Chapter 44 Pressured About Having Children
Standing before such a large gathering alone, Eliana felt extremely nervous. Her heart raced as she approached these older, esteemed people. Now she wished she had come with Samuel- at least then he would have spoken for her and protected her like last time. During her previous visit, she barely said a word after meeting all the seniors. But thinking about her current relationship with Samuel made her lose heart. Never mind, she thought, she could handle everyone even without Samuel
Eliana just about remembered how to curtsy to them and did so. She said “Hello everyone. I… I’m here for Grandfather’s birthday. Happy birthday, Grandpa Charles. I wish you health and long life. The circle of people remained silent, all eyes fixed on Eliana.
As she slowly stood up and raised her head and saw everyone staring without speaking, she grew even more nervous.
She felt awkward, unsure what to do next.
But then someone laughed and said, “Don’t be so serious, everyonel You’re making Sam’s wife stutter!”
“Yeah, Sam will say we’re bullying his wife!”
Then Charles, who was in his seventies, spoke up. “Eli, no need to be so formal. Have a seat.”
Elizabeth, her mother–in–law, immediately waved her over. “Yes, Eli, come sit by me,” she said.
Eliana turned and quickly bobbed her head and said, “Dad, mom.”
Elizabeth continued, patting the chair beside her, “Yes, sit down and don’t be so formal or scared. Since you married Sam, you should treat this place like your own home.” In her early fifties, and looking young for her age, thanks to good self–care, Elizabeth Nelson, with her smooth skin and friendly demeanor, felt approachable to Eliana so she sat down beside her.
Right away, the aunts started asking all at once:
“Eli, why are you here alone? Where’s your husband?”
“Yeah, Eli, isn’t he usually so protective of you? How could he let you come alone – isn’t he worried we’ll pick on you?”
Eliana smiled at the aunts around her, and said, “He’s… he’s a bit busy,” and added, “He should be over when he’s finished.”
“That Sam!” one of them said, “Too busy to even attend his grandfather’s birthday – he deserves a dressing down from all of us for that!”
“Well, what can we do? Our Sam is career–driven. With Grandpa retired and his dad always on vacation with mom instead of managing things, who else can run such a big company?”
“True enough. Let’s not talk about him. Eli, come on, we’ve prepared some gifts for you. Let’s go upstairs and see them.”
Several aunts led Eliana upstairs, chatting and laughing together, while men stayed behind, continuing their business talk.
Meanwhile, at Regal Garden Villa, Samuel, already dressed and ready, was waiting for his assistant to bring Eliana back. Instead of Eliana, he got a phone call from his assistant. Over the phone, Ethan said: “Sir, Mrs, Nelson went to your family home by herself.”
Samuel Nelson’s eyes flew wide open. He said. “What did you say?” “Mrs. Nelson is already at the family home, boss.” Ethan asked tentatively, “Should I still bring her back?”
Samuel slammed down the phone, furious. That woman was getting bolder, daring to go to the family home alone. Was she going to complain about him? Samuel figured that must be it why else would she dare go alone? He quickly grabbed his car keys and drove over to the Nelson family home.
When he arrived, everyone was having lunch, so no one was waiting for him- as if they’d assume he wouldn’t come. Samuel was having a hard time holding onto his temper. In the spacious, luxurious dining room, the large Nelson family sat around the table, including Eliana and Michael. The two remained silent, being acutely aware of their past pursuer pursued relationship. At the side of the room near a door to the hallway, one of the servants announced: “Mr. Samuel Nelson has arrived. At hearing this, more than a dozen pairs of eyes turned to Samuel
