The Unexpected Guest

A few weeks later, Elizabeth returned home unannounced, surprised to find Patricia, Charles' friend and coworker, in their mansion.

Emma welcomed Elizabeth warmly, but Elizabeth's gaze lingered on Patricia. "What brings you here?" Elizabeth asked, her tone guarded.

"That's what I'd like to know," Charles intervened, his eyes locked on Elizabeth.

"Let's discuss this later. Ryan and Amelia are joining us for dinner tonight."

That evening, tension simmered beneath the surface as they gathered around the dinner table.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed at Charles and Patricia. "I want to make amends with Ryan and Amelia," Elizabeth said, her voice strained.

Ryan and Amelia exchanged a cautious glance before nodding.

As dinner progressed, Elizabeth's emotions boiled over. "I was afraid of losing you, Ryan. But I see how happy Amelia makes you."

Ryan hugged Elizabeth. "I love you, Mom. And I love Amelia."

Elizabeth turned to Charles, her voice icy. "Honey, aren't you going to introduce your guest to our family?"

Charles' grip on Patricia's hand tightened. "Patricia isn't a guest. She lives here now."

Elizabeth's face contorted in shock. "What?! You can't be serious!"

Alexander looked away, while Ryan attempted to calm Elizabeth.

"How could you do this without my permission?" Elizabeth demanded, her fury directed at Emma and Alexander.

The dinner table erupted into chaos. Elizabeth stormed upstairs, muttering, "Not under my roof..."

Ryan and Amelia excused themselves, retreating to Ryan's room.

"I'm sorry, Charles," Patricia apologized.

Charles' gaze lingered on Patricia. "Don't apologize. I'll handle this. She needs to understand."

*Elizabeth's Room*

Elizabeth paced back and forth, her mind racing.

"How could he do this to me?" Elizabeth muttered.

Just then, Emma entered the room.

"Mom, calm down," Emma said.

"Calm down?" Elizabeth's voice rose. "Your father brings another woman into our home, and I'm supposed to calm down?"

Emma approached cautiously. "Maybe there's an explanation."

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. "What explanation could possibly justify this?"

Emma hesitated. "I've seen Dad and Patricia together...they seem happy and I think it's all about business."

Elizabeth's expression turned icy. "Happy? With her? In our home?"

Emma stepped back, sensing Elizabeth's fury.

"Mom, please—"

"Don't defend him, Emma," Elizabeth warned.

Downstairs

Patricia sat alone in the living room, feeling uneasy.

Charles entered, his expression somber.

"Patricia, I'm sorry about this," Charles said.

Patricia's eyes widened. "Sorry? For what?"

Charles hesitated. "Elizabeth's reaction...I didn't expect."

Patricia stood, her voice firm. "I won't leave that easily Charles. If that is what you are worried about."

Charles' eyes locked onto hers. "I want you here."

Just then, Elizabeth appeared at the doorway.

"You want her here?" Elizabeth's voice dripped with venom.

"Elizabeth, please—"

"No, Charles," Elizabeth interrupted. "You've made your choice. Now I'll make mine."

Elizabeth turned and left, leaving Charles and Patricia uncertain.

The tension in the mansion continued to escalate.