True Fated Marriage novel Chapter 74

Lilian was silent as she sunk her head.

The beating stopped as well.

Seeing Mrs. Chen's temper lifting slightly, Grace spoke, "Mrs. Chen, this matter can be classified as a private affair. As the saying goes, don't wash your dirty linen in public. You seem to be a wise lady, and probably prefer a peaceful solution to this matter."

"Peaceful solution? Wouldn't that let this woman off the hook too easily?" Mrs. Chen asked, she flared her nostrils in anger, and her eyes were icy. This cold fury and longing for revenge was normal for every wife who had been cheated on. "And Lorenzo Chen, wouldn't this be such a light punishment for him?" Mrs. Chen added.

Grace Smith could empathize with Mrs. Chen.

"You're right, Mrs. Chen. Lilian is guilty as charged. She has received a beating today which she deserved. But if someone has to pay the price of punishment with their life, you might find yourself in a quandary. " Grace Smith articulated each word as clearly as she could. "In this case, you already bear great suffering as the victim. Why bring even more sorrow and grief to yourself due to the missteps and failings of others? That would not be prudent." Grace Smith added.

Mrs. Chen's mind involuntarily went blank for a moment.

These words struck a chord with her. She frowned, piercing Grace Smith with a thoughtful gaze.

Grace waited patiently for Mrs. Chen's response, as she did not want to agitate her.

"Lilian Rose, you still pretend to be innocent?" Mrs. Chen spoke. "I don't know whether Grace Smith is guiltless or not. But I just caught you in the act with Lorenzo Chen. Do you still dare to claim innocence?" Mrs. Chen asked.

"No, I'm partly to blame," Lilian said, she started to catch on to Grace Smith's plan to pacify the situation. "Mrs. Chen, I'm sorry, I was wrong. I beg you sincerely for your forgiveness. Please have mercy on me." Lilian added.

"Leave the publication and banish yourself from Northern City." Mrs. Chen commanded harshly.

Lilian curled her lips, kept silent.

If she left Northern City, where would she go?

She had no funds, and returning to her home town would be humiliating. She wasn't getting any younger, would she be able to find a match?

"Why, you don't want to leave?" Mrs. Chen asked, she instantly understood what she was pondering over. She asked in a taunting manner, "You want money, don't you?"

Lilian Ross nodded. "At this moment, Lorenzo Chen owed me. I don't want to be without savings as I reach a certain age." Lilian Ross explained.

"That's not my problem," Mrs. Chen said. "If you want some form of compensation, it won't happen." Mrs. Chen assured.

When Lilian heard this, she was vexed. "I sacrificed my dignity for nothing all this while then?" Lilian Ross asked.

"Lilian," Grace interjected. "I think you've seen Lorenzo Chen's true nature. Why don't you leave? Money can be made, don't fret over a few pennies. You have lost your character and dignity, would you like to also lose your life over this? Is it worth it?" Grace Smith asked.

Her words left Lilian in stunned silence.

Lilian gaped at her. At a loss for words, she was completely dumbfounded.

Reality dawned upon her that she was no match for Mrs. Chen as an adversary. It was futile to even think of getting any compensation.

Mrs. Chen also frowned thoughtfully as she glanced over at Grace Smith.

Sensing her indecision, Grace continued, "Women should try to help each other. Today, you were beaten up, but Mrs. Chen as Lorenzo's wife must be in pain and grief from the betrayal of her marriage. Her husband reneged on his promise of mutual love and trust. You are injured physically, but she is equally in great emotional pain as well."

"Lilian, yes it's true you are not getting younger. It is the case for Mrs. Chen as well. She has family and children which she is duty-bound to." Grace Smith continued.

"Mrs. Chen in comparison cannot escape her obligations, She can only accept her fate and the heartbreak that comes with it. She has to grit her teeth, pretend like everything is alright, just for her children to grow up in a stable family." Grace Smith explained.

"Of course comparison is always subjective, but it seems like she might have it worse than you," Grace added.

She spoke these words with conviction.

Both women were thoughtful and silent.