Chapter 322
Chapter 322 Let’s Wait for the Designer to Come
Jack was stunned when he saw the beautiful and exquisite design of the new house.
When Jack saw the signature of the designer, a certain "B. Rayne," he said," I'm glad that you like the design, Father. If you are satisfied by this designer, then we'll get them to furnish the rooms after the house is built." "Mm. I've never been so satisfied by a designer before. I like what this boy does!" Old Mr. Norman said happily. He seemed to be at the peak of his health because of his mood.
Jack smiled at his mischievous father. "I believe B. Rayne is female."
Old Mr. Norman glared at him. "No, I'm sure that he's a boy."
Queenie smiled when she saw how the father and son were quibbling over a name. "Why don't we wait until the designer comes over to survey the place? By then, you'd know if they're male or female."
Queenie felt that the designer was female.
Only a woman would submit such a meticulous and romantic design.
'B. Rayne...'
Queenie memorized that name. She suddenly felt something strange in her heart. It ached a little.
"Why isn't Leia here today?" Old Mrs. Norman held Queenie's hand and asked.
Leia was beautiful and had a charming way with her words. The old woman was quite fond of her.
"Leia is busy with her work lately, and her schedule is packed. That's why she's not here today. We'll bring her over again in a few days when she's less busy,” Queenie explained.
Chris seemed unhappy at once. "When is Leia planning to retire from the entertainment industry? How can a daughter of the Norman family have such a public profile? How shameful!"
Old Mr. Norman had never been fond of Leia.
When Leia was first brought to the household, she seemed to be a sweet and obedient girl.
Old Mr. Norman, in his many years of experience, was an accurate judge of character. He knew that Leia was not as innocent as she seemed.
However, Jack was insistent on adopting her, and he could only heed his son's will.
Jack's family lived apart from their parents, and Chris had seldom met Leia.
The three people would come and visit them for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and Chris was ambivalent toward the adopted granddaughter that he was not very fond of.
He did not expect that Leia would enter the entertainment industry after she grew up.
The entertainment industry was a chaotic place. No one could enter the industry and remain untainted.
All the celebrities might look glamorous, but who knew how many unspeakable secrets did they hide?
The Normans were a family of politicians. Old Mr. Norman regarded the family reputation very highly, and he could not forgive Leia for becoming an actress.
Leia had tried to gain the old man's favor every time she visited but with little effect.
Queenie lowered her head and said nothing.
She knew that the old man would be irritated if she tried to speak up for her daughter.
She was once discovered by a talent scout and was offered a spot in the industry, but her in-laws had strongly protested against it, and that was why she had to abandon her dream and go into business.
Queenie might have made a name for herself in the business world, but her unfulfilled wishes carried on with her. That was why when Leia thought of becoming an actress, she had nothing but encouragement and support for her.
"Father, I'll arrange a marriage for Leia soon. She'll have to retire from the industry after that," Jack replied.
"That will be the best!" Old Mr. Norman said.
"Alright, that's enough. It's rare that Jack and Queenie come and visit us," Old Mrs. Norman shot a glance at her husband, then turned to speak to Queenie, "I'll see if lunch is ready. Follow me, Queenie."
Queenie nodded and followed Old Mrs. Norman into the kitchen.
After lunch, Jack and his father went to the study to discuss something, while Queenie and Old Mrs. Norman sat in the living room and chatted.
A huge frame was placed on one of the walls. Various classic photos were framed inside.
Queenie noticed an old family photo in one corner of the frame.
In front of a red backdrop, Chris and his wife sat on the chairs with peaceful expressions on their faces. Behind them were Jack and the then- pregnant Queenie. Her right hand gently rested on her round stomach, and she smiled sweetly as she leaned on her husband's shoulder...
"Looking at old photos again, Queenie?"
Old Mrs. Norman saw that Queenie's eyes were transfixed on the photo in the frame. She seemed sad as her fingers stroked the photo in which she was pregnant. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
Old Mrs. Norman gently patted her daughter-in-law's hand and comforted her, "It's been so long, and you should let it go. Some things just aren't meant to be. If not that Jack was injured and became sterile, you won't have to... Leia is grown-up anyway, and she's an intelligent and filial child.
There's still hope for you."
Chris and his wife did not know that Queenie had lost a lot of blood when she went into labor. Jack and Queenie had hidden the real reason from them.
Jack loved Queenie, and he was afraid that his parents might treat Queenie unfavorably if they knew the truth and even force them to divorce. That was why he had lied to his parents, saying that Queenie's infertility was caused by his injury.
His parents had never doubted that, and they had never suspected Queenie's problem.
After all, Queenie had managed to bear a child, even though the child was stillborn. It was a tragic event, but it proved that she was capable of bearing children.
If Queenie never bore a child after that, the problem might be indeed on their son.
Old Mr. and Mrs. Norman were quite satisfied with Queenie as their daughter-in-law. Not only was she capable, diligent, and considerate, but most importantly, she did not leave Jack despite his sterility.
As Queenie stared at her pregnant self in the photo, tears nearly fell from her eyes.
She looked guiltily at Old Mrs. Norman.
Not being able to give birth to a child was the biggest regret of her life.
Her husband had lied to his parents to protect her. The lie had persisted over so many years.
'Father and Mother would be disappointed if they knew the truth...' She thought.
'If that poor child were still alive, she would have been twenty-four years old this year. Would she have found a soulmate and bore children?'