Even though Ellie did not agree with Margaret’s views, the former still informed Clarissa about Margaret’s reaction toward the news of Clarissa’s marriage with Matthew. The reason she did that was not to stress Clarissa out but to give the latter a warning.
To her surprise, Clarissa remained calm and only hummed in acknowledgment, which aroused Ellie’s curiosity.
I wonder what’s in Clarissa’s mind…
Unable to hold her tongue, Ellie asked aloud the question in her heart.
“Clare, do you really not mind not being accepted by my family members for the rest of your life?”
Taken aback by the question, Clarissa froze. After a moment, she passed the toy in her hand to Damian so that the boy could play on his own before pulling Ellie aside.
Clarissa did not want Damian to hear their conversation. After all, Damian was a sharp kid. Even though he might not understand everything that was being said, he would keep it in his mind. Clarissa was worried that it might affect his growth as a happy, healthy child.
“To be honest, Ellie, I would have in the past. After all, it’s not easy for someone to just disregard their own family members. You know how Grandma and I depend on each other. Naturally, I’m someone who cares deeply for her own family. In the beginning, I kept holding on to the hope that the Tysons would accept me sooner or later. It doesn’t matter how long it takes them,” Clarissa began. “But after what happened three years ago, plus the fact that I gave birth to Damian, I understood something.” Clarissa paused before continuing, “I live not for the sake of how the Tysons would see me, but for my family, and my son. Because of that, I vowed to live my life to the fullest. Right now, I think it’s best to not cross paths with the Tysons. If Matthew wants to visit his family, that’s entirely up to him, but I will not be going. If the circumstances would allow it, I will never step foot into the Tyson residence. After all, I have a husband and a son. That’s more than enough for me.”
Ellie nodded, sharing Clarissa’s view on the matter. After a moment of silence, the latter broke into a wry smile. “I’m very selfish, aren’t I?”
Ellie immediately shook her head. “No, you’re not. I would think the same if I were you. In fact, I’d be even more selfish. Why should I accommodate my man’s family? If they don’t like me, I won’t like them. We are all our own people. Marrying someone should be out of love, and nothing else. If I can’t be happy in a marriage, I’d rather not stay in that relationship. After all, there’s plenty of fish in the sea. I’ll just find another.” Ellie winked.
“Hahaha…” laughed Clarissa. “Well said, but best not let your Uncle Matt hear what you just said.”
“Come on, do you think I’m stupid? Of course I won’t. This conversation is just between the two of us.” grinned Ellie.
Indeed, what Ellie said make sense.
Husbands and wives are supposed to be equals. Both should be able to live without the other. If a marriage consisted of one depending entirely on the other, their love would face its destruction in due time.
A relationship should not feel as if one is indebted to the other. Sometimes, loving ourselves a little more than we love our partner guarantees a longer relationship.
As of then, Clarissa no longer expected the Tysons to be nice to her.
However, it seemed as though the Tysons had given up. They stopped showing up at Zen Highlands to make a scene.
Frankly speaking, there was no point for them to continue protesting. Furthermore, apart from Margaret, no one else was causing troubles.
As for Matthew, it was obvious that he had become a stranger to the Tysons, despite not severing ties with them.
With that, the families no longer interfered with each other’s lives, maintaining the peace.
For the next couple of days, the news of Clarissa becoming Mrs. Tyson continued trending all over the media.
Netizens from all over the place became invested in researching all they could find about the screenwriter and writer. As for the people in showbiz, it mattered not that they did not know Clarissa personally. Everyone would have known Clarissa as the wife of the president of Tyson Corporation as of then.
Because of that, the treatment Clarissa received when joining the film crew with Hilda was out of the norm.
During the press conference of the television series, Clarissa was the center of attention. All the reporters were more interested in her than the show itself.
After all, everyone knew it was Clarissa’s script. That and the fact that the show was a collaboration with Tyson Media made sure that it had caught the attention of many since the beginning. Once the news of Clarissa being Mrs. Tyson was out in the open, the popularity of the series skyrocketed. Reporters from all over the place swarmed to the press conference, outnumbering the actors and actresses by at least a couple hundred. Fortunately, the event was held in an open space that managed to fit everyone.
Cameras kept flashing at the site. Everyone wanted to get a photo of Clarissa.
Originally, Clarissa had intended to show up in public with the rest of the crew. However, upon hearing the number of reporters outside waiting for her, she decided to stay hidden inside. She told the producer about her change of plans, not wanting to steal the spotlight from the actors and actresses.
Even so, all the questions asked by the reporters during the interviews were still regarding Clarissa.
“Are you in a close relationship with Mrs. Tyson?” “What’s her character like?” “Did she ever mention her relationship with Mr. Tyson?” Such were the questions being asked when the starring actors and actresses were being interviewed.
The same goes for the interview with the director.
Everyone was only interested in Clarissa’s relationship with Matthew.
