Chapter 5 Whispers of vengeance

Mrs. Clara remembered that Mr. Leo Wong and his wife Mrs. Elizabeth Wong will be coming to her house today, her heart dropped.

Before Clara could steady her breath, she heard the rumble of a car outside.

A few seconds later, the doorbell rang soft but echoing through her small house like thunder.

She stood quickly, smoothing her wrapper with trembling hands. Lord, give me strength, she whispered.

She opened the door to receive them.

Mr. Leo, tall, polished, exuding wealth even in the most casual clothes stepped in first. His presence filled the small space instantly. Behind him was Elizabeth, calm as ever, her face a mask of serenity that barely concealed the quiet ache in her eyes.

Clara's lips parted, but no words came.

Elizabeth was the first to speak. Clara

Her voice was soft, almost kind.

Elizabeth, Clara whispered, tears already pooling. I'm so sorry

Elizabeth raised her hand gently. Let's not start there. We're here to talk.

Leo cleared his throat awkwardly. Yes, please. Let's all sit.

The four of them gathered in the small sitting room, Leo and Elizabeth on one side of the couch, Clara opposite them, and Joanna standing by the doorway, arms folded casually, her robe flowing like silk over her slight frame.

Her face was innocent, almost angelic but her eyes held a flicker of satisfaction.

Joanna, Clara said sharply. Come and greet properly.

Joanna smiled faintly and walked closer, curtsying lightly. Good afternoon, Aunty Elizabeth. Sir Leo.

Elizabeth's lips curved just enough to be polite. Good afternoon, dear.

Leo nodded stiffly, his gaze flicking quickly away.

Clara noticed it, the way his eyes refused to linger too long on her daughter. She felt the shame twist deeper inside her.

Please sit, she said weakly.

Joanna sat, her posture composed, her chin slightly lifted.

For a moment, no one spoke. The silence grew thick, suffocating.

Finally, Leo cleared his throat. Clara, Elizabeth, I called for this meeting because I think it's best we all handle this situation maturely.

Clara lowered her gaze. Yes.

Elizabeth said nothing, only folded her hands neatly on her lap.

Leo went on, his tone calm but defensive. I made a mistake. One that I'm not proud of. But it happened, and there's no changing that now.

Joanna shifted slightly, her lips twitching into the faintest smile.

Leo continued, his voice tightening. Joanna said she's pregnant and I'm the father. I don't know if that's true yet I haven't confirmed it but if it is, then I'm prepared to take responsibility.

Clara nodded quickly, desperate. Thank you, Leo. that's good of you. She's still a child. She...

Joanna's voice interrupted, soft but firm. I'm not a child, Mum

Clara froze, glancing at her daughter.

Joanna smiled sweetly. I'm old enough to know who I want and what I deserve.

The room went still again.

Leo shifted uncomfortably. Joanna, I appreciate your honesty, but this is not about what you want

Isn't it? she asked softly, her voice carrying a strange mix of innocence and edge. Because from where I stand, I didn't force anything. You came to me.

Clara gasped. Joanna!

Joanna turned to her mother with a look of false innocence. What? I'm just being honest. We all make mistakes, don't we? Even successful men like Mr. Leo

Her words dripped with sweetness, but her gaze slid toward Elizabeth just long enough to see if she would flinch.

Elizabeth didn't. Her expression remained serene, unreadable.

Leo sighed heavily. Let's not make this harder than it already is.

I'm not, Joanna said. I just want to make sure we all understand each other.

She turned to him fully, her eyes locking on his. You said you'll take responsibility for me and the baby. What does that mean exactly?

He blinked. It means I'll make sure you're taken care of. Financially, medically whatever you need.

Joanna tilted her head. Like charity?

He hesitated. No, not charity. It's the right thing to do.

Her smile widened slightly. The right thing?

Clara could hear her own heartbeat now, loud and furious in her chest. Joanna, stop this nonsense!

But Joanna ignored her. Her voice softened, almost shy. You see, Mr. Leo taking care of me and the baby isn't enough. This baby deserves a name. A father.

Elizabeth's gaze flicked upward still calm, but her eyes gleamed faintly with something darker.

Leo frowned. Joanna, you can't possibly mean...

Marriage, she said simply, her voice steady. You should marry me.

Clara gasped so hard it hurt. Jesus Christ!

Joanna!

But her daughter remained poised, her face serene, her tone unwavering. It's not just about me. It's about the child. You said you're a responsible man, didn't you? That you don't run from your duties?

Leo looked visibly shaken. Joanna, be reasonable

Her eyes softened, voice dipping to something almost tender. I am being reasonable. I didn't ask for money, or a secret house, or gifts. I only asked for what's right. You said I should come to you if anything like this ever happened, remember? You said you'd take care of me.

She smiled faintly. So here I am.

The manipulation was delicate her tone neither desperate nor arrogant, but just emotional enough to tug at the strings of his pride.

Clara stared at her daughter in horror, realizing now that Joanna wasn't just reckless, she was dangerous.

Leo tried to regain control. Look, Joanna marriage isn't something to decide like this. I have a wife

Joanna's voice interrupted softly, But what if I told you the baby is a boy?

Everything stopped.

Leo's eyes widened slightly, his heartbeat spiking. A boy?

Joanna nodded, placing a hand gently over her still-flat stomach. Yes. The doctor told me yesterday. It's early, but she said she's almost certain.

A slow, visible change crossed his face. the guilt, the anger, the hesitation all washed away, replaced by something else.

Hope.

He sat back, staring at her. A... a son?

Joanna's voice dropped, silky and sure. Your son.

Clara covered her mouth, tears streaming. Joanna please, stop this madness!

But Leo wasn't hearing her anymore. His thoughts were miles away, lost in the word that had haunted him for years, son.

He had daughters, yes. Two beautiful, brilliant girls. But he had always wanted a boy.

An heir.

A name-bearer.

Now this girl, this mistake is offering him one.

Elizabeth saw it in his eyes, the flicker of greed and selfishness. She didn't move. She only watched.

Leo exhaled slowly. If you're sure then we'll confirm it properly. I'll take you to my own doctor tomorrow. If it's a boy... He paused, then added, Then I'll make my decision.

Joanna's lips curved in quiet triumph, though she masked it quickly with feigned humility. Thank you, sir. I know you'll do what's right

Clara rose suddenly, furious and heartbroken. What's right? What's right is for you to repent, Joanna! And stop destroying everything good around you

Joanna's face softened into a wounded pout. Mum, you make it sound like I committed a crime. I just fell in love.

Love? Clara spat. You don't even know what that means

But Elizabeth stood then, her movements graceful and calm. Clara said softly, her tone so gentle it silenced the room. Let her speak.

Clara looked at her in disbelief. Elizabeth!

Elizabeth met her gaze, her eyes glimmering with quiet fire. Sometimes, it's better to let people finish writing their own story before you take the pen from them.

Her words hung heavy in the air.

Leo rose awkwardly. We should go. I'll call you tomorrow about the appointment.

Joanna nodded, standing too. I'll be ready.

As they walked toward the door, Leo hesitated, glancing at Elizabeth. Thank you for being so understanding.

She smiled faintly. Always.

Clara watched them leave, her hands trembling. When the door closed, she turned to Elizabeth, tears spilling down her cheeks. Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I don't even know what to say. My daughter ruined everything.

Elizabeth placed a hand on her shoulder, calm, reassuring. Don't worry.

Her voice was soft, almost tender.

But why are you so calm? Clara whispered, broken. How can you just sit there like that?

Elizabeth looked toward the door, her eyes distant, unreadable. Because, she said quietly, storms don't announce themselves. They gather.

She left....