"Why are you standing in the way of Joseph's future now?" Rosy questioned.
"It's because I love him, and I have no intention of leaving him. That's enough," Irish responded firmly.
"Can love alone fulfill the material needs of your life?" Rosy asked skeptically.
"It's true that love alone cannot fulfill all of one's material needs. However, people need faith in their lives; otherwise, life becomes empty, and the heart becomes void. Love is a human yearning for beauty, and with such faith, people can discover the beauty in this world. This is how they can avoid living in pain," Irish explained.
Rosy grew increasingly frustrated and responded in a subdued voice, "But I don't have the energy to feel the beauty of love."
The waiters began serving the dishes one by one.
Once the waiter had left, Irish spoke directly, "Rosy, I'll be straightforward with you. I have no intention of divorcing him, and I don't care if he can assist your father. You can discuss work matters with him, but if you dare continue coveting him, I won't let you go. You're a charming, wealthy lady, but I can be quite stubborn. Fearless is being penniless. If you're not afraid of damaging your reputation, you're welcome to try."
Rosy was irritated by Irish's words. "Do you think Joseph shares the same sentiment as you? What matters most to a man? It's his career! You can't offer him any help, so why don't you just leave him?"
"I think it is better to let him make his decision. He knows what he wants. If you tell me that he decides to give up our marriage for his career personally, then I will let him go, and I will also understand him," replied Irish calmly.
"Why do you trust him so much? Don't you think men will always give up something, such as friendship, love, and even marriage, for their profit? You ask him to stick to your marriage, but he loses the chance to develop his career. It will make him live in pain," continued Rosy.
Irish still remained calm with a faint smile. "I believe my beloved man has his own moral sentiment, but it is his right to make decisions. I also understand it is useless to stay with a man who does not focus his mind on me. If he is a man who would like to give up his marriage for the sake of profit, I'd rather I never love him," Irish said slowly, word by word.
Rosy said nothing and stared at Irish for a long while.
****
"Did she really say this to you so brazenly?" asked Cassie in astonishment.
Taking some nuts in her hands, Irish nodded, peeled them one by one, and then put them in her mouth. It was a little bitter, and that was why Irish didn't like to eat it.
It was not a pleasant conversation with Rosy. Irish had expected such a result since she was clear that it was impossible to chat cheerfully with a woman who coveted her husband.
Irish tried her best to cool down and ate in an elegant manner. She exerted herself to hold back her anger in front of Rosy.
However, Irish was certain that Rosy was mistaken about her true emotions. Rosy must have believed that Irish's calmness and apparent indifference meant that she had no flaws or weaknesses. But in reality, Irish was trembling with an uncontrollable rage, despite her outward composure.
Therefore, as soon as she finished lunch, Irish came to Cassie immediately.
Shirley also stayed at home and was also trapped in a low spirit. Shirley opened the door for Irish expressionlessly.
Irish couldn't contain herself any longer, as she was eager to share the encounter with Rosy with Cassie. Knowing that Cassie was also concerned about Irish being wronged by Shirley, Cassie quickly led Irish into her bedroom upon her arrival. Cassie's eyes were still bloodshot from crying. Initially, Irish had no intention of burdening Cassie with her own troubles, but she changed her mind, hoping that sharing her experience would capture Cassie's attention.
Cassie was getting angry as she heard the whole story.
"How could she be so unashamed? She knows Joseph is a married man, but how can she still try to allure him?"
Shirley happened to knock in as Cassie said this.
Shocked by what Cassie said, Shirley stood there still.
Irish was a little bit embarrassed while Cassie flushed soon because Cassie was afraid Shirley would misunderstand her and thought Cassie was letting out a veiled abuse on Shirley.
"Mom..." Cassie called her in a low voice hesitantly after a long while.
Shirley wore a gloomy face and asked, "Irish, are you going to have dinner here?"
"Thanks, but I need to go home," replied Irish.
"Okay, I am going to take some fruits for you," responded Shirley, who then walked out of the bedroom.
Cassie was worried and asked Irish, "Do you think she will misunderstand me?"
"It really sounded like you were scolding her just now," replied Irish frankly.
Cassie let out a long sigh and continued speaking, "Now that Roy is gone, she is the only one left with the blood ties to him. I finally understand the meaning behind the saying, 'One who loves the tree loves the branch.' "Cassie's voice quivered with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes once more.
Irish reached out and embraced Cassie, feeling the weight of the grief that enveloped them both. She knew that there were no words that could truly comfort Cassie at this moment.
Roy was Irish's brother as well, so she understood the depth of the pain Cassie was experiencing. She knew that Cassie would need time to heal and find a way to move forward.
"Cassie, I know it's incredibly difficult right now, but try to find strength in thinking about your baby," Irish said gently, guiding Cassie's hand to rest on her abdomen. "This unborn little baby also shares a bond with Roy. He will carry a part of him, and it's a beautiful connection that can bring some comfort in this challenging time."
"Irish, it really hurts," grumbled Cassie, covering her chest with her hand.
Irish felt sorrowful for her.
"He eagerly awaits the arrival of our baby and has made a heartfelt promise to purchase essential items for our little one," Cassie continued, tears streaming down her face. She was fully consumed by her anguish.
"He hasn't even chosen a name for our baby," Cassie added, her voice trembling with emotion.
Irish gazed into Cassie's eyes and spoke softly, "Cassie, you have fallen in love with Roy."
Cassie's eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at Irish, rendered speechless by the revelation.
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