His Contractual Mistress

Fred waited for the perfect time to bring up another discussion. Honestly, he didn't know how to begin. But he yearned to convey his feelings toward his son that he cares for him.

"So, do you really mean it to divorce Eva?" Fred asked. He aimed to throw this question casually; however, Fred found it a little awkward to discuss with Vincent probably because he and Vincent didn't talk about his love life, as all they've discussed instead is business.

"Yes, dad," Vincent replied without blinking. He met his dad's gaze to show how he takes this matter seriously.

"Is it because of her?" It was a straightforward question, which Fred could not control his mouth sometimes as it was his personality. Fred studied his son's expression and reaction regarding his query. He expects highly, but Vincent didn't show any emotion.

In Vincent's mind, he isn't sure how to answer his dad. He could not decide yet, moreover how to spill it out correctly that he could understand him.

He is indeed divorcing Eva so that he could pursue the woman he loves. Besides, it is his and Eva's agreement from the very beginning.

"Dad, to tell you the truth? I have planned to divorce Eva even though I didn't meet her." Once again… Vince added into his head, but he didn't utter it out. At that moment, his facial expression changed, and it didn't hide from his father.

Fred simply nodded. He picked up the coffee pot and refilled his cup.

"Honestly, son. I don't know what to preach to you when I am guilty that the marriage I have with your mom has no love in the beginning. It was a marriage of convenience. But what have I learned throughout our marriage? I open my heart and give myself a chance to lead my life on a better path. And that to work my marriage with your mom and build a family I dream of to call as my own. I mean, later on, I choose to care for your mom. At first, I could not give my love to her because, you know. But believe me. Your mom is amazing in some things, and I choose to be a good husband… The least I could do to have a peaceful marriage."

Fred paused. He sipped on his cup and let out a satisfying breath. He lifted his gaze and met Vincent's curious eyes, who are peering at him earnestly. 

Honestly, it was the first time his dad opens up about marriage. And so he is eager to know more.

"Do not think that I am comparing my situation to yours. My point here is, your mom is not a bad person, and if there is someone who works hard to keep this marriage is her. And I admitted that I am guilty that I have so many shortcomings. She may also have flaws and wrong priorities, not to mention how she is too loud, but that's her personality." Fred added which he and Vincent chuckled as they both agree that Hilda is too loud almost every single day.

"As you can see, I'm still here because I attempt to communicate with her if she complains to me about something. That is one thing I learned as a married man. And what she is fretting about lately was your marriage and now your affair." Fred pointed out.

"Son, I'm not encouraging you to have a mistress if you are not happy with your marriage. But I could see that your situation isn't normal at all. What your mom needs are enlightenment. Instead of working with your marriage, she doesn't understand why you are not doing it, but you are getting a divorce without trying out to live with Eva."

Vincent hurls a long breath at the deepest part of his lungs and releases it violently. It was easy to think of his reasons, but it was hard to share them with his father or mother.

All his life, he aimed to succeed in every aspect of his life. However, he needs to disappoint his parents about his marriage because he doesn't love the woman his mother chose for him.

And today, he is determined to clarify and express himself to his parents.

"Dad, I love her."

Finally, Vincent confessed to his father.

Meanwhile, listening outside, standing at the shelves' corner near the pantry door, Hilda held her breath and tightly pressing her eyelids.

What she feared is literally what her son felt for that girl. She is afraid that Vincent does not just need a girl for his needs, but loves her as well, the reason he is keeping her.

And Carl was right. Now it's the case, and it will be difficult for her to separate them.

Hilda cannot eavesdrop further. She wanted to breathe some fresh air to calm down. He takes silent steps out of the study. She slowly closed the door and made an abrupt turn just to be startled. "Carl Johnson, you son of…"

Hilda was gasping furiously from surprise. Carl is standing in the middle of the aisle, and this really startles her.

"Aha! Mine your mouth, Auntie!" Carl prevents his aunt from cursing. He winked at the middle-aged lady, who frowned at him.

