chapter 17

"Hun!" 

Phoebe's eyes almost bulg out of her sockets as she stared at the screen, her mind reeling in shock. At first, she was taken aback by Rosie's sudden appearance, but as she watched the exchange, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions; surprise, curiosity, and a dash of envy. 

Just as she was lost in thought, Clementine's voice cut through the silence, "is anyone home?" 

Phoebe's eyes widened further, and she frantically scanned the room, her gaze darting around as she searched for the TV remote. Her mind was racing, and she couldn't to focus, afraid Clementine might regret supporting Rosie and Archie's divorce, and worst of all, blame her for it. 

The thought sent a wave of anxiety through her. As her hand closed around the remote, Clementine entered the room, her voice halting Phoebe's actions. 

"Rosie?" Clementine's tone was laced with a mix of amazement and irritation. She stepped forward, her face twisted in a scowl as if she'd tasted something bitter. "She's just something else!"

Phoebe hastily put the remote down and forced a smile, trying to gauge Clementine's mood. "You're back, Mother," she said, her voice cautious. She rushed to meet Clementine, concern etched on her face. "Mother, did you see the news?"

Clementine's expression was a mix of anger and disgust. "Yes, I did, and I'm furious. I never knew I still harbored so much resentment towards her until her face popped up on my screen again."

Phoebe's eyes widened in surprise. "Hun!" She exclaimed. "What do you think of her now, Mother?"

Clementine's words spilled out like venom. "What's there to think about such a person? She's still the same shameless, foolish woman she was all those years ago. Committing adultery, disappearing without a trace, and now she dares to show her face in public?"

Her voice rose in indignation. "And she's proud of being a single mother? It's outrageous! I feel like tearing her apart!"

"Don't you... like her now, Mother? I mean, she's wealthy and successful, the president of Azel Organization…" Phoebe probed gently, trying to gauge Clementine's true intentions.

Clementine's response was swift and venomous. "Why would I like her? Her position doesn't define a good person. She's hiding something, and when her secrets come out, she'll be publicly disgraced," 

Her eyes flashed with malice. "I never liked her, and now I hate her even more," she spat, her anger intensifying with every word. She paused and sighed. "I can't wait for that day to come when she's exposed and disappears forever,"

"She's shameless!" Her voice rose to a scream, her irritation boiling over. "If only Archie had let me reveal her true nature to the world back then. He covered up for her, and now look what's happening."

Phoebe nodded sympathetically. "It's okay, Mother. Don't let her get to you. Her secrets will come out soon enough. She can't hide forever."

Clementine's gaze locked onto Phoebe's face, a calculating look in her furrowed eyes. "Don't you think she manipulated Dominic into siding with her? Maybe she seduced him or something."

Phoebe nodded, playing along with Clementine's theory, but her mind was elsewhere. She was more concerned about Rosie relationship with Archie. "Mother, what if Archie still has feelings for her?" She asked, her voice barely aboved a whispered, her tone laced with worry.

Clementine's expression turned fierce. "Over my dead body. Not while I'm alive, and not even after I'm gone," she spat. She shook her head emphatically. "Archie doesn't love her anymore. He loves you, and he hates Rosie for what she did to him."

Clementine's words were a mix of determination and possessiveness, leaving no doubt about her stance on the matter.

"Mother, I think things are different than you see them." Phoebe poured out, her voice laced with concern.

Clementine's interest was piqued. "What do you mean?"

Phoebe hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I didn't want to disturb you, but I think you should know. Nelson's funeral, the way Archie stared at Rosie... it was suspicious. His expression said it all. I think he still loves her, not me."

Clementine dismissed the idea with a wave of her hand. "Don't mix it up, Phoebe. His expression was probably full of hatred. You just didn't figure it out. He hates her most."

Phoebe shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "The look was so intense... he couldn't take his eyes off her. And Archie and Dominic defended her that day."

Clementine's tone turned stern. "Impossible. It must have been a misunderstanding."

Phoebe's voice cracked as she spoke. "What will be my fate if Rosie and Archie get back together?"

