Chapter 9 Sassy

• "Just a moment; I'll get it ready in no time." Summer swiftly carried the dishes to the kitchen. Rolling up her sleeves, she made a simple yet comforting bowl of shrimp grits with the leftovers from dinner. Then she paired it with some salad and some freshly made bread.
• "Here's your hush money," Summer said bluntly, handing the food over with a teasing glint in her eyes. "If you eat my food, you better keep my identity a secret. If you blab, there's no more therapy for you!"
• Theodore couldn't help but chuckle at her unique form of threat. He nodded, still smiling. "Deal."
• Completely at ease, Summer returned to her courtyard to rest.
• Theodore ate his food slowly, savoring the familiar taste.
• So, the food he had enjoyed at the clinic was her cooking all along.
• The next morning, George filled Archie in on the events from the night before.
• "That boy always says one thing but means another," Archie said with a laugh. "Seems like he's getting along with Yelena just fine."
• "Yes, Ms. Jenson is not only beautiful but also kindhearted. The moment she met Mr. Theodore, they hit it off right away. "I'm sure once they're married, they'll live a harmonious life and give you a great-grandson soon," George was eager to praise Summer.
• As long as it made Archie happy, he was all for it.
• "Well then, we shouldn't intrude on the young couple's time together," Archie suggested. "With us here, they'll probably feel uneasy. Let's find an excuse to go away for a few days and give them space to nurture their relationship."
• "You have a point, Mr. Archie."
• By noon, Theodore was clutching his stomach in pain, and his brows furrowed tightly.
• When his boss was in such discomfort, Travis couldn't help but offer some advice. "Mr. Theodore, you should at least have a bite. You've barely eaten all day."
• Irritated, Theodore waved him away and instructed, "Take it all away."
• He'd seen enough. How could he eat anything now?
• "And what about the dinner with Mr. Davis from Beacon Group tonight?" Travis asked cautiously.
• "Cancel it." Theodore's frustration was evident as he grabbed his coat and headed for the door. "Reschedule. I'm going home!"
• "Yes, boss."
• Meanwhile, Summer was lounging on a wide chair and basking in the sunlight.
• Wow, this is the life! Truly a luxury for the rich. Poor me; I've never had a single minute to relax in my life. I am constantly working, constantly on the go, and struggling to make ends meet.
• "You must be Yelena?" A harsh, entitled voice sounded from behind her.
• Summer turned her head to see a haughty young woman. She was impeccably dressed, her nose in the air as she sized Summer up.
• "That's me. And you are?" Summer nodded politely at the woman.
• "You? You're supposed to be my sister-in-law? Grandpa must have lost his mind, bringing all this garbage into the family! The girl approached, fanning the air around her like Summer had some unbearable stench.
• Summer quickly understood. This was Cecelia Jackman, Theodore's younger sister—a spoiled little rich girl, no doubt.
• She wasn't about to back down now that she had accepted the challenge.
• Yelena was, after all, a heiress known for her arrogance.
• Time to put her acting skills to the test.
• Summer stood up from the lounge chair, towering over Cecelia. She challenged, "Yes, that's right. I'm going to be your sister-in-law. What? Judging by your face, it seems like you're not too happy about it."
• Before Cecelia could respond, Summer exaggerated her reaction. She let out a high-pitched, dramatic laugh, the sound as grating as nails on a chalkboard. "But too bad! Archie arranged this marriage, whether you like it or not! If you've got what it takes, go ask him to call it off!"
• "Yelena, don't you get cocky! I'll never acknowledge you!"
• "Oh, like, I care if you acknowledge me!" Summer scoffed. "All I need is Archie's and your brother's approval! I am not someone you can push around."
• "You b*tch!"
• "What do you call me? Call me 'sister-in-law'! Ever heard of respecting your elders?" Summer placed her hands on her hips and was ready to teach Cecelia a lesson. It worked—Cecelia was visibly taken aback.
• "You just wait!"
• "Oh, you can't defeat me, so are you planning to run home and weep to your elders? Fine by me! "I'll go to Archie too, and we'll see who he listens to more—your whining or my fists!"
• Cecelia was left speechless. Her face turned red with anger, and she stormed off.
• Summer coughed lightly, her voice hoarse from the argument. Well, yelling sure does take a toll on the throat.
• In the end, it was worth it.
• She hadn't let her employer down.
• On the other side of the wall, Theodore had heard the entire argument.
• Hearing Yelena stand her ground so fiercely against Cecelia, Theodore thought to himself—maybe having Yelena as his wife wouldn't be so bad after all.
• At least, compared to the annoying fiancées, Cecelia and the others were far worse.
• Perhaps it was time to accept this marriage?
• Pine House was a small and secluded villa with only five rooms. It was nestled in the southwest corner of the estate and was separated from Theodore's villa, Juniper House, by a small river.