You Are Mine (English)

Chapter 336: Chapter 336: I Can Face Anything

Stuart was always worrying about other people’s intentions. He frequently thought that someone was trying to hurt him, take advantage of him, or deceive him in some way. The powerful people lurking in the dark will come after him with all their might, half a dozen thoughts run through his mind, all tempting and dangerous. Edie’s life was full of danger because of him, and he didn’t want her to suffer. There was an unspoken feeling of insecurity now, and it worried him. He worried that even he might not be able to protect Edie.

It was hard being around Hicks. It brought back painful memories from his past. Stuart looked at Hicks, who seemed lost in thoughts of her own. He hadn’t spoken of his feelings, but it was clear that he still cared deeply for her, but he loved Edie and would stop at nothing to protect her. Looking at Hicks, Stuart realized there couldn’t be any more contact between them. He wasn’t going to give her false hope.

Hicks stood there, her eyes dark with contempt, smiling scornfully at Edie. "I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have come," she said apologetically.

Stuart didn’t say another word; he took Edie by the arm and went into his office. Hicks watched as they disappeared around the corner. Her eyes flashed with jealous resentment. "I may not be by standing by his side now, but one day I will," she murmured under her breath.

Stuart held the door to the office as Edie walked inside the room. She sat down, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She could feel the heaviness of her heart even before she began speaking. "This morning...I met your mother!"

Stuart caressed her hand gently to calm her. "Did you go see her? Where did you meet her?" he asked, sounding frantic. "What did she say to you, and did she do anything to you?" The frown on his face deepened.

Stuart asked Edie a series of questions. She didn’t know which one to answer first. Edie gulped a couple of times to clear the lump in her throat. "Your mother..." she began. "At first, I was terrified, and she spoke to me with such coldness, but then she started telling me that you should be doing everything for me as it’s your responsibility because you’re my husband. She informed me of the family’s rules and told me to be strong. She also said that in the future, I would not only have her to face but others!" Edie paused to gain her thoughts. "We talked about a lot of things. She said women should be spoiled and show their weaknesses and always make sure you are there to protect me when needed."

When Edie was finished, they looked at each other with worried expressions. "What my mother was telling you was our duties as husband and wife?" Stuart exclaimed. He looked at Edie in astonishment and then carefully wiped all expression from his face.

"Do you know....what your mother is thinking? I could barely keep up with her thoughts. It all happened so....fast, and I still don’t even know if she likes me or not? I...I don’t understand how she can be so cold?" As Edie explained, a touch of anxiety echoed in her voice.

Stuart listened with patience as Edie nervously stumbled through her sentences. He studied her face for an eternal moment, myriad emotions swirling in his eyes. "Did she say anything else?" he asked.

"Yes! I told you we talked about a lot of things, but...." Edie hesitated. "She’s coming to the Villa to cook us dinner! She wants us both there! I don’t if that means she has more to say or?"

Gradually the tension in Stuart began to relax. His big, capable hands spanned her waist, pulling her close into his warm body. "We’ll walk in together and see what my mother’s intentions are!" he whispered softly in Edie’s ear.

Edie smiled and nodded. "As long as you are with me, I can face anything!"

"I have a few things here to do first, and then we’ll leave! Okay!" Stuart said.

It was only five minutes, and Stuart was finished. As they opened the door to the Villa, Mr. Sampson didn’t say a word, and he only nodded his head. Having Madame Yates there put everyone under a lot of pressure. Edie and Stuart walked toward the kitchen and saw many dishes on the dining room table. Just as they were about to step into the kitchen, Madame stepped out with a bowl of soup in her hands. "Oh! Right on time," she said coldly.

Madame had changed her clothing. She was dressed more casually, making her look younger. It was a different look than her business suit.

Edie could feel the tension between the two as they looked at one another. It made her feel uncomfortable. "Madame, very nice to see you again," Edie said, trying to relieve the tension in the room.

Madame nodded at Edie. "Thank you," she replied. She lifted her head to pin Stuart with a narrowed look. "What’s wrong with you? You look at me as though you don’t even recognize me!" she said, her mouth pursing.

Stuart’s body became stiff as a board, and his eyes shot wide open. He squeezed Edie’s hand tighter, and she squeezed back. It was all the confirmation she needed not to let go. He tried to control the things that we’re building up inside of him, but they were things that he knew that he could not control forever. Fear, anger, guilt, pain all these emotions and feelings that had been shunted away were now backing up. "Hello, Deputy Director!" Stuart said coldly.

’Did he just call her Deputy Director? Why didn’t Stuart call her mother?’ Edie wondered. She looked at Madame, and there was no change in her expression. It seemed as though Stuart calling her this was not unusual. Edie couldn’t understand how a mother and son couldn’t get along. All she knew was she had to break the awkward silence in the room. "Madame....." Edie said.

Madame Yates raised her eyebrows and made an annoying sound. "What did you call me?" she said, sounding harsh.

"I...I" Edie was shocked by Madame’s tone.

"Even Stuart doesn’t call me that!" Madame started to walk toward Edie, and Stuart stepped in front of her. freёweɓnovel.com

"What are you saying?" Stuart asked, staring deeply into his mother’s eyes. "Yes, you are my mother, but our relationship is no different than that of strangers. Nothing has changed! This was how you raised me, do you remember? I don’t know if I should hate you for it or respect you?"

Madame Yates sneered. "Well! Since you’re calling me Deputy Director. I guess we will discuss business. Your marriage will benefit me because the rumors of your sexual orientation will now stop, and the board of directors will have no issues in turning the power of the company into your hands. I will take advantage of this situation, so why should I object to your marriage?"

Edie listened to what Madame had to say and realized that underneath those long lashes was a cunning, sharp and savvy woman. Madame was stating her position. Their marriage was only a deal in her eyes, and she would use it to her advantage.