He guessed she had seen the day's entertainment news and hurried to call Quentin to warn him about the impending ‘storm.’
Upon hearing Hannah was on her way, Quentin had just hung up when she stormed into his office.
"Mr. Robinson, quite the imposing office you've got here! No wonder it attracts all sorts of women ready to throw themselves at you," Hannah said sarcastically.
Quentin, aware that Hannah was angry, stood up and approached her. "Madam, what brings you here? I'll be returning to the family estate tonight."
"Tonight? What time? Six or eight? Are you bringing someone with you? Wendy, is that her name?"
Quentin's expression was embarrassed, yet he couldn't lash out at Hannah.
"Madam, the news is all false. Don't you trust me?"
"What good does my trust do if what you did yesterday wasn't appropriate?" Hannah's anger grew the more she thought about it.
"Madam, I'm sorry for being late yesterday."
Hannah was beyond words with Quentin. "Are you trying to kill me with frustration? Do you not see where you went wrong? Being late is not the point. What about the commitment to Lauren? Why did you bring an outsider yesterday? And of all people, Wendy. Don't you know the gossip columns have exaggerated your relationship with her? What were you trying to prove by bringing her here now? What is Lauren supposed to think?"
Hannah let out all her pent-up questions in one breath. Quentin was incredibly dense; his brains seemed to be made of solid wood!
"I..." Quentin tried to retort but was cut off by Hannah's relentless outburst.
"Do you have any idea how much courage it takes for a woman to have a child for a man? Lauren is enduring the physical pain alone, on top of your emotional neglect. Quentin, do you really feel nothing for Lauren? Even if you don't, considering her selfless act of saving you without regard for her own safety, shouldn't you at least feel grateful to her? But by acting this way, it's like you're slashing her heart with a knife!” Hannah lamented with a heavy heart.
Quentin was silent, pondering to himself. Did Lauren really feel upset over this matter? Was it really that serious? He had to admit, that his feelings toward Lauren had warmed a bit, but the thought of lowering his pride to apologize was something he couldn't bring himself to do.
"Quentin, are you even listening?" Hannah demanded, frustrated by Quentin's stoic face.
Quentin snapped back to reality and replied, “I get it, Dowager. Things aren't exactly as they appear to you all. Fine, I'll go back tonight and clear things up with Lauren. You don't have to worry.”
Hannah’s expression softened. She had come with the sole purpose of making Quentin see the light. She had no other demands; she just hoped Quentin and Lauren would find happiness.
Meanwhile, Lauren arrived back at Robinson Estate just as dusk fell.
As soon as she entered, Hannah grasped her arm.
“Lauren, Quentin is waiting for you in the room. Have a good talk with him, and don't stress yourself out, you hear?” Hannah reminded Lauren that, above all, the baby in her womb took precedence.
Lauren was somewhat taken aback but quickly regained her composure. Whatever was meant to happen would happen; fear and avoidance would solve nothing.
