Page 226 of From Rivals to I Do

She barely acknowledges my presence, her focus fixed on Henry, who peeks out from behind me, his eyes wide with curiosity. She bends down to greet him, her voice oozing with feigned warmth. "Oh, Henry, it's been too long. Grandma missed you."

She finally turns to me, smiling, but there's a coldness behind it that sends a chill down my spine. "I thought I'd pay a surprise visit to my grandson," she replies, her tone taunting. "And of course, I couldn't resist the chance to see how things are going with your...arrangement."

I exchange a worried glance with Maya, who stands just a few feet away. Margaret's visit feels intrusive like an uninvited storm crashing into our lives. I brace myself for what is to come, for the inevitable confrontation that will unfold.

Maya takes a step forward, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of vulnerability. "Margaret, we are doing our best to create a loving home for Henry," she says, her words resolute. "We love him deeply, and we will always put his well-being first."

Margaret's smile falters, her gaze hardening as she directs her attention towards Maya. "And who is this?" she asks, her voice dripping with disdain. "Oh, dear," she says as though suddenly piecing it together. "You must be the replacement, then. I must say, Jackson has certainly lowered his standards."

Maya's face pales, her eyes welling up with tears. I step forward, a protective instinct surging through me, ready to shield her from Margaret's verbal assault. "This is Maya," I interject firmly, my voice carrying a subtle warning. "She is my wife and she is an amazing mother figure to Henry."

Margaret's laughter cuts through the air, a piercing sound that grates on my nerves. "Wife? Oh, Jackson, you move on quickly, don't you? I hope you realize the consequences of your actions. You're playing with fire."

The words strike Maya like a blow to the chest, her expression crumbling under the weight of Margaret's judgment. I can see the hurt and anger welling

up within her, and I take a step closer to her, my arm sliding around her trembling form, offering support and solace. It takes every ounce of self-restraint

to hold back my anger, to maintain a calm façade.

"Margaret, that's enough," I interject firmly, my voice holding a hint of warning. "Maya is an incredible woman, a loving and devoted mother figure to Henry. I won't allow you to disrespect her."

Margaret's eyes narrow, a spark of fury igniting within them. "You dare to speak to me like that?" she spits, her voice sharp and biting. "You have no idea

what you've gotten yourself into, Jackson. I won't stand by and watch you ruin Henry's life. I have overlooked your spontaneous decision-making in the

past but will not continue to do so. Do you even know this woman?

Maya's composure wavers, her shoulders slumping under the weight of Margaret's cruel words.

Margaret lingers for a while longer, making the atmosphere uncomfortable even for Henry, whom she seems to be doting on. She brought him toys, chocolates, and an expensive pair of sneakers.

Finally, she turns to leave, her gaze lingering on Maya for a moment longer. "Remember what I said, Jackson," she warns, her voice laced with venom. "Henry's happiness is at stake, and I won't let you ruin his life."

With those words, she turns on her heel and strides towards the door, leaving a trail of tension in her wake. As the front door slams shut, the house seems to echo with the weight of Margaret's disapproval.

I turn to find Maya standing there, tears streaming down her face, her shoulders trembling with suppressed sobs. Without hesitation, I gather her into my arms, holding her tightly as she releases the pain and frustration that has been building within her.

"It's okay," I whisper, my voice filled with love and understanding. "We will get through this, Maya. We won't let her tear us apart."

Maya's sobs gradually subside, replaced by a quiet resolve. She pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine, seeking reassurance. "Jackson, I can't do this anymore," she admits, her voice filled with anguish. "I can't handle the constant criticism and judgment. I just want to go home."

My heart aches at her words, at the raw vulnerability that lays bare her deepest fears. But I refuse to let her give up, to let Margaret's toxic influence drive a wedge between us.

"We are home," I say firmly, my voice unwavering. "This is our home, Maya. We are building a life together, and no one can take that away from us. We will face the challenges head-on, side by side."

Maya's eyes meet mine, and in that moment, I see a flicker of determination reigniting within her. She takes a deep breath, her voice steady as she speaks. "Okay, Jackson. We'll face this together. Our love is stronger than anything Margaret can throw at us."

And as we hold each other, our embrace a symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment, I know deep in my heart that we are strong enough to weather any storm that comes our way. Together, we will overcome the obstacles and build a future filled with love and happiness, despite the disapproval of others.

Chapter twelve

Chapter Twelve

The moonlight casts a pale glow through the curtains, illuminating the room with a ghostly hue. Shadows dance across the walls, mimicking the

tumultuous whirlwind of my thoughts. The weight of Margaret's words presses upon me like an invisible burden, suffocating the remnants of confidence

that still cling desperately to my soul.

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