Chapter 160 Hit
Her words worked wonders as Jennifer felt slightly better.
Faye tucked Carter in and led Jennifer to the sofa. “Jennifer, did you throw a tantrum just now?” she pretended to ask in a friendly manner.
Jennifer lowered her gaze. “Mrs. Scott, you’re really observant.”
Faye took her hand and patted it gently. “Was it because of Amelia?”
Jennifer nodded honestly.
“Silly girl!” Faye chuckled. “To me, you are the perfect match for Carter. I really like you and asked for your parents’ approval before introducing you to Carter. It was all my fault. I didn’t inform Carter before telling your family to return from abroad. Otherwise, things wouldn’t end up being this awkward.”
Jennifer remained silent.
Patting her hand again, Faye asked, “Jennifer, you must’ve blamed me for this, right?”
Still, Jennifer said nothing.
Faye wasn’t mad at all. Instead, she continued persuading Jennifer, “I won’t be mad even if you do blame me. I was the cause of your frustration. I hope you won’t give up on Carter. He’s just simmering in resentment for failing to get Amelia back. Soon, he’ll fall in love with you after realizing how great you are.”
Something flickered in Jennifer’s gaze.
Faye added, “Carter’s my son, so I know him well. He might seem pleasant, but in reality, he keeps everyone at arm’s length. As long as you’re sincere, he’ll fall for you one day.”
Looking up, Jennifer met her gaze. “Mrs. Scott, I’ve never thought of giving up on Carter. He’s the only one I love. As long as he’s unmarried, I’ll make sure he marries me.”
Faye nodded in approval. “That’s the Jennifer I know.”
After a pause, she added, “Jennifer, you’ve been here for a long time. I believe your parents are worried about you. You should go home for the time being. I’ll take over now.”
Jennifer gazed at Carter, seemingly troubled. In the end, she nodded. “All right then. I’ll head back for now. We’ve just argued, so I don’t think he wants to see me now. I might come again after two days.”
Faye let out a wry laugh.
“You’ll make up soon. Don’t worry. I’ll reprimand Carter when he wakes up later. He should be a thoughtful gentleman.”
Jennifer’s cheeks turned pink at her words.
Pleased with Jennifer’s attitude, Faye flashed a warm smile. “Okay, I’ll stop teasing you. You should head home now. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Carter learns his lesson. After all, you’re the perfect daughter-in-law that I approve of.”
Jennifer nodded obediently. “Goodbye, Mrs. Scott. Please keep me updated.”
“I will. Stop worrying about him.”
“Goodbye, Mrs. Scott. I’ll be here in two days’ time,” said Jennifer politely.
She took her bag and went to Carter’s bed. Leaning closer, she kissed Carter’s right cheek twice and whispered, “Carter, I’m heading home. I will leave you alone for two days. Rest well, and dream of me.”
As she straightened her back, she didn’t notice Carter’s eyelashes fluttering slightly.
The moment she stepped out, Faye’s expression darkened.
Standing up, she folded her arms and strode to Carter’s bed. “She’s gone. Stop pretending to be asleep.”
Carter opened his eyes and gazed at her coolly.
Sighing, Faye asked, “Carter, why don’t you like Jennifer? Is she that terrible?”
Carter gazed at the ceiling blankly. “Mom, she’s a great woman, but I’ve already fallen in love with someone else five years ago. I have no choice but to disappoint her.”
Faye sat down in the chair and told him sternly, “Carter, feelings can change easily. If you don’t try, how will you know she isn’t the one for you?”
Carter grew increasingly annoyed.
“Mom, you’ve interfered in my relationship five years ago. Are you still going to interfere with who I choose to marry five years later?” he responded stonily.
Faye was taken aback by his sudden outburst.
At that moment, Carter’s mind was in total disarray. He shut his eyes and muttered, “Mom, I don’t want to start a fight. If you still love me, please stay out of my affairs.”
