Free Web NovelChapter 155: Clue (2)
"Your father will be home soon so try not to speak of Ian and that woman. You do not want to upset him when he is proud of what you are doing now. Have you thought about which young lady you would like to escort you to the party? You must start thinking of who will be useful to you," said Layla.
Victor wondered if his mother didn’t want him to mention Noelle because his father didn’t know what happened to the maid. Wouldn’t it work in his mother’s favour to tell his father that Ian was snooping around? It might lower Hank’s interest in Ian, something Layla wanted to happen.
"I cannot think of a woman now-"
"You must. Ian is prancing around with Scarlet. You must find someone to compete with that. I hear that the princess was seen with Scarlet. There are rumours that the princess is not living in the palace. She would make a good bride for you," Layla considered.
Layla’s only concern was why the princess wasn’t in the palace.
"Whatever the reason might be for her being with Scarlet, her status would suit you. We would have greater ties to the royal family. Her status would benefit you so turn your attention to her. I can arrange for something. Reach out to Scarlet," Layla said, though she had concerns as to if Scarlet would answer.
Layla found Scarlet to be acting strange since Ian came to town. If only Scarlet would open her eyes and see which son was more suited for her, Layla would turn Victor’s attention there. "You must court the princess as soon as possible to take the focus from your brother. He is only being spoken about because he is around Scarlet."
Victor knew that wasn’t true since Ian’s business was quite the talk among men in town. His mother couldn’t keep placing Ian’s popularity on Scarlet. Victor wanted to correct her but knew how this would end.
"I will set up some meetings for you so be ready for court. I must have a wedding prepared for you by the end of winter. You are far past the age," Layla said, regretting that she had not done it sooner.
"I want to take my time with it. I hope to marry someone for love-"
"Love?" Layla chuckled. Why were there still people who wanted to marry for that? "Marriage is not for that. You must focus on finding a young woman whose father or brother may offer some benefit to you. Love will come after."
"I want to be married, not entering a business arrangement with someone. Shouldn’t you all people want me to marry for love?" Victor questioned.
"I do and you will. Later on when children come," Layla replied.
"Without love involved at the start, it makes it perfectly easy for eyes to wander. Do not," Victor warned, catching his mother’s hand before she slapped him. "You cannot hit me every time I say something you do not like. You do not raise your hand to father so why must you do it to me?"
Layla tried to pull her hand out of Victor’s hold. "You know not to speak of your father’s affair. Do you wish to cut me when I was in such good spirits for you?"
"I spoke of it because I know what I do not want to become. Like the two of you always arguing. I do not want to be hit by you ever again. We both know that it is wrong and I’ve grown tired of your apologies that follow each time," said Victor, still holding his mother’s hand.
Why should he have to take a beating each time she was upset and then have to say what she wanted to hear to not upset her further? He was not her punching bag.
"I do not understand how you want me to be a man and take after my father yet you hit me and constantly try to control my life. I shall do what I want from here on out. I have already told you that I will. I shall marry for love so I do not end up like you and father," Victor said, letting go of her hand and stepping back.
Why was she so surprised that he did not want to be anything like what she and his father had? Their marriage was awful. Victor loved his parents, both in different ways, but together, they were not suited for each other.
Layla tried not to cry because not only was her husband turning on her but now Victor was too. "You certainly are taking after your father. Since you want there to be love, you will enjoy it when he brings that woman back here. I never want to hurt you. Do you not for a second think how much it hurts me when I hurt-" free𝑤ebnovel.com
"Then stop doing it. It is quite simple. We should not argue before dinner so I will part from you here," said Victor.
"After all that I have done for you. The things that I have done to make sure you are the only one he has, this is how you treat me? You don’t have the slightest idea of the lengths that I have gone for you. I am owed respect. I endured so much to have you. Son," Layla said, approaching him.
Victor could act tough all he wanted, Layla knew him so well that she wasn’t worried. All she needed to do was make him feel sorry for her and he would be right back to listening.
"Your father has spoken of wanting to bring Ian’s mother back here and send me away. I am hard on you because you are my only hope to not have to leave the only home I’ve known for over twenty years now," Layla said, twisting the last fight she had with Hank.
Victor didn’t think his father was so foolish to welcome back the woman he cheated with. It would not be a good look unless he was trying to portray that they were all cordial.
’No,’ Victor thought, not falling for his mother’s trap. She always tried to make him feel sorry for her after she messed up.
"Father might have only said that to get under your skin. You have nothing to worry about, mother. I shall return to my room until dinner is ready. Please excuse me," Victor said, wanting to get away from her before he gave in.
He had to prove Ian wrong. Prove that he could stand up to his mother. He had not come to this war to stop now. Victor was quite close to fixing everything so he could have his brother again.