At long last, the press conference came to an end. Nevertheless, some of the reporters still had not given up. They wandered among the crew in hopes of catching a glimpse of the infamous Mrs. Tyson.
Only when someone spread the misinformation that Clarissa did not attend the press conference did the reporters gave up and left.
During the meeting with the crew afterward, Clarissa couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
“I’m really sorry everyone. Because of me, none of the reporters focused on the main point of the press conference.”
Clarissa immediately apologized for the behavior of the crowd earlier. For a few seconds, the crew stared at her dumbfounded before breaking into laughter.
“Clarissa, you’re way too innocent,” joked the producer.
Clarissa could not understand their reaction. It was only after the meeting did someone explained.
“Ma’am, you didn’t have to apologize. Even though you’re not an actress, everyone in showbiz has gotten used to this. Whoever is trending would be the main topic of any interviews. Remember the famous actress that had just announced her relationship to the public a few days ago? After her announcement, all her interviews were about her relationship regardless of whether she was in a press conference or a movie premiere. Anyone who’s trending would receive the same attention from the reporters. It’s inevitable, so you really don’t have to apologize, Ma’am.”
Clarissa sighed, exasperated. “I still don’t think that’s right. The show should have been the main point of the press conference. Besides, even if it’s inevitable, someone might find the whole affair unfair, which is why I should apologize.”
Hilda was standing beside Clarissa. Upon hearing the latter’s words, she chuckled. “Ms. Quigley, even if some people find it unfair, they still would not have dared to offend you.”
With Clarissa’s status, even if someone was upset at her, they would have no choice but to swallow their anger.
Clarissa immediately understood what Hilda meant. Another sigh escaped her lips as she dropped the subject, knowing nothing she said would change the outcome.
Good thing the reporters had been fed misinformation. Otherwise, they would not have left.
The first day of shooting soon arrived. Everything on set, from the props to the scenes, had been finely prepared, giving the show its authenticity. Even the whole crew was known for their high standards. Moreover, due to the fact that the series would convey a strong sense of patriotism, it was no secret that everything had to be perfect.
Clarissa did not show up for the first day of shooting, for she was afraid of encountering any reporters. She only went on set on the second day.
She had shared a meal with the male and female lead, but she was not close with anyone else. Regardless of that, many crew members still stepped forward to report themselves to Clarissa. Although they said there wasn’t any meaning behind the greeting, Clarissa still felt uneasy by all the attention she had been getting.
During the video call with Matthew at night, Clarissa could not help but lament.
“For love’s sake, I have never received such treatment in my entire life. It’s so weird, you have no idea. I was just going to take a lunch box for myself, and even then, someone would address me as ‘Ma’am.’ “I’m being called ‘Ma’am,’ Matthew! This is the most respect I’ve ever received from someone! I still find it an exaggeration, though. It’s so awkward as well.”
Matthew was hugging Damian at the time. From time to time, the boy would interrupt or giggle.
“Mommy, what does ‘Ma’am’ mean?”
“It’s how you address someone respectfully. Ask Daddy to give you an example later,” explained Clarissa.
Matthew piped up, “You’ll have to get used to it, Clare. You’re now the wife of Matthew Tyson to the world. Obviously, you’re worthy enough to be addressed as Ma’am.”
Clarissa pursed her lips, feeling helpless.
She received the title “Ma’am” only because of Matthew, and not because of all her hard work as a screenwriter. She was even belittled before she announced herself as Mrs. Tyson. Needless to say, she felt upset by the ordeal.
Matthew did not think there was anything wrong, but to Clarissa, she felt a wave of mixed emotions.
This proves that Matthew and I are from two different worlds. He has been respected and feared ever since young. That’s probably why he doesn’t see this as a big deal.
Despite that, Clarissa wouldn’t get upset at Matthew. It was just reality that was disappointing.
“Mommy, Mommy, when are you coming back?”
Damian was unwilling to be left out of the conversation. Hence, he found an opportunity to gain their attention.
Clarissa turned her attention back to her son and smiled. “Just a few more days. I’m busy working to earn money so I can buy you milk, food, and even toys.”
Clarissa had always coaxed Damian that way, and it would always work.
This time, however, Damian refute instantly. “But Mommy, Daddy can earn money for us. You don’t need to work anymore, so you can come back faster.”
Clarissa was rendered speechless, unable to answer.
Matthew chuckled lightly before coming to his wife’s rescue. “Darling, I need your mommy to earn money for us as well. The two of us have really big appetites. We eat a lot of food. Mommy needs to work harder so that we won’t go hungry.”
Damian tilted his head to the side, staring at Matthew in confusion. “Really?”
Matthew nodded in response. “Yes Darling, really.”
Damian sighed dramatically. “Okay. In that case, Mommy, next time Daddy and I will eat lesser. You don’t have to buy—no, wait… just buy fewer toys. Don’t work too hard Mommy.”
The way Damian cared for his mother could make anyone’s heart melt.