Upon hearing his request, Faye felt her heart breaking into a million pieces. She put in a lot of effort so her son could be happy. Right then, he was accusing her of being a busybody. How ungrateful of him!
“Carter, are you seriously blaming me?” Faye demanded.
Reaching up to massage his temples, Carter answered, “Mom, that wasn’t what I meant. I’m already thirty years old. I’m matured enough to plan my career and life. Jennifer and I are not suited for each other. I won’t fall for her or marry her. If you like her that much, you can take her to be your goddaughter.”
Immediately, Faye trembled with rage.
“How could you deny my efforts? I did everything for you!” she tamped down her irritation and exclaimed.
“Mom, I’m not a puppet,” responded Carter calmly. “Yes, you think you’re doing this for my sake, but have you ever asked me about my wishes? You are merely forcing me to go your way. For example, Jennifer Larson. I’ve never liked her. Do you know her insistence has disrupted my life and job? How many times do I have to say this? I want nothing to do with her!”
Faye’s lips were quivering as she took a deep breath and questioned, “Carter, is this how you talk to your mother?”
Sighing, Carter apologized readily. “I’m sorry for my harsh words, Mom. Don’t get mad at me.”
Upon hearing his apology, Faye exhaled sharply.
“Carter, be honest with me. Do you mean what you say?” She seemed disappointed.
Yet, Carter fell silent.
It’s a yes.
Faye let out another sigh.
“I’m doing this for your sake, Carter. Jennifer is the perfect wife candidate. She comes from a prominent family and graduated from a top university. She’s also polite and loves you dearly. You won’t lose anything by marrying her. I don’t get why you are so against it.”
The perfect wife for her son should be someone with the same social status as her son. Jennifer was Faye’s first choice because she was born with a silver spoon. Also, Jennifer was great at flattering her. Amelia, however, was a different story. Her looks were so vixen-like and seductive. Hence, Faye concluded that Amelia wouldn’t be an obedient stay-at-home wife.
Carter’s energy was burned out by now. He had no idea how to explain to his mother that marrying someone of the same social status wouldn’t make him happy at all. Jennifer might be the prettiest girl in the world, but he just wasn’t interested in her.
As he kept mum, Faye continued, “Carter, I’m not forcing you to marry her. You need to marry someone of your social status! Those Cinderellas obviously just want your money. They have no interest in you.”
Carter was speechless. “Mom, you mean I’m not charming enough to attract other ladies?”
Faye’s words died in her throat.
“Can you not misinterpret my words?”
Carter replied weakly, “Can we stop, Mom?”
A fresh swell of rage rose in Faye. “What do you mean? I’m doing everything for your sake! Jennifer’s a good girl. Why do you keep hurting her? What would her parents think of us?”
Carter responded promptly, “Mom, you were the one who got involved with the Larsons. Hence, you should deal with them. They are none of my business. Anyway, I don’t like Jennifer no matter what she does.”
Faye couldn’t understand her son at all. After all, Jennifer was pretty, fashionable, and mild-mannered. She was the perfect wife for him. There was no reason for her son to reject her advances.
Carter buried his face into his pillow. “Mom, I’m still sick. This isn’t the time for romance. Can you tell Jennifer to stop coming to the hospital?”
“Well, why don’t you tell me what you hate about Jennifer?” asked Faye.
“Everything.”
Faye was rendered speechless.
“Just because of Amelia?”
“Yes. I won’t consider anyone else aside from her,” came Carter’s weak reply.
Faye waved her hands in distress. “Carter, that’s nonsense. What do you mean by you won’t consider anyone else? If that woman rejects your advances for the rest of your life, are you seriously going to remain single forever? Are you punishing me for chasing your beloved away back then?”
A heavy silence hung in the air, indicating Carter’s silent yes.
Faye started hitting him angrily as she wailed, “You’re an unfilial son! How could you harm yourself over a woman? If I knew you’d end up like this, I wouldn’t have given birth to you in the first place! This is so upsetting!”
Carter said nothing as she rained her fists on him in a fit of anger.