Clementine shook her head in opposition, her assurance firm. "That will never happen. Rosie may try to find her way back, but I trust my son. He won't give her a chance."

Phoebe's tears spilled over, and she revealed a painful secret. "Mother, when we were in college, I thought Rosie was a good person. I defended her whenever other students bullied her. I was her only friend... and I did my best to protect her,"

She took a deep breath before continuing. "Mother, will you believe me if I tell you Archie met me first? He loved me at first sight, but Rosie seduced him and gained his attention."

Clementine's expression softened, and she felt a pang of pity for Phoebe. "That's bad…" She said, her voice filled with empathy.

"Mother, Rosie always envied me and went after everything that was mine…" Phoebe revealed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Clementine's eyes widened in shock. "Including my son?" She asked, her tone incredulous.

Phoebe nodded, her expression innocent. "Yes, and I let her have him because Archie seemed happy with her, and I wanted them to be happy together. It was only later that I realized Rosie's true nature; she's deceitful and evil, with a dark mind,"

Her words spilled out like a confession. "She lied to me, Mother. She told me you and Arabella always mistreated her. But I didn't believe her because I've always known you're a nice person."

Clementine's eyes sparkled with surprise. "Really? Why didn't you tell me then?"

Phoebe's voice remained low. "Rosie was my friend, and I didn't want to ruin her marriage. Even when she was having an affair with her former boyfriend behind Archie's back, I advised her as a friend, but she didn't listen. Eventually, I had to inform Archie because I felt he deserved better."

Clementine's face lit up with approval. "That's why I love you, Phoebe. You did the right thing," she said. Phoebe sniffled and she comforted her, wiping away her tears and holding her hand. "You did nothing wrong, Phoebe. You deserve to be happy."

Phoebe smiled, feeling a sense of relief, and hugged Clementine. "Thank you, Mother."

As they separated, Clementine held Phoebe's cheek, her expression warm. "You're the perfect wife for my son, and I love you for helping him. Rosie is... a bitch."

Archie burst into the room, his face twisted in anger. "Never call her that!" He yelled, his eyes blazing with intensity. He pointed a shaking finger at Phoebe's face. "Never ever call her names again!"

Clementine and Phoebe recoiled, startled by Archie's outburst. 

"What's wrong?"

Archie took a deep breath, attempting to compose himself. "Nothing, Mom. I'm fine," he said. He glanced down, avoiding eye contact. "I just don't think it's right for you to speak ill of Rosie."

Clementine's brows furrowed, her expression turning questioning. "Why? There's nothing between you and Rosie anymore. Why're defend her?"

Archie's gaze snapped up, his eyes locking onto Phoebe's, ignoring his mother's question. "Don't mention her name again in this house," he said, his tone warning. "Be careful, Phoebe. She's not just anybody."

Phoebe bit back her retort, choosing to remain silent in Clementine's presence. She wanted to appear innocent, to garner Clementine's support.

Clementine's voice rose in indignation. "Archie, are you yelling at your wife because of your ex? How can you be like this?"

Archie's guilt was palpable as he looked down, avoiding his mother's gaze. 

"Phoebe helped you, Archie. If not for her, the illegitimate child might be yours now!" Clementine pointed out. Her one biting as  she pressed, her eyes demanding answers.. "Archie, is it true?" 

His head snapped up, his eyes flashing with defensiveness. "What?"

Clementine locked eyes with him, thier gaze intensifying as if hers was boring into his soul. "Do you still love Rosie? Do you still care about her?" She interrogated, her tone relentless.

Archie's response was swift. "No."

Clementine's eyes widened in skepticism. "No?!" She repeated, her voice laced with doubt. "If you have no feelings for her anymore, why are you defending her?"

Archie's frustration boiled over. "Mom, it's enough!" He yelled, his voice rising to a crescendo, and Clementine and Phoebe's eyes grew wide in surprise, shocked by his outburst.

His warning was laced with menace. "You all should be careful. Be very careful and don't get near her!" He spun on and stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

The sound of the slamming door made Phoebe and Clementine shiver. 

Clementine's gaze slowly turned to Phoebe, her eyes searching for answers. "Is this still my son?"