Chapter 32
Martha and Gilbert could read between the lines with what Franklin was implying,
Gilbert set his fork down and offered a soft smile. “What’s this about Betry not wanting to head home? New to me
“Isn’t it clear as day now? Franklin said with a slight shrug.
Just ten minutes ago, Elizabeth had stood before her aunts and boldly stated her intention to stay at her parents‘ place for a couple more days for the sake of another man. With an audience of ears and eyes, the truth was out there for all to see.
Elizabeth, her gaze lowered but a smile still in place, remarked, “Does it make a difference if I go back or not!“”
She scooped up a bowl of soup, the liquid still steaming, a hint of mint leaves floating on top. The first sip was a gentle warmth that tingled the teeth but was undeniably tasty.
Her casual demeanor was met with Franklin’s cool composure.
“Why would it be the same? Franklin questioned,
“Since you’re not going home anyway, right?” Elizabeth retorted, her words sharp.
The tension was palpable. Even Martha’s hand stilled, her worried eyes darting between the two, who seemed locked in an unspoken battle. When Martha’s gaze met Gilbert’s, he raised an eyebrow, attempting to diffuse the awkward tension.
But at this table. Gilbert was probably the least interested in seeing them get along. He wasn’t about to offer any genuine advice
“Frank’s not coming g home often? The hospital has been keeping you that busy lately?” Gilbert asked.
A smirk played on Franklin’s lips, hinting at his own message. “Gilbert, why do you dive into other people’s family matters as soon as you arrive? No wonder Elizabeth often says you’re a favorite among the elders. You must be quite adept at handling these internal family squabbles, right?”
Gilbert hadn’t gotten angry yet, but Elizabeth was at her limit. “Franklin she shouted.
She could tolerate Franklin’s barbs directed at her, but she wouldn’t stand for him going after those close to her. With a stern glare and her face flushed with indignation, she declared. If you find my family’s hospitality lacking, you’re free to leave at any moment.”
“Alright, let’s not cause a scene, Martha interjected, trying to soothe the situation. But Elizabeth had a temper like no other.
When calm, she was as meek as a meek sheep. But when roused, no amount of persuasion could calm her. And Franklin, coddled by his siblings since childhood, had never known the sting of humiliation.
When these two were on good terms, they were trully in syne. But when they clashed, there would be a battle with, each unwilling to concede an inch.
“Oh,” Martha said, patting Elizabeth’s shoulder gently and noticing how hard she was breathing. “Let’s cool it, okay? The aunts will catch the wind of it and start talking.”
Elizabeth was a mess of sadness and madness, kicking herself for picking Franklin. She thought he was an easy pushover, but after three years of trying to make him happy, he was still the same.
Now Gilbert was getting mixed up in it, too.
Franklin didn’t pay attention to her anger. Instead, he turned to Gilbert with a fake sorry. “Gilbert, did I say something off? Don’t be upset.
“Nah, it’s fine,” Gilbert said.
said, but if
if one really listened, they could tell he was forcing it.
He really didn’t like it when people talked about his family stuff.
Everyone in the Jones and Taylor families knew Elizabeth was born outside of marriage, and her favorite uncle was adopted. But he’d made a name for himself in the Taylor family, tough and all.
Some folks said it was because Gilbert was so smooth, even keeping tabs on what some old lady in the Taylor family wore to Franklin knew this, so he knew just how to get under Gilbert’s skin.
ore to win
everyone over.
The
first time Gilbert and Franklin met after Franklin and Elizabeth were married, Gilbert was already on the back foot.
As the party broke up, Franklin said goodbye to the older folks and hung around in the yard, waiting for Elizabeth, who was finally nudged out by Marilu
Marthaged Elizabeth, “Even if you had a tiff, don’t be rude. Go wave him off.”
12:15 PM
Chapter 32
From where he stood, Franklin felt Elizabeth had rolled her eyes at him.
“Are you leaving?” Elizabeth asked
With Martha looking on, Franklin nodded, “You’re not coming back?”
“Cut the crap. Just leave.” Elizabeth said, her tone sharp.
