Debbie shook Carlos’ hands off and walked up the stairs. He started after her. She suddenly turned around and shouted at him, “Don’t follow me. Leavealone.”
Before Carlos could say anything, Megan stepped backwards as if she were intimidated by Debbie, and Valerie stood up from the couch.
“Debbie Nelson!” she shouted imperiously.
“Don’t talk to my grandson that way! He’s your husband! The husband is always right!”
“The husband is always right?’ Debbie rolled her eyes secretly. ‘This woman is positively medieval!*
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe wanted to say something back. But on second thought, Valerie was
Carlos’ grandma, so she bit back the words she would Like to have said.
Putting his hands in his pockets, Carlos chimed in, “Grandma, you’re wrong. It’s the 21st century, and a wife has as much power as her husband when it comes to family. Please stay out of it, Grandma. Megan, keep Grandma company.”
After saying that, he grabbed Debbie’s hand and walked up the stairs.
Although Debbie had lost her temper at him in front of his family,
Carlos made his stand clear and defended her. Valerie couldn’t believe her ears. ‘Carlos used to be a proud man. I didn’t expect him to defend such a rude woman.*
She grabbed her walking stick tighter.
“Women have as much power?” she retorted.
“Only when she’s from a family of equal social rank. What kind of family does she cfrom? A rich and powerful one?
“ ‘Ah, that’s why no one in his family likes me, ‘ Debbie mused.
Bitterness flooded her as she lowered her head to hold back her tears.
Carlos was angered by Valerie’s words. Despite the fact that he was still mad at his wife, he felt he should defend her against his own grandma. And he also felt he shouldn’t have to. Debbie was his wife. He chose to love her, marry her, and spend his life with her. This was his choice, not his family’s. And it was ridiculous to think that he didn’t have a say in this. Why did they think they had a say, anyway?
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCarlos looked Valerie in the eye and said in a serious tone, “You know what? I don’t care if she has money or power; I love her. We had dated for a long tbefore she finally agreed to be with me. My wife is hot, and doesn’t lovefor my money. If it weren’t for the marriage certificate, she might have been another man’s wife. Grandma, will you please stop poking your nose in my business? If Deb leavesbecause of you, it will costa lot of tand energy to get her back. She’s my one and only.”
Carlos just wanted his grandma to stay away from Debbie. He wanted to remind Valerie that even if she succeeded in driving Debbie away, he would by no means accept another woman as she wished.
Valerie was exasperated. Pointing at Debbie with a shaking hand, she yelled, “What’s so good about her that you had to date her for a long time? Do you know what she did toand Megan? She bullied us, and then went out on a date with another man. She’s nothing but a ho! She even has a lover in New York. How could you be so blind?”
She banged her stick on the floor; the sound reverberated in the Living room.
*Bullied Grandma and Megan? Impossible!’ thought Carlos. His eyes darkened as he said, “Grandma, Debbie has always respected you. Bully you? Ha! And Megan, you just held my waist, right? Your aunt Debbie just overreacted. She doesn’t hate you. Grandma, please don’t mess with my family.”
Debbie’s anger vanished when she saw Carlos defend her like this. His words touched her heart deeply
Carlos felt Debbie brush his hand away, and got confused.
Before he could respond, Debbie walked towards Valerie, took a deep breath and said in a soft voice, “I’m sorry, Grandma. Maybe I’m not the granddaughter-in-law you want. But I can assure you I love Carlos. A lot. I would never cheat on him. What’s more, we’ve been married for more than three years. If you really hate to see us together, I’ll try to not show any public displays of affection. Okay?”