C186 Marriage Contract

Natalie froze. She had expected anger, insults, or even humiliation. Instead, Samantha's voice remained surprisingly gentle. She slowly nodded. "You may ask." Samantha smiled faintly. "I simply want to know..." "What made you choose Ben?" "What is the real reason you're willing to be with him?"

Natalie lowered her head. Her fingers tightened together nervously. After a few moments, she finally spoke. "I... love him." She lifted her eyes toward Samantha. "While he was in prison, I got to know a different side of him." "He wasn't the arrogant Vice Director everyone talked about." "He regretted many things." "He spoke about his mistakes." "He spoke about losing everything." "He even told me about your marriage."

She paused before continuing honestly. "He also explained to me that your marriage was only on paper." "He told me you never loved each other." "I know many people won't understand my decision..." "But I chose him because I believe people deserve a second chance." The room fell silent again. Kelvin slowly frowned. "What contract?" His voice was firm. "I never approved any marriage contract."

He looked directly at Ben. "Ben..." "What exactly did you tell this young lady?" Ben remained quiet. Instead, he looked toward Samantha. "Samantha knows." Immediately, Kelvin turned toward her. "Sam..." "What is she talking about?" For a brief moment... Everyone's attention shifted to Samantha. Instead of answering... She smiled faintly. "Father..." "How was Monica today?"

Kelvin blinked in confusion. "Monica?" "She's doing very well." A smile finally appeared on his face. "She surprised everyone today." "She took her very first steps." "I spent almost the entire day playing with her." Samantha nodded slowly. "I'm glad..." "She's growing up so quickly." Then she quietly added, "...but I guess her father doesn't know that." Those words landed heavily inside the living room. Ben froze. Only now did he realise something.

Ever since returning home... He had spoken to everyone. He had spoke about Jack. He had introduced Natalie. He had argued with Sarah. Yet... He had never once asked about his own daughter. He looked around the living room. "Where's Monica?" His voice became anxious. "Where is my daughter?" Samantha finally looked at him. "I thought that would be your first question after coming home." Her smile carried both disappointment and sadness. "I wondered..." "What kind of father comes home after weeks away..." "...without asking about his own child?"

She paused before looking toward Natalie. "And if someone can neglect his own daughter..." "...what kind of love will he truly give another woman?" Natalie's expression changed instantly. She slowly lowered her head. Even Tracy became speechless. Kelvin sighed deeply. "Sam..." "Don't misunderstand." "Ben came home this morning." "He was exhausted." "He slept almost the whole day." "He simply hasn't had the chance."

Samantha nodded politely. "Perhaps." She slowly stood up. She looked toward Ben first. Then toward Natalie. "I sincerely wish the two of you happiness." "If this is the path you've chosen..." "...then I hope you never regret it." There wasn't even a trace of jealousy in her voice. Only acceptance. Without waiting for anyone to respond, Samantha turned around and calmly walked upstairs. Everyone watched her leave in silence.

A few moments later... Sarah also stood up. "I'm tired too." She smiled politely. "Mom..." "Dad..." "I'm going upstairs." Before leaving, she looked at Ben. "Brother..." "I truly hope you've changed." "I also wish you happiness." She began climbing the staircase. Halfway up... She suddenly remembered something. "Oh!" She turned back toward Kelvin. "Dad..." "I almost forgot." "The new Vice Director officially started work today." She smiled proudly. "He handled his first day very well."

After saying that, she disappeared upstairs. The living room became unusually quiet. Ben frowned. He looked at Kelvin. "Dad..." "What did she mean?" "The new Vice Director?" He slowly stood up. "Isn't that position still mine?" Kelvin exchanged a glance with Tracy before answering honestly. "Son..." "You were away." "The company couldn't remain without leadership." "So Sarah appointed someone to replace you."

Ben's eyebrows knitted together. "Replace me?" "You mean permanently?" Kelvin nodded. "The appointment became effective today." Ben clenched his fists. "The very same day I was released..." "No one even waited for me?" His breathing became heavier. "What exactly does that mean?" Tracy quickly interrupted before the situation worsened. "Ben..." "This isn't the right time." "We'll discuss the company later."

Ben let out a bitter laugh. "The Vice Director position I worked so hard for..." "...was taken away while I was still in prison." "And here you are saying now is not the right time to know why." His words carried disappointment more than anger. Tracy forced a smile before turning toward Natalie. "My child..." "please don't mind what happened today. We truly apologize for everything. "

Natalie smiled shyly, while Ben took a slow breath, trying to suppress the frustration building inside him. He realised that prison hadn't only changed him. The world outside had moved on without waiting for him. A heavy silence settled over the living room.

After several long seconds, Ben spoke again "If i knew things would be like this, I would have just stayed in jail." Without waiting for anyone to respond, he stood up and reached for Natalie's hand. "Honey..." "Let's go upstairs." Natalie nodded quietly and allowed him to lead her away.

Although she remained calm on the outside, her heart was in turmoil. Everything that had happened downstairs had been far beyond anything she had imagined. She had expected a warm welcome from Ben's parents. Instead, she had walked straight into a family conflict. As she climbed the stairs beside Ben, another thought suddenly crossed her mind. "Even if he is no longer the Vice Director... it doesn't really change anything." "He is still a member of the Wood family." "He still owns shares in Wood's IT Company." "He's still wealthy."

A small smile appeared on her face. "If we get married... I can finally build Mother the house I've promised her." "My little cousin can finally go to college." Thinking about that future made her heart feel lighter. She squeezed Ben's hand gently as the two disappeared upstairs.