Facing the family

★★★

“Is this some kind of game, William? Who is she, and why is she dressed up in a wedding gown?" A middle-aged woman questioned William, but her gaze remained fixed on Monica, who was still standing at the door in her bridal gown.

“A woman in a bridal gown gives a reflection of who she is. Besides, it is extremely bitter outside, and she needs to stay warm," William responded calmly to the middle-aged lady.

Monica felt as though sharp blades were piercing her from every direction; if sight could kill, her body would have been full of holes. She faced no problem understanding that his family had not been informed of William's unconventional marriage to her.

“Speaking in riddles will not allow you to escape without explaining why you brought an unknown woman into this family. As a result, I require an answer,” this time the voice of that woman rose higher as her hands turned into fists. She approached William with her furious eyes that were burning to kill someone.

“She is my wife. We are officially a married couple now. I hope you will not waste any more of my time asking needless questions,” William severely stated while fixing his intense gaze on the woman who was itching to slap him but was, for some reason, unable to summon the confidence.

“Haha! Wife! She simply cannot be. Is this because you are afraid your father will follow through on his threats? That is why you pick up trash on the road and refer to her as your wife!"

Monica, who had been quiet all along, erupted in rage when the same woman referred to her as trash. Her brown eyes looked at her with venom. If this was not a new place for her, she would probably rush over to that woman and rip her mouth open within a second.

“How dare she call her trash! Her toes are more attractive than this uncivil woman's heavily powdered face," Monica gritted her teeth as she cursed the woman in her head.

“Your agitation makes you think rubbish. I fought with death, mother, do you believe there is anything more scary than death? Say this to yourself loud and clear: I have no fear of anyone. My grandfather had advised me to marry a girl, and I carried out his wishes,” William grinned as he made them acknowledge the man in front of them was The William Mackenzie, who had risen from the dead.

“Mom!?” Monica repeated the phrase in her thoughts and allowed her gaze to rest on the woman who gave her no indication of being William's mother.

“He wanted you to tie the knot with Katherine, not some destitute girl you encountered on the streets. You did not even consider our reputation. Now, how will we respond to the society? What is your father going to say to Katherine's father?"

The same woman yelled at William while insulting Monica, calling her a penniless girl living on the streets.

“It's enough! She has exceeded her bounds!" Monica gazed at her feet and her veins burst with wrath. She had been tormented by the cold all along, but now that the fire was flowing through her blood, all she could feel was anger.

“Let them know the reality! I will be throwing a big party shortly, and people will eventually find out about this. I am not ashamed,”

William said in jest.

“Katherine had been your true love for many years, brother. How could you possibly do this to her? Do not you feel something for that girl? If she finds out, she will die,"

Out of nowhere, another voice piped out. Monica raised her head and discovered a blonde-haired woman, most likely around her age, who addressed William as her brother, clearly indicating that she was William's sister.

“Martina, keep your mouth shut. I despise answering," William shifted his gaze to Martina and abruptly silenced her.

“Will, she is your sister. Don't tell us that this girl, who has no name or family, has become precious to you," without even a moment's hesitation, William's mother humiliated Monica, treating her like a dark spot that needed to be wiped away with vigorous rubbing.

With her eyes narrowed, Monica started to step forward on her heels, coming up beside William and placing her hand around his arm before exclaiming, "I am shivering!"

William was dealing with everyone unsympathetically, but Monica's voice suddenly sent warmth to his body, and he was unable to disregard her as if he really cared that she was cold. William removed his coat quickly and carefully wrapped it around Monica.

However, William Mackenzie had a phobia of cleanliness. He seldom allowed anyone to touch his belongings, but this simple deed made everyone's mouth drop to the ground.

“Is it real? Is brother allowing that filthy woman to touch him? Oh God! I cannot fathom what Katherine will do!" Martina was worn down from fretting about the Mackenzie family's future. But she did not think she could stand this woman as William's wife; not in this life.

“This is my mansion, therefore I hope people respect my personal space and don't overcrowd it. If not, there is more place for everyone to remain in comfort,”

William announced in a stern, deep voice that carried a strong warning. This implied that they would probably be kicked out of his house if they offended him.

“William, you have declared war on this family. We are not a regular people. A seemingly innocuous act costs us far too much. Your father will murder this girl,” William's mother spoke out about the consequences that probably going to take place soon. Her voice conveyed the terror this time.

Monica jerked her head at the woman, reading her concern on her face. When she learned William's mother was actually terrified, she felt every fiber of her existence quiver with unease.

“If a conflict is going to happen, let it happen. I will make everyone feel what the outcome is going to be if they show their interest in interfering in my life. But remember no one has ever acquired such ability to influence me and my life before or since,” William stated angrily and grasped Monica's hand before beginning to walk.