Chapter 3His Secret Son Lives Downstairs

The next day, The Peninsula Hotel.

My father had called the manager early, arranging for us to be placed in the adjoining private dining room.

Through the hidden serving window, I could clearly hear every sound and movement next door.

George, true to form, sent a probing text the moment I sat down.

Wife, where are you now? Did you see the relatives? Are the roads safe?

I knew he was testing me.

On the freeway. Traffic jam. Won’t get to the summer house until tonight.

I texted back dismissively.

The chat showed him typing, followed by a small cat emoji indicating acknowledgement.

Stolen from Brooke, I guessed.

I frowned in disgust and didn't reply.

At that moment, the party next door started to arrive.

Leading the way were George, in a sharp suit, and Brooke, holding the hand of the little boy, who was wearing the same style of gold bangle as my daughter.

They looked like an enviably happy family of three.

Next came a pair of elderly, distinctly academic-looking parents.

Then, three or four other relatives clustered together.

Brooke gracefully ushered everyone to their seats, proudly introducing George by her side.

“Mom, Dad, this is George. I’ve told you about him. My husband.”

“He’s been working overseas, but he made a special effort to come back this year so he could spend the holidays with you.”

George nodded with a practiced reserve, and followed up with a greeting.

“Hello, Mom and Dad. It’s a pleasure.”

In our dining room, Ruby tugged on my hand, her large eyes filled with confusion and fear.

“Mommy, who is Daddy calling? Why did that lady say Daddy is her husband?”

“And why is that boy wearing the same bangle as me? Daddy said he only gave one to me.”

I stroked her head reassuringly, saying nothing.

Next door, Brooke’s mother beamed, taking George’s hand.

“Good, good. Our Brooke was so secretive about you before. We thought…”

“George, her father and I have been teachers all our lives. We value character above all else. Seeing you here today puts my mind at ease.”

At these words, Brooke’s face instantly tightened.

I knew she felt a prick of guilt.

Then, Brooke’s father spoke up, patting George’s shoulder.

“George, your mother and I don’t have any grand wishes, just that our daughter finds happiness and doesn't make any foolish mistakes.”

“Seeing you two so happy as a family today, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders.”

As they spoke, both elderly parents’ eyes grew red-rimmed.

It was obvious that Brooke’s five years of single motherhood had been a source of immense social pressure for them.

“Alright, alright, why are we getting sentimental on Christmas?”

Brooke’s aunt chuckled, breaking the heavy atmosphere.

“Our little Brooke has always been a good girl. She’d never be like those shameless women out there in society, would she? Brother, Sister-in-law, you worry too much.”

“Right, Brooke?”

No amount of foundation could hide the awkward flush on Brooke’s face. She nodded stiffly.

“Yes, Aunt is right.”

“Exactly. Brother, don't overthink it. You and Sister-in-law have been teachers your whole lives. Of course, you raised a good daughter.”

Brooke’s uncle added, laughing.

The atmosphere was becoming warmly convivial.

Everyone was laughing, except for the hosts.

Through the hidden window, I could clearly see that Brooke was gripping George’s hand so tightly her knuckles were white.

So terrified, yet she still chose to be the other woman?

I gave a small, cold laugh. Slowly, I took Ruby’s hand, stood up, and walked out, stopping at the door of the adjoining private dining room.

Inside, Brooke’s relatives were pushing for a wedding.

“George, since you’re back in the country and the boy is growing up, when are you two getting married? It would settle my and her father’s hearts.”

Brooke’s mother asked expectantly.

“Yes, I’ve already prepared the dowry. As long as you and our daughter are happy, we’ll do anything.”

Brooke’s father smiled.

“Exactly. I think the tenth of next month looks good.”

“The fifteenth works, too. They’re both lucky days.”

The relatives chatted excitedly, completely missing the fact that George and Brooke’s faces had gone from pale to green.

“Wait a moment.”

Finally, George couldn’t help but interrupt them.

“Brooke and I can’t get married yet. Because…”

“Because he’s already married, and his child is five years old. And Brooke is the woman he cheated with.”

I pushed the door open, leading my daughter inside.

“Honey, tell me I’m wrong?”

The expressions on George and Brooke’s faces froze.