Love You Enough to Leave You

Chapter 329 Talking It Out

Over in the study, Kate’s beautiful eyes burned with anger. “Derrick, you and Crystal were arranged to be married since both of you were young. Both of our families have agreed to such an arrangement, and you’ve never said otherwise. You can’t just marry someone else now, especially someone who is in no regard better than Crystal. Do you know what this means for the two families?”

Derrick looked at her face intently. After all these years, age had not left a single trace on her face. With a heavy sigh, Derrick responded, “Mom, you know I said my piece of mind a long time ago. I told you that I didn’t want to marry her from the very beginning. I even said I would give up the right to inherit everything in the family, so why do you and Dad insist on me marrying her? Do I mean anything to both of you? Is money more important than my happiness?”

Hearing that, Kate turned grim. “How could you say that, Derrick? This is so hurtful. You know I did everything for you. Our family is extended and huge. There are so many family members who are vying for the inheritance. I don’t understand why you’re giving away everything that’s meant for you. I will never allow you to do something this stupid. Everything in the family is rightfully yours, so you’d better come home, inherit the family business, and do what you’re supposed to do instead of wasting your time and effort on that shabby publishing company of yours. End things with that girl. She’ll only drag you down.”

Derrick was dismayed at his mother’s words.

When Kate realized how her words had disturbed him, she softened her tone. “Derrick, I don’t mind you having some fun around before you get married. I believe Crystal will understand too. She might even turn a blind eye to your behavior after you guys get married, but she still has to be your wife. I have other ways of making Tiffany leave even if you insist on continuing this relationship. Don’t forget the whole Clinton family is looking for that friend of hers.”

Derrick’s heart smoldered with rage. He hated his mother’s entitled behavior to the core. To her, everything—including relationships—were nothing but tools.

“You should get going, Mom, since you’re still unwell. I’ll ask the chauffeur to send you to the airport. Dad must be worried if he knows you came all on your own.”

Kate, however, stood up and moved closer to Derrick. “Are you hurrying me off, Derrick?” she asked, her eyes curved into a smile.

Derrick looked her in the eye. “No way. I’m just concerned about your health. You should be resting at home. Imagine what Dad will feel with you coming here unattended.”

All the while, Derrick had always respected Kate. Yet, their relationship had never progressed beyond pure respect, simply because he never felt it was possible to draw closer to someone like her.

Meanwhile, Kate felt exasperated. Derrick was her only son. Now that he refused to budge, she felt she was losing control over his life.

Hence, she swept her silky hair on her shoulder and put up a pitiful look. “Derrick, are you going to just dismiss what I said and continue dating her?”

The man was caught in a difficult spot. He did not want to vex his mother. After all, she was still weak, and Derrick did not want to agitate her. People always said that God was fair, and Derrick could not agree more. Kate had the beauty all women coveted, but she did not have health. She looked perfect, but no one knew she had always struggled with enduring headaches. It would happen about every half a year. Her sickness was unpredictable, and she had combated it for dozens of years. Every time her sickness recurred, she would be in great pain. That was why Derrick would try his best not to provoke her.

“Mom, you know I’ve always listened to you, but I love Tiffany. She’s the only person I will marry. If you’re set on objecting to our relationship, I will give up everything I have from the family, including my right of inheritance. Everything you’ve been planning will go to ashes if that happens.”

This was the best Derrick could do, but Kate was not satisfied.

“Is this a threat?” Kate blinked her eyes.

Tiffany, and I don’t want you to become a drag

If she were to chase Tiffany out right now, then she would be in for an ordeal. After all, Derrick was fixated on this relationship, and it would only make her the bad person if she came in between. What was more, Derrick might even

meet our

have nothing to worry about, Mom. I’m sure Granddad will be fond

spread words around asking people to keep an eye out for her, so she can’t stay here anymore. I don’t want her to be the reason for contention between the

heard that, he

since he did not reply. She thought he

sort this out, Mom. You don’t have anything to worry about,” he said after

wanted to add on, but before she uttered a word, she figured

know Tiff. Both of you are my two favorite people in the world,”

will never like Tiffany. I don’t mind you dating her, but you’ll

fell into a profound silence as if he

one too. She bid Derrick farewell and had the driver send her to the

her car pull off. “Let go inside,”

was finally out of sight. “She’s not

just needs some time to come around. It’s just a

a wife for you. I bet she’s annoyed I came

and just smiled without

don’t you and Derrick spend

bring you

ask him about Crystal, and see if

“I will.”

nursery, Tiffany went back

so I don’t want to be blindsided about anything. I don’t want to be the last person to

turned her around to face him and looked at her searchingly.

great-grandparents’ generation. Their great-grandfathers were old friends who stuck to each other through thick and thin. This friendly relationship continued after they passed on. There were even arranged marriages between the families during Derrick’s grandfather’s generation. Derrick’s grand-uncle married one of the Halliwells, so they were considered relatives. Not long after Kate gave birth to Derrick, Crystal’s mom gave birth to her. When Kate brought him to visit the Halliwell family, Derrick, who was still a boy back then, held

thirty years, and it was hard for him to cut all ties with her. Derrick knew Crystal was just not the girl he wanted to marry. All this while, it

possibility between us. Trust me when I say there’s nothing going on between us. You’re the one I love,