SWNOVELS Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen: Her Family
“When did you come back?” The look on their faces was one of utter shock. Alexander remained composed. “She’s my girlfriend. Is there an issue?”
Olivia spoke up, “How can you be Alexander’s girlfriend?” Isabella was puzzled. “My boyfriend said he had to take me home for something Important, but I had no idea it would involve you.” Alexander was equally confused. “You know them?” Isabella nodded, “Yes, this is my father. We haven’t seen each other for a long time.”
In the tension–filled room, Alexander’s face turned icy, mirroring the sudden drop in atmosphere. His voice carried a hint of anger. “How can you call yourself a father when you’ve never once reached out to your daughter in her tough times, even barring her from your home?” Jake remained defiant.” She was the one who cheated, bringing shame to our family. How could I let her back In after that? I can’t allow someone so disgraceful into my home.” Upon hearing this, Matilda’s expression subtly changed. She was shocked to learn that the woman she had grown fond of had a past marked by marriage and infidelity.
Alexander, foreseeing a day when the truth would emerge but not under these circumstances, spoke to his parents, “Yes, she’s divorced, but not for the reasons you think. I’ve investigated the matter. Once we sort this out, I’ll explain everything, okay, Mom?” Matilda and Nelson Thompson, Alexander’s father, known for their decorum and wisdom, chose not to probe further, trusting in their son’s careful judgment.
Isabella offered Matilda a remorseful smile. “I apologize, Mrs. Thompson.” Matilda was wearing a courteous smile. “It’s alright. I trust you.” Nelson added with reassurance, “Don’t fret, we’ll take care of everything.” Feeling a bit more relieved by their words, Isabella’s anxiety eased. “What exactly is happening here?”
Matilda explained, “Alexander’s grandfather and your grandfather were close friends. They arranged. a marriage between our families long before Olivia was born. We didn’t know about this deal or even about your existence then.” Isabella’s mother suffered a severe hemorrhage giving birth to her. When Isabella was one, her father brought home Elizabeth, who was already expecting. Isabella had vaguely heard about her half–sister’s arranged marriage when she was little, but didn’t grasp the details or who was involved. She never imagined such a twist.
Nelson let out a sigh. “We intended to discuss breaking the engagement with Olivia, considering Alexander is with you. But they’ve taken the initiative.” Isabella realized the urgency behind Jake’s actions now. His sudden visit with her stepmother and half–sister made sense he was trying to secure the arranged marriage.
Olivia, close to tears, confronted Isabella. “Are you trying to steal my flancé too? Even though you’re Dad’s daughter, you’re divorced. How can you be right for Alexander?” She was almost kneeling. “I don’t care that Alexander brought you to the dinner. I know he loves me. If you leave him alone, we can forget all this ever happened.” The revelation of Jake’s company teetering on bankruptcy painted the picture clearer for everyone. His eagerness to push the marriage between Olivia and Alexander was a desperate move for financial salvation. But the news of Alexander’s relationship with Isabella
and his intent to dissolve the arranges marriage threw a wrench in Jake’s plans.
Isabella had long harbored resentment toward her stepmother and half–sister. Their presence in her life had been anything but peaceful “What exactly are you implying?”
Elizabeth didn’t hold back. “You cheated during your marriage, even had children, and now you’re meddling with your sister’s fiance? The audacity!” “You’ve brought enough disgrace to our family. Can’t you refrain from causing further chaos?” Jake’s words were laden with disappointment. To Isabella, Jake’s use of “our family” felt like a deliberate exclusion, each word piercing her heart. regretted coming with Alexander, realizing that escaping these rumors and judgments was a futile
endeavor.
Alexander, determined to prevent further misunderstandings, clarified everything he had discovered. “I will not marry Olivia. Additionally, Isabella’s children are mine, and she will be my only wife. My parents have already expressed their support. Please refrain from defaming my fiancée, or I will take legal action.”
Alexander, seeing their disbelief, decided to reveal his findings. He brought out Isabella’s IVF record and his own sperm storage registration from the same hospital. “There was a nurse’s error. The sperm intended for storage was mistakenly used for her embryo.” He accidentally caught Isabella’s gaze. Alexander hadn’t intended to disclose this so soon, worried it might frighten her. He had hoped to gradually win over Isabella before explaining. He had no idea things would escalate to this situation. He invited Isabella to show everyone he already had a girlfriend, hoping it would squash any lingering expectations, but now he felt compelled to defend her honor.
Isabella, tears in her eyes, was moved by Alexander’s efforts. She had initially thought the evidence was fake, hardly believing such a twist of fate. His dedication left her deeply conflicted. With Alexander’s parents now more confused about their relationship, she felt it unfair to continue being
with such a wonderful man.
Matilda gazed at Isabella, her eyes filled with compassion. “You’ve endured so much, dear.”
Isabella simply shook her head. “It’s fine, I’m used to it by now.”
Alexander said, “I’ve met those two kids. They bear a striking resemblance to me. I have no doubt they’re my children.”
Elizabeth was determined to stand up for her daughter. “At least make your story sound plausible. How can we be sure you didn’t fake these documents?”
Matilda stepped forward. “There’s no secrecy here. You’re welcome to check with th yourselves.”
hospital
“How can we be certain you haven’t colluded with the hospital? Anyway, Olivia is infinitely better
than this woman without shame.”
Matilda felt a deep sorrow for their lack of understanding. “She’s your daughter too. How can you allow her to be talked about in this manner?”
Jake, driven by his own agenda, was fixated on getting Alexander to marry Olivia to rescue his
Chapter Fourteen: Her Family
business. “She stopped being my daughter when she had an affair.”
3/3
Alexander’s anger was palpable. “That’s it! If I hadn’t looked into the past, Isabella would still be suffering from your ignorance. Instead of supporting her as her family, you accused her of having an affair. You don’t even have the basic morals expected of a human being, let alone as parents.”
Elizabeth snapped back, “And what about your morals, hiding your relationship with someone else?”
Isabella, overwhelmed with tears in Matilda’s embrace, felt deeply let down by Jake. Her father, who should have been her greatest support, was less understanding than Alexander, someone she had known for less than a month.
In this crisis, Alexander’s family stood by her, providing a strong backing against the world’s biases and misunderstandings. Alexander had offered her not only protection but also the courage to confront her past.
“Dad, you never believed me, no matter how much I explained. Now, even with proof before your eyes, you still refuse to believe. Since you’ve already disowned me, I need to be clear today.”
Jake’s anger flared at the sight of his daughter. “What’s left to say?”
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