Chapter 83: Discovering the deception of Mrs. Hani
Ansel and Erica stepped into the elevator, preparing to go up to the floor where Ansel’s mother was resting. Observing the worry and tension on Ansel’s face, Erica gently placed her hand on his arm and offered words of encouragement.
“Ansel,” Erica said sincerely, “I know this is a difficult time for you. But remember, anything good that happens comes with sacrifices. If you’ve made up your mind, be firm with your choice. I believe your sincerity will change your mother’s opinion. And don’t forget, you have my support.”
Ansel glanced at Erica, appreciating her understanding and encouragement. He smiled at her and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. The elevator doors opened, revealing a hallway leading to his mother’s room. Ansel took a determined step forward, with Erica closely following behind him.
As they approached the door, Ansel hesitated for a moment. Doubts and fears flooded his mind, but Erica’s presence reassured him. With newfound determination, he reached out and gently turned the doorknob. Before he could push the door open, Ansel abruptly halted when he heard the joyful laughter of Desi echoing from inside.
“Don’t worry, Ansel will surely do as you ask,” Desi said in a firm voice.
“It definitely has to be,” Ansel’s mother replied affirmatively. “Ansel can’t go against my will. Ansel has always been a well-behaved, obedient child.”
What’s going on in that room? Ansel listened without comprehending the conversation between the two people inside. He was curious to know the answer. However, it wouldn’t be appropriate to suddenly appear. Therefore, Ansel had another option: to stay outside instead of entering the room.
As for Erica, upon noticing Ansel’s hesitation, she stood beside him and began to inquire about the reason, but Ansel was quicker. He placed his index finger horizontally across his mouth, signaling to Erica to remain silent. Although she didn’t understand what was going on, Erica obediently followed Ansel’s lead.
Intentionally leaving the door slightly ajar, Ansel wanted to find out what his mother and Desi were discussing.
“Aunt is really smart to use the threat of death against Ansel,” Desi continued, complimenting Mrs. Hani. “I bet Ansel will abandon Erica, just as Aunt desired.”
“I followed your advice,” Hani asserts Desi’s important role. “If I hadn’t remembered your reminder, I might have lost Ansel. Thank you very much, Desi.”
“Aunt, don’t say that. I haven’t accomplished anything significant.” Desi feigned shyness when appreciated by Ansel’s mother.
“You don’t have to be so humble, Desi. I’m being honest,” Ansel’s mother reminded him.
“Yes, ma’am,” Desi replied, inwardly chuckling smugly.
“But I did it out of necessity,” Ms. Hani suddenly sighed, wanting to justify herself. “If Ansel hadn’t insisted on marrying that girl, I wouldn’t have had to resort to this measure. Honestly, I feel a bit guilty.”
“Don’t think too much.” Desi tactfully consoled, “Aunt did it for Ansel’s sake. I believe Ansel will understand Aunt’s feelings in the future and will not resent Aunt. Ansel also should be grateful to Aunt.”
“I wish what you said was true,” Mrs. Hani said, sounding uncertain.
“Will Ansel tell Aunt the answer today?” Desi moved on to another topic.
“Yes. Maybe Ansel will come tonight.” Mrs. Hani conjectured.
“Excuse me, Aunt, can I ask you something?” Desi hesitated, finding it difficult to speak.
“Go ahead and say it.” Mrs. Hani urged, “Don’t be shy like that. “Shorter or later, we are all family.”
With permission granted, Desi immediately carried out her intention.
“What if Ansel remains stubborn and doesn’t follow your request to break up with Erica and marry me?” Desi hesitantly asked. Desi wanted to know about Mrs. Hani’s next course of action if Ansel’s decision went against Desi’s plan.
“Ansel wouldn’t dare to do that.” Mrs. Hani spoke confidently. “I definitely won’t agree with Ansel’s decision.”
“Why are you so sure?” Desi looked skeptical. “What if Ansel…”
“Because I am Ansel’s mother. If Ansel dares to resist, to not listen, I will turn my back on him and make him regret it.”
After speaking, Mrs. Hani suddenly lowered her voice, took Desi’s hand, and said, “Desi, rest assured, I will definitely fight for justice for you.”
“Thank you, Aunt. I appreciate it,” Desi said, fake tears streaming down her face. Seeing Desi so moved that she cried uncontrollably, Mrs. Hani immediately hugged her and comforted her.
“Honestly, I can’t understand how Ansel could have hurt a good girl like you by choosing her,” Mrs. Hani lamented.
“Don’t think unfairly of Ansel, Aunt.” Desi pretended to defend Ansel. “The one to blame here is that wicked girl. It’s she who has enchanted Ansel.”
“What a shameless woman. I’ll definitely find a way to teach her a worthy lesson,” Hani said of Erica in a harsh voice that made Desi smile, amused.
Outside, Ansel clenched his hands into fists. He had reached his limit. Anger was overpowering him, causing him to lose control. Ansel wanted to open the door, burst in, and scold the two of them. By Ansel’s side, Erica also heard the words spoken by Ansel’s mother and Desi. Naturally, Erica felt hurt, but being accustomed to those feelings of hurt, Erica’s spirit was stronger than Ansel’s.
“Damn it! How dare they resort to such despicable tactics?” Ansel growled, his anger intensifying and burning fiercely.
Seeing that Ansel was about to kick the door and storm into the room, Erica quickly intervened. Her gentle hand tightly grasped Ansel’s arm. Faced with Erica’s interference, Ansel turned to look at her, appearing confused and bewildered.
Erica shook her head, implying her disagreement with Ansel’s decision.
“Why, Erica?” Ansel asked, puzzled.
Not rushing to answer Ansel, Erica led him to the end of the hallway, far from Mrs. Hani’s room. When she saw that no one was approaching their location, Erica finally spoke:
“Ansel, listen to me; please stay calm,” Erica advised, her voice gentle.
“How can I stay calm knowing that my own mother deceived me?” Ansel exclaimed, frustrated. “Not to mention, they even insulted you.”
“I understand how you feel, but if you act based on emotions, it’s certain that you’ll be the one who suffers,” Erica affirmed with a gentle reminder. “Do you remember my story? I got angry, and the consequence was falling into someone else’s trap.”
Seeing Ansel becoming less agitated and attentively listening, Erica continued, “Don’t rush to expose the truth. Your mother may deny it and come up with reasons to cover it up. Find a smarter way to clarify everything.”
Ansel acknowledged that Erica was right, so he decided to follow her advice. He fell silent, mingling with his anxiety, as his mind felt empty and incapable of thinking of anything else.
“Erica, what should I do now?” Ansel looked at Erica helplessly, seeking her opinion.
After pondering for a moment, Erica proposed a clever approach:Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.
“Ansel, call your mother to let her know you’re coming. Then, while we talk, ask her to let me check on her health. If your mother strongly refuses this request, you just need to apply more pressure to make her admit her deceptive behavior.”
Ansel felt Erica’s suggestion was excellent. He nodded in agreement and took out his mobile phone, preparing to execute the plan.