The Return Of Alexander Bennett; Ex Soldier Son In Law

Chapter Three

"Why is everyone so angry? I just told the truth. Cassie is a natural beauty. But with all that makeup, well, that isn't what I call beauty," Alex said, still maintaining his innocent face.

  It wasn't until then that the women realized the reason behind his hurtful comment about Cassie's appearance.

It wasn't because Cassie wasn't beautiful, but rather due to the excessive makeup she had applied, making her look 'Ugly' according to Alex.

  This revelation brought a sense of relief that it wasn't a personal attack from Alex, yet Cassie still felt discomfort at the harsh words.

  Just then, Michael spoke up, "I think Alex is right, Cassie. You might have overdone it with the makeup. I prefer your natural look, it's more beautiful that way."

  Cassie lowered her head and didn't say anything to her father.

  Gloria shot her husband a cold glance, but he seemed oblivious. She couldn't understand why he always supported Alex, even when the rest of the family disagreed with his marriage to Cassie at the beginning.

It all started when Old Westwood brought Alex into their lives, and Michael was the only one to back the old man's decision to marry Cassie to Alex.

  After a while, Janet couldn't resist taking a jab at Alex, saying, "Listen, Alex, my sister is meeting Brandon at Phoenix Hotel tonight. Who knows, you might not be my brother-in-law for much longer. I hope she and Brandon hit it off so she can divorce you and be free."

The room fell silent, with Gloria and Michael asking in unison, "Cassie is meeting Brandon at Phoenix Hotel? Why?"

  Cassie, realizing all eyes were on her, softly explained, "It's not what you're thinking, Janet. I'm just going to discuss business with Brandon, that's all."

  Michael let out a sigh of relief though he felt uncomfortable with the situation.

  On the other hand, Gloria's face lit up with excitement.

  She had always wanted her daughter to meet someone she deemed suitable, and Brandon Robinson fit the bill perfectly.

  He came from a wealthy family, had attended a prestigious school, and was handsome and friendly.

  Gloria thought he would be the ideal husband for her daughter, unlike the man sitting in front of her, eating like a starving animal.

  Gloria turned to Cassie and advised, "When you meet him, be sure to talk to him nicely and try to get along. Show respect to the young master. Who knows, maybe something unexpected might happen between you two."

Cassie frowned at her mother, wondering why she was giving such advice, especially in front of Alex, her husband.

  "Mother, stop!" Cassie said with a frown.

"Gloria! Watch your mouth!" Michael also warned his wife sternly. He knew she was going too far.

  Janet couldn't resist interrupting, "No, sister, I think Mother is right. I want Brandon to become my brother-in-law. I really want you and Alex to divorce. He doesn't deserve you - he's poor and, let's be honest, that face full of hair doesn't do him any favors," Janet said, her words dripping with disdain.

  Alex didn't pay much attention to her insult, knowing that Janet was just a teenager influenced by the dramas she watched and the kind of friends she walked with.

  Alex never took his sister in law opinions seriously, but he couldn't help but nod in agreement, his mouth full of food as he said...

  "Oh, you want your sister to marry Brandon? That's great news!" Alex exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"You know that damn old man forced me into promising to marry Cassie for five years. I've already completed four years, making only one year left.

If Cassie divorces me and marries Brandon, I'll be off the hook. No more waking up to Gloria's water splashing or worrying about you, Janet's constant jabs about my looks."

  Alex spoke with an innocent tone, food flying from his mouth as he continued, "It's a win-win. Cassie will be with someone you all think she deserves, and I'll be free from all this drama."

  His nonchalant attitude and careless words infuriated the women, especially Cassie, who glared at him with anger.

  "Alex, you've gone too far," she snapped, her voice trembling with rage.

  Cassie had agreed to marry Alex out of obligation to her late great-grandfather's wishes, but she had been trying to make the best of their five-year arrangement.

  However, Alex's stupid suggestion that she move on with Brandon infuriates her.

  It was as if Alex was implying that Cassie was suffocating him with their marriage and that she was free to pursue another man. This blunt remark didn't sit well with Gloria either, who couldn't help but speak up.

  "How dare you, Alex!" she exclaimed, "You've gone too far this time!"

  Michael's face fell, his expression a mix of sadness and concern. He had hoped that Alex and his daughter would work out their differences, mainly because he was the only one who knew Alex's true identity, albeit not all.

  In his eyes, it was a blessing for his daughter to be married to Alex, not the other way around.

However, this was a secret he had to keep to himself, so he decided to take a step back and observe, trying his best to bring the couple closer together.

  But it seemed that Alex had no interest in Cassie or any woman for that matter.

  Michael couldn't understand why Alex didn't seem to be attracted to women, and it wasn't as if he was interested in men either. His daughter was beautiful, but Alex didn't even care about her.

  Alex shook his head, feeling like he was walking on eggshells in this family. No matter what he said, it always came out wrong. But in his mind, he was simply telling the truth.

  "You always call me poor, Gloria and Janet," he began, "Also, you want Cassie to marry a rich person. But let me tell you this, I---!"

  Just as he was about to continue, the entire family, including Michael, finished his sentence in unison, like a well-rehearsed mantra:

  "I am not just any live-in son-in-law; I am powerful; I am rich, but I can use my money."

  Alex's eyes widened in surprise, and he wondered how they knew exactly what he was going to say.

Michael explained with a light chuckle, "You've been saying that since the day you married into our family, son. Of course, we have memorized it after hearing it every day.

  Alex scratched the back of his head, realizing that he had been repeating the same phrase for a long time. But then again, the family didn't seem to believe he was rich, not that he care though.

Cassie was fed up with the conversation, stood up, and bid everyone farewell before leaving the house.

  "Let me know if Brandon agrees to marry you!" Alex called out after her.

  Cassie was furious, but she kept her composure and walked out of the house without looking back.

For her, marrying Alex was the worst thing that had ever happened to her, and it wasn't because he was jobless or came from an unknown family.

  Alex's inability to control his speech often leads him to make comments that imply more than he intends, which Cassie hates.

With their marriage coming to an end with just one year left, Cassie feels suffocated by her husband's unfiltered words.

  She just couldn't wait for the day she'd be free from his loose tongue once and for all.