As usual, Carl sounded like he's threatening Hilda to expose her eavesdropping to her husband and son.

Carl sees how she sneakily got out of the study. She scowled at him and threw a stern look. "Next time, I meant it to kick you out, Carl!"

"No problem with me, Auntie!" Carl grinned. He didn't feel threatened at all. He has confidence that Vincent will not abandon him, and he could get a reward instead! He could always have him backing him up.

Hilda ignored Carl. She resumes walking, headed back to the living room. She dropped her body to the sofa, in which it's written the displeasure all over her face.

Carl would love to tease his aunt further, but he sees how it annoyed his aunt because of him. He thought she barged in the study to talk to Vincent. But he also guesses that she will eavesdrop on the father and son conversation.

Hilda's expression denies it. She was curious about what they were talking about, so she went to the study to speak to both men.

"Don't you dare to tell them, Carl?" Hilda's tone was terrifying, but Carl knew how to play along.

"Yes, ma'am! Don't worry, Auntie! Your secret is safe with me!"

However, Hilda was more anxious. Carl's loyalty belongs to Vincent. And knowing her nephew very well, his mouth is not to trust.

Hilda would like to point out something, but she could already hear footsteps coming to the living room, and the voices belonged to Fred and Vincent.

"Hi, mom." Vincent greeted Hilda. He placed a kiss on her left cheek before he sat across from her, which his dad joined his mother on the sofa.

Fred glanced at Vincent with a meaningful stare. His father was encouraging him to bring up the matter about his plan of divorcing Eva.

Meanwhile, Hilda nodded at her son. She mulled over how to start tossing her countless questions that ran on top of her head. She has been practicing how to say them. But now that Vincent was seated in front of her, her tongue retreated.

Ever since last night, she ponders what Fred said to her. All these years, she only overlooked the fact that Vincent's married life is leading to nowhere. She should already evaluate why Eva could not choose to give up her career to work on her marriage with Vincent.

And her son did nothing about it either. Instead, he seeks a divorce. So, even she will convince Vincent to fix his marriage, but what marriage can they call it if from the beginning the couple was already living in an unusual setting?

"So… I heard about the Entertainment website that suddenly disappears a few hours after they release an article about you." Hilda asked. She fixes her gaze at Vincent as her eyes say that she didn't totally believe that Vincent did it. Unless for the sake of his mistress, her son no doubt to do it. She has seen it before. And so she doesn't want to hear it, actually.

"Mom, I didn't do it," Vince replied. And it was the truth. He added, "Probably it was the work of other people they offended."

'But they indeed offend me by blackmailing me to pay a large amount for them to take down the gossip they published.' Vince mused inwardly. He chooses not to mention it to his parents.

Somehow, it made Hilda sighed with relief. However, they still need to explain it to the media. She already foresees they will storm with a question, and this will become a controversy. And so, she has to prepare a statement if it comes to that.

"Vincent, I doubt the media would let you off not questioning you about it," said Hilda.

"I know, mom. But I have no spare time to waste my energy on them. I have a lot of work I need to finish before I fly to Australia. And so, I asked dad to oversee the company in my absence. I need him to attend my international meetings, as well."

"What? Fred?" Hilda turned her head to her right to look at her husband.

Fred coughs. "You heard it right, Hilda. And I accepted it. It is temporary, though. Until he completed his projects in Australia."

"And how long is it?" She glared at Fred. The way her husband says it, she senses the excitement in his voice. She has the feeling that his husband wanted this to get rid of her. When Fred has to go to the office every day, he has an excuse to stay away from her.

"I don't know. Your son and I would not guess it since the Davies Group hasn't given Vincent's the full details about his projects."

"It sounded like a huge one," Hilda mumbled to herself. She asked, "So, it will take years?"

"It will be a long-term contract, Hilda! Your son is skilled in his profession. Davies Group would not be disappointed!" Fred is bragging about, which is the truth anyway. "We will know all the details of his project once he's back."

Hilda asked with a solemn facial expression on her face. "What about her?"