Too Much to Bear My Love

Emboldened by Oscar and Julian’s involvement, Derrick’s investors who had been tentatively on the fence began to express their confidence in the project. With the collective backing of the major players involved, the word about the adaptation of Tiffany’s novel attracted another close to half a billion in investment. With a production of such magnitude, the success of the adaptation seemed inevitable as long as the significant elements of drama, marketing, and casting were met. With Oscar’s invisible but omnipotent influence behind the scenes, the Hissons would not dare attempt a blatant interference.

Kate and Terrence had different reactions to the news of Tiffany’s success in securing Oscar and Julian’s support.

Despite Kate’s anger, Terrence became thoughtful upon hearing the news as if comparing the value that Tiffany and Crystal could bring to help the cause of the Hissons.

Tiffany’s ability to win over Oscar and Julian is conclusive proof of their relationship as god-siblings. Aside from that, the fact that she and Amelia are best friends is enough to overshadow the fact of the girl’s humble origins. With the backing of the Clintons behind her, the Hissons will benefit hugely if Derrick marries her. Though the Halliwell family is also quite prestigious, they are based in Beshya. The distance from Tayhaven makes an alliance with them more improbable and volatile.

“The girl has some tricks up her sleeve, it seems,” Terrence said meaningfully.

Kate felt a stab of fear in her heart as she turned to look at Terrence. “What do you mean, Dad?”

Terrence met her gaze. “I am perfectly aware of your feelings toward the girl, Kate. However, you have seen with your own eyes how she reacted to the problem Derrick’s company was facing. Instead of crying at the door for you to let her see him, she had instead made use of her contacts to help Derrick break into another field. If this project of theirs is successful, he will already have one foot securely in the entertainment industry. Need I remind you that his success also reflects the Hissons’ share in the entertainment industry. Anyway, it is good for us to have Tiffany marry into our family. The girl knows Oscar and Amelia, for God’s sake, and she’s a famous best-selling author! Even if I didn’t choose her for my grandson, the point is that Derrick chose her too. You should at least respect his choice, if not mine.”

Kate was becoming more alarmed by the minute.

“Dad, that wasn’t what you said at the beginning. She has no prominent family members to speak of, she only has a bachelor’s degree, and her appearance is plain at best. She is not worthy of my son. Besides, Crystal is head over heels for Derrick and has been waiting for him all these years. What will happen to Crystal if you give Derrick and Tiffany your blessing?”

As Crystal was chosen by Kate, the former knew exactly what to say to gain the favor of the latter. Tiffany, on the other hand, was not good-looking, nor was she skilled in pleasing her elders. Terrence’s approval of the girl seemed to exacerbate Kate’s dislike for her.

“There are things you can’t consider superficially, Kate,” Terrence said sagely. “I think that Crystal isn’t as pure as you make her out to be. Being away in Beshya all year round, how could you be sure that she is suitable for Derrick?”

Kate’s eyes widened with shock as she looked at the old man in disbelief.

“Weren’t you full of praise for Crystal before, Dad? The Halliwell family is influential in Beshya. If we toy with their daughter like this, I’m afraid it might offend them.”

Terrence motioned for his bodyguard behind him to retrieve something from the study who reemerged seconds later and presented the old man with a leather pouch.

the daughter-in-law of your choice, Kate.” Terrence pointed to the

of foreboding that an unbearable truth lay within its folds, she did not

“What is this, Dad?”

you take a look and find

As she perused the photos and the large stack of documents, her expression grew

did you get these photos?” Kate could not believe that the daughter-in-law of her choosing had been

her to see if she was as good as you said,” Terrence said casually as he picked up the crutches in his hand. “It just so happened that these photographs reached my hands yesterday. Given how interesting I thought they were, I’d thought that you might find them to

were scalding as if she had been slapped several times

has been nothing but filial to you. I still think that she is the rightful wife of my son

have the photographs authenticated if you don’t

her hand tightly as her

person, but two single people are free to explore their options in the absence of an engagement in this day and age. It’s no big deal for Crystal to spend her time with

to be so generous, Kate,” Terrence responded drily. “You’re insisting on Derrick marrying this girl at the risk of him getting cheated on in the future. How kind of you

I meant,

caught by the media. As for what you decide to do as a mother, I’ll leave it up to you. It depends on how much you love your son.” After speaking, Terrence got to his feet slowly. With one last look at

Terrence disappeared upstairs, Kate remained on the chair as

she did not know how long she had remained motionless before the decision to

former picked up, “are you free tomorrow? I have something

to meet? I’m having a party with my friends in Tayhaven and will not be returning to Beshya tonight. Pick a place, and I’ll meet you there tomorrow. How about

then. I’ll send you the time and address

Good night and

“Good night.”

girl in the incriminating photographs, she felt sick to her stomach at the

that they remained unadulterated, come from