Chapter 8 The Battle For Love

• Darien became lost in thought as his expression changed gradually after hearing that.
• “What’s wrong?” When Jeri noticed how suddenly angry Darien became, she inquired. It was strange.
• “Umm… well…” Awkwardly scratching the back of his head, Darien attempted to maintain his composure despite appearing confused. “ Nothing… nothing.”
• “Huh? You have got to be kidding, Darien. Come on, talk to me,” Jeri insisted, looking worried.
• She knew something had gone wrong when he acted that way.
• Darien, on the other hand, did not want her to find out what was going on, so he faked a smile.
• “There is no need to be concerned, Jeri. I'm doing extremely fine. I think it's time to go to bed now. We will talk tomorrow, okay?” He pecked her cheeks and kissed her son's forehead before leaving the room without waiting for her to say anything.
• Jeri remained silent, perplexed as to why Darien's expression had changed so dramatically after confessing his love to her. She wished she could ask the guards what was going on that made their boss angry, but she couldn't.
• She had a strange feeling about Darien, but she could not figure out what it was, despite his best efforts to win her trust.
• Even after being asked to return home because they had found him a wife, Darien refused until his parents' constant disruption became unbearable.
• Jeri spent four days with Darien and the old man in the small house before Darien decided to take her to his parents.
• “Finally, after two years of living with me in this small house, you have gotten what you desired. Congratulations, son,” the elderly man exclaimed as the young couple stood before him.
• “Thank you so much for everything you have done for me, Dr. Emiliano. Even though we are not related, you accepted me into your home. Because of this, sir, I will honor you. When I get home and settle down, I will send my guards to deliver a gift to you as a token of appreciation, sir,” Darien explained cheerfully.
• “Thank you so much, son…” The old man expressed appreciation, but Darien intervened.
• “No, I should be thanking you, not the other way around.” Darien responded by holding the old man's hand and smiling at him.
• "I cannot believe you are leaving tonight. People like you are difficult to find in the twenty-first century. A day had never passed without you ensuring that I smiled. I wish I could turn back the hands of time.
• “Just keep being the good man I know you are, and God will bless everything you do,” Dr. Emiliano let out as they held hands.
• “I will, sir.” Darien gave a nod.
• The old man released his hands from Darien's grip and shifted his gaze to Jeri. When their gazes locked, Jeri swallowed hard and lowered her gaze.
• “My dear, I will tell you nothing but the truth,” the old man explained to Jeri." You have found a God-fearing husband who truly loves you from the heart. I will advise you to stick with him through both good and bad times.
• "I do not know, but I am sure other ladies would do everything in their power to snatch him away from you, but do not ever give him a reason to leave you for another.
• “Respect and obey him, and I guarantee you will have a wonderful home. Finally, you both should not mistreat this child after having your own children.”
• They listened to everything the old man had to say before saying goodbye.
• A few minutes later, they found themselves in front of a magnificently designed gate with various colors.
• ‘If a gate can be this beautiful, how much more of the compound and rooms?’ Jeri reflected as she admired the gate.
• Darien was overwhelmed by Jeri's happiness. He just hopes that his parents will see reasons to accept her as their daughter-in-law, despite her being a single mother.
• She did not choose to be a single mother, so it was not her fault.
• Because the gate was automatic and detected cars, it opened without being touched.
• As the driver drove into the magnificent mansion, they received compliments from the guards stationed at various angles throughout the compound. They were all dressed in dark shades to complement their black outfits.
• When Jeri saw this compliment, she was no longer surprised because Darien had told her everything.
• Before Darien's chauffeur could apply the brakes, all the men had arrived at the car park and bowed at the same time.
• The car doors were opened, and as Darien stepped out, the guards screamed in unison. “ Welcome, young master.”
• He helped Jeri get out of the car by holding her left hand while she held her child in her right hand, clutching him to her chest and resting his head on her shoulder.
• Jeri stood dumbfounded, unsure whether she should scream with joy or remain silent until she confirmed that Darien was indeed the son of the nation's wealthiest businessman.
• “Come with me, the mother of my unborn children,” Darien said, taking Jeri's hand and leading her into the house.
• Jeri remained speechless until they arrived at the lounge, where they were greeted by numerous maids.
• Jeri was blown away by the interior design. She had never been to such a beautiful place in her life. This was the life she desired for her child, not a sorrowful one like hers.
• Jeri could not stop herself from smiling childishly.
• Darien let go of Jeri's hand and dashed to his parents, who were sitting on a couch facing the entrance. They stood up as soon as they saw him and welcomed him.
• “After two years away from your loved ones, you have finally returned home. Welcome home, son,” his mother exclaimed as she opened her arms to embrace Darien.
• Jeri was taken aback as soon as she saw Mr. Ethan Williams. She tried to adjust her gaze to the middle-aged man to ensure that her eyes were not deceiving her.
• Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would meet this man in person.
• This is someone she has always seen on television, and he will soon be her father-in-law.
• What a life!
• Darien and his parents exchanged pleasantries, admitting how much they missed him.