Elizabeth was straight to the point. She walked away without a second thought. Franklin, being the gentleman, tipped his head to Martha in goodbye before he hurried after Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was skipping in her bright white dress, looking like she was having a good time, but when Franklin called to her, she turned with a scowl. “You said you were in a rush, so let’s go already.”
“Am I the one in a rush, or are you just excited to reconnect with your old buddy Gilbert Franklin sneered.
“What did Gilbert ever do to you?” Elizabeth’s face was icy. “What was with the crazy talk back there?”
Things had moved on, but Franklin had to bring it up again, reigniting Elizabeth’s anger.
Franklin gave her a condescending look. “What’s your problem? Who does he think he is that I’d even bother with him? He’s got a big head on his shoulders, doesn’t he?”
“Yeah, your family’s all high–class, and we’re just nobodies to you, Elizabeth snapped, her words dripping with anger. “Go back by yourself and don’t bother coming here again. I won’t be waving goodbye!”
“Get back here!” Franklin barked. Elizabeth was pulled back, spinning and tumbling into Franklin’s arms.
Franklin forced her head down, saying in a harsh voice, “You dare argue with me after just one day back? Were you just pretending to be obedient
before?”
“Let me go!” Elizabeth yelled, wincing as some of her hair got pulled. Rubbing her head, close to tears, she said, I used to listen because I cared about you. But I don’t feel that way now. Why should I still give you the time of day?”
“No feelings at all?” Franklin asked, his voice chilling
“None!‘ Elizabeth said firmly.
The courtyard was cold, the air sharp with frost.
It was nippy and damp, making their faces numb. Franklin’s voice was as cold and heavy as a lump of wet cotton in his throat. He was thrown back to that frosty night three years ago, thinking this woman really loved him like everyone claimed.
She’d stuck by him through thick and thin, never leaving his side.
But the truth was that she was only there for another man.
cot married.
That was when Franklin realized this woman could put on an act, and it was scary. “Maybe there was never love. We both know why we got Don’t act so high and mighty. You did it for your status, and I did it to keep up appearances. If I’m bad, you’re no saint, either,” he said.
“Even so, I don’t want to keep going. Elizabeth said boldly. She fixed her hair with her fingers and turned to walk away. However, Franklin said in a steady voice. “You think I’m the worst, and everyone else is just great. Alright. You can argue with me here, but when you go home, ask your uncle what he told me on our wedding day.”“
Elizabeth halted, gazing blankly at the frosty branches above and watching the fragile ice fall in silence. Then she moved forward, her steps heavy.
Enough with the pointless bickering. She was through with it. She staggered into the hallway, done with the whole scene.
Franklin was feeling guilty about his anger outburst. He’d made a promise to himself after that nasty fight three years back that he’d never tangle with her again. But with Gilbert back in the picture, it felt like history was repeating itself.
At the wedding pany, Gilbert’s comments were all sorts of vague and mysterious, yet they managed to create a whole lot of drama.
Franklin could vividly remember the sound of Gilbert’s voice, the look on his face, and the slight glare in his eyes, as if Franklin had taken Gilbert’s favorite toy or something. Then Gilbert said, “Frank, you know how you won, right?”
Back then, Franklin was totally into the love story Elizabeth had spun for him, and he looked up to Gilbert, who was acting all polite and friendly. grinning at him “Gilbert, are you hitting the bottle too hard?”
Galbert hadn’t touched a drop at the wedding. He stared straight at Franklin’s hand. “You won because of a scalpel. You should go home and figure it out city married you in get you to save her real love?
Franklin was reading way ton much into things. Elizabeth was cold–licarted and never talked about love.
MEID PM
Chapter 32
Gilbert’s words messed with Franklin’s head, and he rushed back to see Elizabeth, who was glowing with the happiness of their new marriage. When she saw him, she gently brushed his shoulders and kissed his eyes, standing on her tiptoes.
That just proved what Gilbert had once said. Gilbert mentioned that it was sad that Elizabeth’s true love was so clueless and so in love that he even gave his eyes to Franklin for Elizabeth. Now, Franklin was just his stand–in.
The term “stand–in” became a badge of humiliation for Franklin in their marriage.
So he started to get back at her, punishing Elizabeth for her deceit, but now he realized he might have taken it too far.
