Grand Return of Alexander Fitzgerald : The Great Son-In-Law

Chapter 4

As Isabella and Alexander returned home, the weight of the day's events still clung to them, casting a heavy cloud over their homecoming. They couldn't have foreseen the storm that awaited them. Eleanor and Sebastian, Isabella's mother and brother, were there to greet them, their expressions laced with arrogance. The tension in the room was palpable. Sebastian, known for his condescending tone, couldn't resist being the first to speak, "Well, Alexander, are you finally ready to go through with the divorce?"

Isabella exchanged a bewildered glance with Alexander. They hadn't discussed divorce, and Isabella was taken aback by her family's audacity. Her annoyance simmered beneath the surface, but she struggled to maintain her composure. With a firm voice, Isabella stepped forward, incredulous, "Why in the world would you two want a divorce without even asking for my opinion? What gives you the right to make decisions about my marriage?" Eleanor, equally arrogant in her tone, responded, "Isabella, we're just looking out for your best interests. Alexander has proven himself to be a liability, and we believe it's in your best interest to move on."

Sebastian chimed in, his arrogance on full display, "Besides, Isabella, you deserve someone who can provide for you and support you in the way you need. Alexander can't offer you the life you deserve." Isabella's frustration and anger grew, but she knew she needed to hold her ground.

She was well aware that her family's extravagant lifestyle had driven her father's business to the brink of bankruptcy after his death. It was her tireless efforts that had been keeping the company afloat, her father's legacy from total ruin. She looked at them with exasperation, her voice tinged with anger, "You both have no right to make such a decision for me. My marriage is my choice, and it's based on love and trust. Alexander and I will decide our future together."

Eleanor and Sebastian exchanged a knowing glance, seemingly unmoved by Isabella's protest. They believed they were acting in her best interests and had no intention of backing down. Her father had been supportive of her relationship with Alexander, believing in their love. But Eleanor had different plans. Isabella's family turmoil deepened as her mother, Eleanor, and brother, Sebastian, pressed for her divorce.

An argument resurfaced, revealing that Eleanor had always opposed Isabella's marriage to Alexander. Isabella's father had supported their love, creating a lasting rift that now threatened her marriage. Amid the tense atmosphere in the room, Eleanor's voice took on a somewhat melancholic tone as she turned to Isabella. She sighed deeply and said, "I really don't blame you, Isabella. It's your father I blame. If he had listened to me before marrying you off to this scum, all of these wouldn't be happening."

Sebastian, always eager to support his mother, chimed in, "That's right, Mum. Father's sentimentality got in the way of securing Isabella's future." With a quivering voice, she retorted, "Mum, Dad believed in love and happiness, not just social standing and wealth. He wanted me to be happy, and that's why he supported our marriage." Sebastian added, "Isabella, you can still find happiness with someone else, someone who can provide for you. We only want the best for you."

Before Isabella could continue her rant, her mother, Eleanor, approached her with her phone in hand. She had a triumphant glint in her eyes as she started introducing Isabella to a series of successful men, each displayed on her screen, all of whom she believed were suitable suitors for her daughter to marry. Eleanor smiled as she spoke, "Isabella, I've been thinking about your future, and I've found a few gentlemen who are incredibly successful and would make perfect matches for you."

Isabella's frustration and annoyance deepened. She felt like her own family, including her mother, was attempting to expel Alexander from her life and marry her off to someone else. Her voice was laced with anger as she retorted, "Mother, I've already made my choice. I'm married to Alexander, and I won't let you or anyone else interfere with my decisions."

Eleanor's smile wavered for a moment, but she remained resolute in her determination to secure what she believed was a more suitable future for her daughter. She pressed on, "Isabella, these men are all highly successful, and they can provide you with a life of luxury and stability that Alexander simply cannot offer." Frustration and tension continued to hang heavy in the air as Alexander excused himself and made his way upstairs to his room.

Regardless of his mother-in-law's apparent anger and her family's relentless persuasion, he needed a moment of privacy and a break from the overwhelming situation. As he climbed the stairs, Isabella watched him go with a mixture of sadness and discomfort. She couldn't help but feel the weight of the strained atmosphere in their home, and it left her feeling torn between the expectations of her family and her own desires. Eleanor continued to insist, showing Isabella profiles of potential suitors on her phone, her voice filled with conviction. "Isabella, you should at least consider these opportunities. They could provide you with a life of comfort and success."

Isabella's patience wore thin as she finally stopped her mother's words with a firm tone, "Mother, I appreciate your concern, but I need some time to think. I won't make such an important decision under pressure." Eleanor, though taken aback by Isabella's resistance, recognized that her daughter needed some space to consider her choices.

She nodded, reluctantly accepting Isabella's request for time. Sebastian, however, was less understanding and remained insistent. "Isabella, you need to make the right choice for your future. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment." Isabella felt the weight of her family's expectations, but she also knew that she needed to follow her own heart. She responded, her voice firm, "I will make my own decisions, Sebastian. I won't be rushed into anything."

With that, Isabella made it clear that she needed space and time to think. She couldn't let the pressure from her family, or her own internal conflicts, dictate her choices. She turned away from her mother and brother, retreating to her room to gather her thoughts and consider the path she truly wanted to take. As Isabella prepared to leave the dining area, her eyes caught sight of a beautiful bunch of flowers displayed on the table. Her curiosity piqued, she turned to her mother and inquired, "Whose are these, Mother?" Sebastian, her brother, couldn't resist the opportunity to mockingly interject, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, these? Alexander got them for you. It's your wedding anniversary today, in case you've forgotten."

Isabella's eyes widened as the realization dawned upon her. She had indeed forgotten that it was their wedding anniversary. A warm smile spread across her face as she felt touched by the thoughtful gesture. Despite the turmoil of the day, Alexander had remembered this special occasion.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for her husband. The events of the day had created a rift in their relationship, and she knew that she needed to find a way to bridge that gap. After a moment, she turned and walked away, leaving her family behind. Her thoughts were consumed by the complex emotions she had.