"Yes. I guess she was raped by those she hired. Her cousin came here earlier, demanding justice." Daisy bit her lips and felt sad for Jessica's misfortune. It was awful when a woman was raped once. Worse, she was raped twice. She was suddenly torn between hating and pitying her.
"What? Was she really raped by those guys? I have warned her. I said she would suffer but she didn't believe me." Cynthia pursed her lips. She was never as kind-hearted as Daisy. She even liked witnessing how evil women got punished.
"Yes, she was. But she said your guys did that." Daisy knew that she shouldn't suspect Cynthia of being so cruel and committing such a crime. However, she tried to refrain from inquiring but failed. She had to do it even if it hurt Cynthia's pride.
"Well, Why didn't she tell you that I raped her in person? She does have the face to come here anyway and make trouble for us. If she wants justice, ask her to go to the police. Otherwise, she should keep quiet and try not to compromise my reputation," said Cynthia, irritably. She smiled. She had always been forthright and frank and never kept those hideous secrets from her family. However, she refused to admit anything that she hadn't done.
"Mom, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have suspected your integrity," said Daisy apologetically. Daisy pouted her lips as she knew that she made a mistake. She shouldn't do this even if she was curious.
"I'm fine. I know you better than you think. It was your duty that made you inquire. Don't worry. I won't put you in a dilemma." Cynthia patted Daisy on her shoulder. Those things wouldn't have bothered their mind in the past. It was just that things had changed. They had to be careful and stick to some principles in dealing with certain matters. They wouldn't want Daisy to be accidentally implicated if something went wrong unexpectedly.
"You misunderstood me, Mom. It's not my job or duty that I'm worried about. I don't want my family to get involved or even hurt," explained Daisy in a haste. Daisy valued her position and reputation in the army a long time ago because she always regarded her high rank as a bargaining chip to be Edward's wife. However, it was different now. She still loved her job but her family was more important than anything else in this world. She would doubtlessly choose her family if she was forced to make a choice between her family and her career in the army. After all, you couldn't purchase a family who loved you and would protect you at all costs no matter how successful you were in your career.
"I know. Please don't explain anything. Everything is gonna be alright. Now, go upstairs and get changed. The dinner is almost ready," said Cynthia amiably. A comforting smile cracked her lips for Daisy. She really loved her daughter-in-law as if she were her biological child. How could she get angry at her because of such trivial matters?
Well, mom, please feel free to tell me if I have done anything wrong. I won't make the same mistakes again. Trust me," said Daisy guiltily. It was said that the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was both delicate and complex. Daisy couldn't take her mistakes for granted even if Cynthia was a loving mother. She was determined to remember her position in the family, being a good wife and doing her filial duties.
Ok. Go ahead. Don't be a silly and worried girl," said Cynthia in amusement. For a high-ranking military officer as Daisy was, she never thought highly of herself, nor behaved proudly in front of her family. She was always humble and considerate. She was nothing but a wonderful daughter-in-law, wife, and mother.
Daisy smiled timidly. Then, she squatted down to put herself on the level of Justin and kissed his cheek. It was only after she kissed her child that she stood up and walked upstairs in a good mood.
Grandma. I met the woman whom you were talking about. I thought she was a beauty. I don't think so now," said Justin. He turned his gaze to Cynthia when he saw his Mom went upstairs.
"Oh? Really? Why did you say that?" Cynthia was amused by the complicated expression on Justin's face. She pulled him closer to herself and let him sit down on the couch. She wanted to know what the child meant by what he just said.
"She's pretty but with an ugly heart. Her beauty will slowly erode because of her wickedness, right?" Justin pouted his lips as he explained it to his grandma seriously. He disliked those people who made trouble for his mom.
"Good boy! Yes, you're right. You must grow up to be a good man both in heart and appearance. Then, you'll be liked and welcomed by more people. Do you understand?" Cynthia took the chance to teach her grandson a lesson. As far as she was concerned, moral education should start at tender ages.
"Yeah. Grandma, I'll be a good boy physically and morally. A man can live a poor life but he shouldn't suffer from conscienceless. I'm not gonna let you and mom down," said little Justin confidently and sternly. Actually, he had already committed to learning from his parents.
"Good boy. Go wash your hands. We're gonna have dinner." Cynthia kissed Justin's forehead gently. She took his arm and walked together with him towards the washroom.
There was no one in the drawing room when Daisy and Edward walked down the stairs and got there.
"Where have they gone?" said Daisy curiously. She looked around as she searched for Justin and Cynthia but failed to find them.
"They're probably waiting for us in the dining hall. You son's extremely fond of food. He won't be left behind at the drawing room when it's time to have dinner," answered Edward in a good mood. Justin was plumper and taller now than when he first came there and started to live with his father. It could be because of his consistent good mood and the nice foods cooked by Mrs. Wu.
"He's also your son. It is your obligation to take care of him," said an annoyed Daisy. She was still upset with the man for what happened a few moments ago. However, Edward had the cheek to provoke Daisy again.
"Oh! My bad. Please don't be mad at me. By the way, how is it going today? You seem to be as mad as a wet hen and are pissed off at the slightest things," said Edward curiously. It wasn't every day that Daisy was in a bad mood after all.
Obviously bad. I wouldn't have gotten this angry though if only you hadn't picked on me," answered Daisy. She had intended to punch Edward on the face to relieve her anger. However, she saw Cynthia and Justin coming out of the washroom and decided to let her husband go. Well, at least for now.
"Mommy, Daddy, what's wrong with you guys?" Justin was blinking cutely as he watched his parents. They were clearly quarreling when they came.
"Nothing to worry about, son. You just have a thick-skinned Daddy who needs somebody to teach him a lesson. And I'm gonna do him a favor. That's all," said Daisy. Then, Daisy and Justin exchanged glances and laughed heartily.
"Alright. Daddy, good luck. Grandma, shall we have dinner right now? We're not supposed to be here when mommy tries to teach daddy something," said Justin. Then, he took Cynthia's hand and walked her out of the drawing room to the dining room. He didn't even give her grandma a choice to talk.
"Darling, what do you mean by saying that? You smiled so wickedly. I warn you, don't turn violent. I'm your husband and your son's father. It will become really ugly if you punch me on the face. Please, show mercy," said Edward. The CEO pretended to beg for mercy, which was laughable and funny.
Edward, don't be a fool and behave yourself. Your son and mom might be watching you right now," said Daisy embarrassed. It was only a second after Daisy said that when she suddenly lifted her foot and kicked Edward on the leg unexpectedly and quickly.
"Ouch! How dare you kick me this way. You're being ridiculous and terrible," winced Edward with unbelievable anger. He jumped and then glowered at his wife as he thought, 'Is this woman really my wife? How could a wife kick his husband at home with the slightest provocation? What's wrong with her?'
No more nonsense! I just teach you a lesson so you know how to treat your wife nicely and lovingly. Give it a second thought if you intend to misbehave next time," said Daisy. Then, Daisy clapped her hands, raised her head triumphantly, and walked to the dining room without even looking back at the possibly injured Edward.
"Fuck! What a dangerous wife you're. Merciless! Cruel!" said Edward. He felt aggrieved as he reached for his leg and massaged his bruise. He finally knew that when Daisy got irritated, she would not show mercy to anyone, including her beloved husband.