SWNOVELS Chapter 86 Mother-Son Estrangement
Mrs. Sterling's deep attachment was rooted in her regret regarding Mr. Chaucer. It was only after Mr. Chaucer's passing that Mrs. Sterling began to suffer from senile dementia.
Barking about visiting the Chaucer family, Mrs. Sterling persisted, while Terrence Sterling tried to reason with her, saying, "Grandma, it's late and we're not prepared to go propose marriage. It's not proper etiquette. Let's prepare gifts and visit the Chaucer family another day." These were merely comforting words to appease the old lady. Tomorrow, Mrs. Sterling may forget the request altogether. Her memory was fleeting, and what she said one moment may not be remembered the next.
Upon reflection, Mrs. Sterling agreed, "You're right. We must prepare gifts, we can't be ridiculed." "Grandma, it's windy outside, let's go inside first," Terrence Sterling escorted Mrs. Sterling inside. In this household, only the old lady could test Terrence Sterling's patience; even his tone was that of a child's persuading.
Upon entering, Mrs. Sterling magically produced a piece of toffee from behind, offering it as a treasure, whispering, "Terrence, look at what I've prepared for you. Your mother isn't home, she won't know, we can sneakily eat it without her knowing." At the sight of the toffee, Terrence Sterling's eyes welled up; he smiled, saying, "Alright, I won't tell mom, hand over all the toffees."
Wanting to indulge in sweets as a child, Terrence's parents never allowed it. Mrs. Sterling would secretly stash a few toffees to satisfy his cravings. Mrs. Sterling, childlike, pretended to be a child, "I want to keep one for myself, just one." Having hypertension and diabetes, she couldn't indulge in sweets.
Taking all the toffees, Terrence stated, "Grandma, I'll exchange these for something else. The doctor said you can't have sweets, listen to me." "Terry..." Mrs. Sterling tried to argue. "Grandma, do you still want to meet my wife?" This tactic worked. Mrs. Sterling swiftly replied, "I'll give up the toffees, I want you to have a wife."
After persuading the old lady to watch TV, Terrence discreetly handed the toffees to the housekeeper, coldly instructing, "Don't let me see these in the house again, Grandma can't have sweets." The housekeeper, trembling, responded, "Yes, Master Terrence, there won't be a next time." The housekeeper was clueless on where the old lady acquired the sweets.
Thankfully, she handed them over; otherwise, she couldn't bear the responsibility. "Keep an eye on Grandma, she's getting old and forgetful, take good care of her," Terrence instructed before heading upstairs to stay at Ravenwood Hall for the night.
After a shower and change of clothes, the bedroom door opened from outside. "Terry, you're back," a woman with a beaming smile entered. The woman was Terrence Sterling's mother, Stella. Terrence Sterling lazily glanced over, his tone indifferent, "Mother." From the icy tone, their relationship seemed strained.
Seeing her son wasn't easy, as Stella hurried back upon hearing Terrence returned to Ravenwood Hall, leaving her friends behind. Ignoring her son's coldness, Stella said, "Terry, you've lost weight. Tonight, I'll have Mrs. Hill make your favorite dishes. How's your wound? Is it still hurting? Let me see."
Stella reached out to touch Terrence's head to check the wound. Frowning, Terrence evaded, "Mother, if there's nothing else, please leave." Stella's smile froze, struggling to keep composure, "Terry, mother is only concerned about you." "No need," Terrence's indifference persisted.
Stella's eyes welled up slightly; she wiped her eyes and forced a smile, "Terry, you're not a child anymore. Mother wants to ask, do you like any girls? I heard about the woman at Thornfield Gardens who got kicked out, such a woman isn't worthy of you. What about Azure, she was a better match. I met Bianca the other day, her daughter Joy is so elegant. Our families have a marriage agreement..."
"Enough," Terrence's frigid demeanor deepened, "Mother, my affairs are none of your concern."