Chapter 8

"If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have cared about this marriage. He feared that if he wasn't strong enough to command respect, I would be mistreated at home. So, no matter how hard it was, he persevered, ensuring no one could threaten my position. Honestly, what am I holding onto with your father-in-law in this marriage? Let's both divorce. Once Brian divorces you, I'll divorce your father-in-law, and we can leave together. We won't starve," said Brian's mother, Belle.

In the Liu family, there were many wives, each more domineering than the last. Belle, being frail and without the means to fight back, was pushed into a corner. This family dynamic compelled Brian to be strong, to protect his mother from being mistreated. As long as Brian was there, backed by the Wang family, the other wives and illegitimate children dared not touch them. Knowing her son's intentions, Belle endured the hardship for Brian's sake.

"Mom, don't sabotage this. I know Brian married me to keep the Liu family from seizing the property. With our family as a backup, no one dares to harm you. I'm also at fault. I haven't taken care of you or asked about you over the years. All the grievances you've suffered here, Brian has helped you. If you and Brian leave, you'll escape the trouble, but the business that Brian built with his own hands will be given to others. I can't agree to that. Mom, I don't want a divorce. I want to treat him well. Can you help me persuade him? I know I was wrong, and I'll change, starting today, okay?"

"My mother asked me to bring you over. Mom, let's go. We can discuss any issues together."

Belle had no choice but to leave with William. As they passed the main gate, they encountered a young man in his twenties who approached Belle.

"That's Leo from the second wife's family. Ignore him and keep going."

William had heard a bit about this. His father-in-law had once wanted to divorce Brian's mother because of this second wife.

Belle quickened her pace, but she couldn't avoid him.

"Auntie, where are you going? And who's this?"

Belle tried to walk away, but Leo blocked her path.

"Auntie, my dad said the whole family is having dinner tonight. If you're leaving, have you told him?"

William stepped in front of his mother-in-law, pushing Leo away.

"Who the hell do you think you are, talking to my mom-in-law like that? You've been too presumptuous, haven't you? Get lost."

Leo was about to charge at him, but Belle pulled William away.

"William, let's go."

Leo's face changed when he saw William's military uniform and heard his name. He awkwardly stepped aside.

Leo muttered under his breath,"He was born well and married well. He's flown high, but he'll fall hard one day."

William was so angry he wanted to go back and beat him up, but Belle, always preferring to avoid trouble, quickly pulled him into the car.

William's father had always been passionate about calligraphy and poetry. He would rather be a Chinese literature teacher specializing in ancient texts than take over the company and get his hands dirty with money. He was happy to hear his son was back, but worried when he heard Brian wanted a divorce. When he learned the divorce was because his son didn't love Brian, he sighed deeply. What a family misfortune.

Nina and Belle, being cousins, had a close relationship. When they met, Nina immediately began to apologize, "I'm sorry, cousin. I didn't take good care of your son."

Everyone gathered in the living room, turning it into a courtroom.

The one under scrutiny was William.

His mother, mother-in-law and father began to launch various criticisms at him. Brian didn't say a word, just sat there with his legs crossed, a faint smile on his lips. He was flipping through his phone. Each time his parents scolded William, calling him a good-for-nothing, his smile grew a little wider.

Especially Nina, who was the loudest, even went so far as to insult William with a derogatory term from their culture, calling him a 'turtle's grandson.' His father sighed, "It's the father's fault if the son isn't taught well." Belle was sobbing on the side.

They scolded William for over an hour, without repeating a single phrase.

Brian seemed to be in a good mood, not interrupting or comforting them, just listening very attentively, maintaining a perfect smile.

For the first time since their marriage, no, for the first time in his life, William was observing Brian this closely.

Brian was a quiet child, a gloomy little boy. William, who loved to socialize and had many friends, didn't like playing with Brian, finding him too silent. Brian would often just watch from the side during games. Back then, Belle was still his aunt, and she was always sad and crying, which made Brian a child who rarely smiled.

How could William, who loved horse riding and playing soldiers, like such a child? He would only take Brian out with him, and defend him when others bullied him. Brian would always follow behind, standing outside the game circle even if he wasn't playing.

Then, the gloomy little boy became a gloomy teenager. Despite his quiet nature, he was sensible in his teens, and the family liked him. There was a time when Brian's father wanted to divorce, and Belle moved into their house with her child. His mother defended Belle, even hiring a lawyer to protect her rights. From then on, Brian started playing with William's grandfather, who really liked him. In the end, Brian's father didn't divorce because the cost was too high, but he brought his illegitimate child home.

Then, the grandfather fell ill, and Brian came to take care of him every day. Finally, Brian and William got married.