Chapter 323: Conflict

Mr. Bates sank in his seat because of the awkward situation he was put in. While considering his answer, he thought of many things. He let out a long sigh. "There have been many misunderstandings between Mr. Yates and his mother over the years. Their relationship has always been complicated. They are both competitive individuals and could never reach an agreement on anything."

Edie swallowed hard before she spoke. "Are they still like that even after all of these years?"

"They are a lot alike. They both have a hard time expressing their emotions and feelings. But they have done a lot for each other, but always in secret and neither one of them knows about it. The contradictions and the quarreling became more fierce, and their relationship became more like business partners. They are only talking to one another when needed. Mr. Bates stopped and took a deep breath. "I guess you would call me the middle man. I’m the one who relays the messages back and forth. I’ve tried my best to get them to see eye to eye, but they’re both too stubborn."

"I’ve always had this picture in my mind of what Stuart’s mother is like. She’s a beautiful, dignified lady with an innate sense of good taste. Her speech and manner are decidedly demure." Edie shivered while she spoke. With her voice trembling a little, she continued, "My mother-in-law seems like an intimidating woman! I’m afraid to meet her."

Mr. Bates was at a loss for words. "Yes, she’s extremely dignified! Mrs. Yates tried to take charge of Stuart’s life in all situations, and she would fight any obstacle that came her way, even welcoming the battle." He paused. ’I don’t dare tell Edie how intimidating Mrs. Yates can be. She’s already frightened enough to meet her,’ Mr. Bates thought.

"I see..." Edie said.

Mr. Bates could hear a note of nervousness in Edie’s voice. He coughed and said, "There’s no need to worry. Mrs. Yates will love you! What’s not to love about you? You’re beautiful, kind, and giving, you’re an amazing woman."

Edie knew that Mr. Bates was only trying to put her mind at ease. "There’s one thing for sure. Mrs. Yates has never had an average woman like me in her life before." She laughed to hide her embarrassment. "I didn’t come from a wealthy background, and there are many women in the world like me, but Stuart found me and fell in love with me."

There was a smile on Mr. Bate’s face. "You and Mr. Yates were met to be together in this life."

Edie looked out the window and remembered how complicated things were when Stuart and her first met. "It is said that the daughter-in-law should respect the mother-in-law knowing that she may have gone through a lot of hardship with her son, but what if Mrs. Yates doesn’t respect me and hates me?" Edie thought about one of the TV series she watched. It was about a mother who tried to break up her son’s marriage. She started shaking and mumbled, "Could I possibly be so unlucky?"

"You worry too much! She’ll love you," Mr. Bates said, trying to reassure her again.

It didn’t matter how much Mr. Bates tried to comfort her; Edie had a bad feeling. She felt anxious and fearful. Finally, arriving at the Villa, she stepped forward to open the door, and it swung open. "Stuart," Edie gasped.

"Sorry for startling you. I wanted to surprise you when you got home, so I didn’t go to work today," Stuart explained.

Edie rushed over and hugged him tightly. "I’ve missed you!" She buried her face in his chest, and his arms enfolded her. The second she saw him, it was as though all her troubles disappeared.

Stuart’s heart softened at her touch, and he pulled her closer. He touched her hair and stroked her cheek. "I’ve missed you too," he said, his voice sounding extremely soft. "Are you tired?"

Edie nodded and said, "A little."

Stuart picks her up. "I’m taking you to the bedroom to get some rest."

Edie shook her head. "Put me down! I’m perfectly capable of taking myself," she says with a giggle.

"Now that you’re home, I’m going to take care of you," Stuart smiles and gently kisses her cheek.

His words were sweet and comforting. Stuart took Edie to the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed. "I’m going to make you something to eat. I want you to rest, and I’ll wake you up when I’m finished," he whispered in her ear.

Ever since Edie praised Stuart’s cooking ability, he became more passionate about it. He was jumping at any opportunity he could to cook for her. Edie grabbed his sleeve. Her eyes widened, then she blinked, "Would you stay with me for a while?"

Stuart looked down into her sparkling eyes. "You look exhausted!" he said. Stuart laid down beside her and held her in his arms.

"Stuart, what’s your mother like? I’m afraid she’s not going to like me!" Edie said, trying to sound calm.

Stuart immediately became tense. "I love you, and that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter what she thinks of you."

"It’s important to me that she likes me. She’s your mother and my mother-in-law. I want her blessings, don’t you?" Edie took a deep breath and sighed. "Your mother may be upset with us after all, and we’ve never visited her. What’s she like? Is she like you?" There was so much she wanted to know. Question after question, Edie wanted answers.

Like pictures in a digital photo frame, snapshots of his childhood flashed through his mind. ’My mother! What kind of woman is she?’ Stuart wondered. All the pain from his childhood came flooding back. He buried his face deeper into her shoulder.

Feeling confused, Edie asked, "What’s wrong?"

Stuart whispers in her ear. "Nothing! I just want to hold you." And he closes his eyes. He felt his heart trying to explode out of his chest, and he tried to take a breath, but it was in vain. He saw nothing but darkness and felt an eerie silence surrounding him.

Edie could feel him tense up and whispered in his ear. "Stuart, Is everything okay?"

An overwhelming feeling of loss and sadness seemed to surround him. Stuart’s emotions took over, and his feelings of sadness intensified. "I can’t explain what I’m feeling. Sad, frightened, scared. It’s like all in one," he tried to explain.

Edie had never seen this side of Stuart. He was powerful and always in control, and now it was as though he had no control. Then she recalled what Mr. Bates had told her. "Stuart, what happened between you and your mother? You’re very strong, but you can also be so cold. Is it because of your mother?"