• Not only them, but the entire household expressed their joy at his return.
• A few minutes after exchanging pleasantries, Darien told his parents, “Mom and Dad, meet Jeri, my soon-to-be wife.”
• “What!” His mother exhaled and frowned at him, causing his smile to vanish instantly. “ You're kidding, right?”
• The woman, who appeared to be in her mid-forties, scanned Jeri from head to toe, as if looking for something small on her body.
• Jeri, on the other hand, quickly lowered her gaze to avoid making eye contact with the woman standing in front of her with a stern expression.
• The room was filled with tension, which made Jeri nervous. She never saw it coming. She assumed Darien's parents would accept her in the same way that their son showed interest in her, despite being a single mother.
• Her hopes were dashed as she assumed Darien offered to marry her out of sympathy.
• After a brief period of silence and tension, Darien's mother yelled at him." Where did you get this trash from? And why is she carrying a child, huh?"
• “What are you saying, Mom?” Darien was taken aback by his mother's remarks. It was always their wish for him to marry a decent woman, and he has found one. So… why the complaint? “ Doesn't she appear decent? I thought she was the kind of lady you always wanted."
• “Your father and I have a decent and well-trained lady for you, son, rather than this piece of trash standing before us.” Mrs. Lucinda Ethan grinned.
• “Honey, I do not think you should be talking about that right now,” Mr. Ethan interrupted the conversation." You should inquire as to whose child the young woman is holding. Perhaps that is our grandchild, which Darien had failed to inform us about.”
• "Well, he can go ahead and explain himself. We are all ears.” Mrs. Lucinda rolled her eyes, waiting for Darien's response.
• “She is a single mother who got abandoned by her family members…” Before Darien could finish his statement, his mother interrupted.
• “You said she is a single mother?” The woman inquired to ensure that she heard him correctly.
• Darien was unable to respond verbally, so he simply nodded.
• “You dare pick a whore from the street and bring her home? As if that were not enough, you had the audacity to introduce her to us as the woman you wish to marry? You must be kidding, Darien,” his mother scolded him as he stood silent, as if he had nothing to say.
• “And to you…” Mrs. Lucinda turned to face Jeri, pointing with her index finger. “If you would rather not see the other side of me, you would be better off leaving this house right now.”
• Darien quickly stepped between them and told his mother, "She is not going anywhere, mother. I did not choose her for you; I chose her for myself.”
• Darien's mother was shocked that he had the gall to speak to her in that manner. For as long as she could recall, Darien had never once spoken to her directly, but now he seemed to have developed the ability to respond to her comments.
• Even at the age of 25, Darien remained as submissive as a child who only knew how to follow instructions and let his parents make decisions for him.
• He was prepared to decide for himself on this one, though, rather than for them any longer.
• Cracking her fist and glaring at her son and Jeri, who stood in front of her, Darien's mother let out a fit of rage.
• “You really intend to wed her?” she growled.
• “Yes, Mother. I cherish her.” Darien stood tall.
• “Absolutely not,” his father chimed in. "You will not dishonor our family by marrying someone like her. Come on, Darien. You have no idea who this lady is, nor do you know who got her pregnant. Darien, you are a billionaire's son, for crying out loud! You cannot seriously consider a relationship with a single mother. She could even be an enemy who has been lying to you to gain access to this family.”
• “Poor people deserve to be respected and loved.” Darien snapped, his voice firm.
• Mr. Ethan sneered. "She's not suitable for our family, Darien. Consider our reputation, business dealings, and legacy.”
• Darien's jaw tightened. “I am thinking about our legacy, Father. And I want a future with her, not just an arranged marriage to advance your business interests.”
• Mr. Ethan's face flushed with anger. “Darien, you are being foolish and irresponsible. This relationship will not have my support.”
• Jeri's eyes widened in shock at the insult, but Darien stepped forward with a firm voice. "Whether or not you approve, I will marry Jeri. The only thing that matters is that I love her.”
• His mother's face softened, and she leaned forward, her voice less harsh but still commanding. "If you proceed with this, Darien, you will be disowned. You will never receive another cent from this family, no matter how desperately you need it in the future. You will be cut off. Is she worth that to you?”
• He trembled as her words rang in his ears. No! He could not imagine leaving his luxurious life behind to suffer.
• Everything his parents own belongs to him, and he cannot imagine them giving it to anyone else instead of him.
• Darien and Jeri exchanged glances, clearly perplexed about the situation. Jeri was already envisioning how she would be ejected from what she believed to be her new residence.
• The woman Darien's parents had selected for him to marry suddenly appeared in the living room.
• The moment Jeri and the woman met eyes, the two women froze and looked shocked.
• Not only were the two of them taken aback by each other's appearance, but Darien was even more taken aback by the woman his parents had selected for him.
• The woman forced a deep breath out of an attempt to compos
• e herself.
• “Is this… you, Aysel?” Jeri couldn't believe her eyes. She was shocked to learn that Darien's parents had selected her evil stepsister as his wife.