Lahat ng Kabanata ng Chains of Desire, Bonds of Love: Kabanata 131 - Kabanata 140

In the study— Edward Sterling sat on the sofa with his son and daughter-in-law, while Mrs. Thompson brewed his favorite green tea. After serving them, she left the room. For a long time, there was silence in the room, as if they were competing in patience. Edward looked at a painting on the wall for a while before he sighed softly, "Julian has always been headstrong and aggressive since he was young. You blame me for spoiling him, I know. And tonight, you think I'm indulging him again, right?" He might be old, but his mind was as clear as a mirror. Nicholas Sterling's face was awkward, but he still harbored resentment and refused to speak. Seeing this

"I heard that the girl is pregnant with your child, and that's why you're in such a hurry, right? And tonight's commotion, you calculated that Grandpa would return, didn't you? Grandpa has always adored you to the core. A few sweet words from you, and as long as it's not too outrageous, he would agree to anything, especially now with a child involved... You're almost certain he would persuade Mom and Dad on your behalf. But have you thought about what happens after the wedding? She's marrying into the Sterling family, not just you. If Mom and Dad are displeased, can you always shield her? Even if you live outside, you'll have to come back for holidays and festivals. How will she cope then? You men don't understand these intricacies, especially for a daughter-in-law in a family like ours. Without the in-laws' approval, how cautiously must she tread to avoid their displeasure? Over time, it becomes a chronic heartache, a ticking time bomb between you tw

That afternoon, news about Lily Parker reached the Sterlings, and Edward Sterling, already battling heart issues, flew into a rage, causing a wave of tension throughout the household. They feared the worst for the elderly patriarch. In the end, it was Julian Sterling, pale and sickly, who calmed his grandfather. With a strained voice, he said, "Grandpa, please don't be angry. This isn't Mom and Dad's fault. I mishandled things... it's all my own doing..." But before he could finish, Julian fainted, and for several days, his fever didn't subside, leaving him in a semi-conscious state. The once vibrant and distinguished Julian Sterling now lay frail and emaciated in bed. Mrs. Sterling, heartbroken over her son's condition, neither ate nor slept well. Despite her strength and competence outside, she was just a regular mother in front of

In the surgical area, a nurse began to explain the procedure details to Lily, though she already knew them well. The mention of 'curettage' turned Lily's already pale face even whiter. She gripped Eleanor's hand tightly, trembling, her grip so firm that Eleanor felt pain. Eleanor's eyes welled up with tears, the scene painfully reminiscent of her own past. The girl scheduled before Lily was accompanied by her mother, both wearing grim expressions. The mother continuously berated her daughter for her irresponsibility. The daughter endured in silence. The procedure was brief, but when the girl emerged, her face was paler than paper, fragile as if a gust of wind could blow her away. Yet, her mother's scolding continued, fading only as they disappeared down the corridor. Then it was Lily's turn. Without Eleanor's support, she could barel

Mrs. Harper, seeing their affectionate display, felt it inappropriate to probe further. These days, young people getting married because of pregnancy wasn't a big deal. Besides, the young man was quite handsome and seemed well-matched with Lily. She nodded and smiled, saying to them, "You should come back to visit us. Mr. Harper and I still remember you fondly. Oh, and the piano room has been renovated. We've added two more pianos, so there's no need for the kind of squabbling you and Melody used to have." Lily's face turned red, and she playfully chided, "Mrs. Harper!" Mrs. Harper was Lily's music teacher. Although Lily had always been set on studying music and arts, she never neglected her academic subjects. Being gentle and well-mannered, she was always a favorite among the teachers. Melody, her classmate, was equally talented in piano but had a fiery temperament and loved to compete with Lily. However, when Melody went abroad in their second year of high school, what had seemed