The Secrets in Their Hearts

Avenged

"You're an embarrassment to Mom! This is for her!" Joan said.

A wave of injustice fell over me, and my tears wouldn't stop coming.

Right then, an icy, biting voice said, "Stop right now!"

Gilbert came into my company still wearing black, and he stood as a wall between me and the women.

My mom put on a simpering expression. "Ah, you're here, Gilbert."

Joan gnashed her teeth. She hissed, "You're going to defend that bitch? No way."

Gilbert arched an eyebrow. "Of course I'm going to defend her."

I covered my cheek, and a smile curved my lips. Once again, my gamble was fruitful. I noticed Ronald texting someone while my mother was scolding me, and I knew it was for Gilbert.

My mother chuckled awkwardly. "I mean, the Pearsons gave me 1.5 million, but you're giving me nothing, so…"

Gilbert retorted, "You make your daughters sound like merchandise instead of living humans."

My mother had no answer for that, so she grabbed Joan and scurried off.

…

After they were out of sight, Gilbert asked, "Want payback? I can do it for you."

That was a good offer, so I nodded. After that, we put the episode behind us and got back to the project.

To my surprise, he joined every single meeting about the project. Sometimes, we could even have a discussion.

I liked this way of getting along with him.

Soon, it was Joan and Jonathan's wedding. Gilbert attended the ceremony with me. The first part of the wedding went well enough, but the problem started during the ring exchange.

Jonathan took the ring off one of the bridesmaids and presented it to Joan. Joan's fury burned her head, and she slapped the bridesmaid across the face.

Jonathan held the woman in his embrace protectively. "What's wrong with you? She just wanted to try it out! What the hell are you doing?"

Joan's eyes went red. "I can handle your hobbies, but this is our wedding! Our wedding, and you let some other woman wear my wedding ring? I'm your wife, not her!"

He slammed his foot into Joan's belly and sent her toppling to the ground. "Don't push your luck. If you don't like how I do things, don't marry me."

He was going to hit her again, but my mother jumped in and stopped him. "Hey, you can't hit my daughter!"

I snorted. "If you're going to cut the wedding short, you're giving the gift back, Mom."

My mother's face froze up. She clenched her teeth and slapped Joan instead. "Unbelievable! You're ruining your big day! Apologize to your husband right now!"

Gilbert held my hand, and we both ascended the stage. "You'd hit your own daughter over 1.5 million. Well, then I offer double, but I want you to never touch Katherine again. Deal?"

My mother's eyes lit up, and she nodded profusely. Happy with the answer, Gilbert descended the stage, holding my hand. "Ah, of course, the money is only for Katherine. You're not touching any of it."

That hit Joan hard. She had a mental breakdown and roared like something that was between human and animal.

Gilbert and I left the hall.

"That's the revenge done. Now, tell me about Gillian."