Chapter 5 Gerald Has a Secret

"Welcome, Daisy. As of tonight, you are officially part of our family."

After a half-hour journey, Daisy finally arrived at the Gilbert family residence. The design of the two-storey mansion is contemporary. With a combination of white and light brown colours, it exudes a modern minimalist atmosphere, without losing its grandeur.

The Gilberts warmly welcomed Daisy. She had visited the house with Denver three times before. However, this time feels different from usual. It was as if it was the first time she had set foot in the house. Perhaps it was because of her new status with a man who was a complete stranger to her.

"Thank you. It's my honour to be your daughter-in-law," Daisy said.

"You are too much. I am also proud to be related to your parents and have a daughter-in-law like you," Gilbert chuckled and touched his daughter-in-law's shoulder.

Gerald nodded in agreement with his father's words. He held Daisy's hand affectionately.

Unlike Karen, who immediately preceded into her house without a word. Daisy didn't want to speculate on her mother-in-law's indifference. Maybe she was tired.

"Come on, come in. Make yourself at home. Oh yes, from now on get used to calling me Dad. Can you?" asked Gilbert, emphasising the word 'Dad'.

"Yes, D-dad."

Honestly, if in the past one month, Daisy was so close to Denver's parents, now it feels so awkward. Like something was getting in the way. Especially when she saw Karen's behaviour earlier. Daisy wasn't sure everything was okay.

Gerald hugged his father. Gilbert was patting his son on the back, and with each pat came a heartfelt congratulation and prayer. Yes, Daisy could see that.

By now, Daisy had arrived in front of Gerald's room. His room on the second floor was next to Denver's room. There was a sense of claustrophobia when she saw the door to his quiet room. Either the man knew Denver was married to his sister or not. Let it be ... maybe this was already part of her destiny.

"Why are you daydreaming? Come on, come in!" Gerald called out.

Daisy nodded hesitantly. She saw her husband holding the doorknob after turning the key. Until something made Daisy gasp in surprise, Gerald unceremoniously carried her into the room. Then he laid her down on the white bed linen that had been scattered with love-shaped roses. There were also many rose petals under the floor, complete with lit candles. Illuminating her dimly lit room.

"How dare you? Remember, we're not in a drama, Ger!" Daisy chuckled as she moved to sit up.

Gerald, who sat on the edge of the bed, looked into his wife's beautiful eyes. Then he took her silky soft hand in his. "We are not playing formalities. But we also realise that we are already husband and wife, Daisy. Do you think what I just did to you was presumptuous?"

Daisy was silent.

"I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable," the man said again.

Then Gerald moved to open the wardrobe. He brought out a set of nightgowns.

"You can choose your own nightwear. It's all there. I'll clean up first."

Daisy let out a long sigh at her husband's explanation. How could she choose her clothes since the room lacked light? Then she pressed the light switch beside the bed. Instantly, the room became bright. As she could see now, the room was very elegant with shades of grey. Representing the state of her grey heart.

She selected a pair of black satin pyjamas from the wardrobe that Gerald showed her. All the women's clothes were already completely and neatly arranged. She didn't know who had organised it. What was clear was that, out of all the different types of clothes, Daisy liked the material and the style. It was as if the person who organised it knew what she often wore.

A moment later, Gerald came out of the toilet. He appeared to have changed into the pyjamas he had been carrying. Now it was Daisy's turn to change. She couldn't wait to get into bed to rest her body for the night. Her joints were aching from all the tiring events.

"Do you need help to undress?" offered Gerald.

"No, thank you."

"But your dress is too long, and it's quite a hassle to carry it to the loo." Gerald made an excuse.

What he said was true, but Daisy was embarrassed if she had to be helped to open it by him.

"I understand what you're thinking. I'm just helping, nothing more. You can cover your body with a towel while I unzip your dress."

"Okay."

Gerald also approached his wife, who had her back to him. Then he gently moved the long hair that was flowing behind her back to the front. Her body still smelled good, even though she was tired all day. Unbeknownst to Daisy, Gerald briefly carves a smile as he unzips his zipper.

Daisy put on a towel and took off her dress unceremoniously. She quickly went to the toilet after saying thank you.

The water from the shower refreshed her body. She is not in there for long. Just showering and changing clothes. But when she came out again, she didn't find Gerald in the room.

Where had he gone?

Daisy didn't care, preferring to get some water to refresh her throat. Perhaps her husband was on business. Until her ears faintly heard a conversation downstairs, she was sure something was wrong.

"I can't, Mom. How could you ask me to divorce Daisy after she gave birth?" Gerald debated.

Yes, Gerald couldn't understand his mother's request. Even though last night during the discussion with the Harrison family, Karen did not protest anything. She left everything to her husband for Gerald's decision to marry Daisy.

"Don't be crazy, Karen. Didn't you agree last night and have no problem with it?" Gilbert also protested.

Karen shook her head. If she used to feel proud to have a relationship with the Harrison family, it had now turned into disgust. What Karen couldn't understand was how her son could be responsible for Daisy's pregnancy.

"Agree? Which deal? Remember, Gilbert. I would never agree to Gerald marrying that woman!" she joked, pointing at her husband's face.

Gilbert looked away and rubbed his face roughly. "Why is it because Daisy is pregnant? Let's swap positions to be the Harrisons, and you be Elijah or Daisy altogether. How would you feel and your confusion?" he asked.

Karen's chest heaved. She dropped her weight on the living room sofa to catch her breath.

"She was raped, Karen. Not just handed over her body!" screeched Gilbert again.

Yes, even Gilbert didn't want to at first, but he remembered how much Harrison had done for him. After all, Gerald had come forward on his own, not forced. And during the event, he saw his son was thrilled. So what's the big deal?

"Whether she gets raped or becomes a prostitute, I don't care! I don't want to have an illegitimate grandchild!" Karen snapped right in front of Gilbert.

Daisy accidentally dropped the glass she was holding. Everyone looked up.

With her heart thundering with pain, she descended the stairs so fast she ran past them with clear droplets that kept falling. She ignored the calls from Gerald and her father-in-law.

Now that she was on the street, her sobs accompanied her lone footsteps.

"Wait, Daisy!"

Gerald finally caught up with his wife. He hugged her slender body lovingly. He was so afraid of losing her.

"Please forgive my mother. Please come back home. I promised your parents I would always take care of you."

Daisy didn't hug him back, but she didn't refuse either. Because as she cried behind his broad chest, Daisy felt calm.

Amongst the passing vehicles in the middle of the night, Gerald closes his eyes as he kisses the top of his wife's head. His heart hammering along with the honking of the capital's streets, he was just wondering how long he could swallow such a big lie to Daisy and his own family.

'I'm not sure I can keep this big secret alone ... especially Denver's.' He mused.