Chapter 181 His Terrifying Future Mother-in-law

Chapter 181 His Terrifying Future Mother-in-law

From the very beginning, the only one who had truly stayed by Gwyneth's side was Olivia. Kieran knew that even if he somehow won Gwyneth back, he could never displace the place Olivia held in her heart.

But now, he didn't mind at all. For the first time, he understood that love was never a vague promise for some distant tomorrow—it was the nearness of a hand when you needed it, the hours quietly given, the steady weight of devotion that asked for nothing in return.

"Your work can't wait. There's a new mission—you're leading the team," Henry said, his voice firm.

Kieran nodded, stepped into the hospital room, and before Olivia could react, he crossed the space and pressed a brief kiss to Gwyneth's forehead.

"Gwyneth, wait for me."

Without looking back, he left. Henry moved to stand behind Olivia.

"He has to go. It's his duty as a police officer. Truth is, these past six months haven't been kind to him. He cut ties with his family. His father had a stroke. That fiancée of his is still living in the Schmidt family home, refusing to leave. Right now, Kieran is practically the family's sworn enemy."

Olivia let out a sharp, cold laugh. "What century are we living in, still playing at arranged marriages? He brought this on himself. If he hadn't been so indecisive, none of this would've happened. Trying to have it both ways—well, now he's got nothing. Serves him right."

Henry sighed inwardly. Kieran's road to winning her back was going to be a long one.

When Gwyneth woke again, it was already evening. The first thing she did was complain she was starving.

"Olivia, I want Mexican food!"

Olivia shot her a look and carried over a lunchbox. Inside was a bowl of warm oatmeal porridge.

"Forget it. You won't be touching anything like that for at least a month. Light food only. Once you're fully healed, then we'll talk."

Gwyneth's face fell in exaggerated despair.

Olivia couldn't help but smile at the pitiful expression. "Just bear with it. If you're lucky, you'll be out of here in two weeks. By the way, where are you planning to go after you're discharged?"

"I'm not sure," Gwyneth said after a pause. "Maybe back home with my mom."

Violette had been keeping watch over her every day, which felt strange. Gwyneth could see the guilt in her mother's eyes, but having grown up without her parents around, the sudden flood of attention left her awkward and unsettled.

"I'm staying at the Special Operations Unit quarters. Why don't you come live there? My mom can stay too."

Gwyneth's eyes lit up. The apartment she and Olivia had bought together was sitting empty—it was perfect. She agreed immediately.

Olivia told Violette, who was far from pleased.

"Gwyneth's work won't be with the Special Operations Unit in the future. Living there isn't appropriate," Violette said flatly.

Olivia knew it was because Violette didn't want Gwyneth and Kieran crossing paths again.

"Violette, you know she's only comfortable in familiar surroundings. Besides, my mom's there. So is my brother Bobby."

Violette still didn't like it, but in the end, she had to respect Gwyneth's wishes.

"Fine. I'll go ahead and get the place ready, make sure it's comfortable for her."

The apartment had been bought fully furnished, so it didn't take much to prepare. Violette even replaced some appliances. It was a two-story loft, and with Autumn also living there, it wouldn't feel crowded. She was satisfied.

During Gwyneth's two weeks in the hospital, Kieran had been sent on a classified mission, with no contact to the outside world. When he finally returned to the unit, he took leave immediately, intending to visit her.

On the way, he ran into Henry, who was heading back to Silverpeak State after wrapping up Special Operations Unit business.

"Going to see Gwyneth?" Henry asked.

Kieran nodded, about to get into his car when Henry added, "She's already out. Living in the complex across the street. If you're feeling suicidal, go ahead and visit. Just know that inside that apartment are my mother-in-law and your future mother-in-law. Good luck."

Henry clapped him on the shoulder before heading for the airport.

From a short distance away, Olivia had been watching. When she saw Kieran drive off, she sent Gwyneth a quick message.

Gwyneth, sprawled on her bed and scrolling through videos, glanced at the text without much reaction before going right back to her feed.

Before heading to the apartment complex, Kieran stopped to buy groceries and a bagful of health supplements. When he appeared at the door, arms full, Violette's brows drew together.

"You've got the wrong place. We didn't order takeout."

She started to close the door, but Kieran quickly stepped forward to block it.

"Mrs. Martinez, I came to see Gwyneth. I won't cause trouble. If she doesn't want to see me, I'll just leave the things and go."

Violette's expression stayed cold, but she couldn't exactly throw him out. Reluctantly, she let him in. Kieran went straight to the kitchen with the groceries.

Autumn was there, tending to a pot of chicken soup. She looked up, surprised.

"Weren't you on a mission? When did you get back?"

"Just now. Took half a day off to cook for Gwyneth. She's been abroad so long—she must miss home food. But since she can't eat much while recovering, I'm keeping it simple. Soup and a few light dishes. Nothing that'll hurt her."

Autumn nodded, clearly approving. "You spoil her too much. With that temper of hers, the more you indulge her, the harder she'll be to rein in."

Kieran smiled. "That's fine. As long as I'm home, I'll cook for her. When I'm not, she can eat at the cafeteria. Either way, she won't go hungry."

The rich scent of chicken broth filled the kitchen. Outside, Violette stood listening, her face still cool but her steps lingering. 

She'd lived long enough to know that a man's promises were often just words. Gwyneth's father had been the same—sweet talk before marriage, then gone without a trace after. What good was talk of taking care of someone?

When Gwyneth came downstairs for dinner, she was startled to see Kieran at the table.

"What are you doing in my house?"

Kieran shot to his feet, looking almost awkward. "I heard you were out of the hospital, so I came to check on you. Since you're fine, I'll head out. You should rest. I've still got work to report on."

Autumn quickly caught his arm. "Don't go. You cooked all this—you should at least eat before leaving. It's late, the cafeteria's closed."

She then turned to Gwyneth. "You want him to go back hungry?"

Gwyneth's mouth twitched. She hadn't even said anything, yet somehow she was the bad guy here.

"Sit. Eat before you go," Violette said, her tone calm but carrying an unspoken authority.

Kieran froze for a moment, then nodded and sat back down. Gwyneth watched him ladle soup and place dishes on the table with the ease of someone in his own home, irritation rising in her chest.

But then she realized — the soup was for her, and he was piling her plate high with food, every dish one of her favorites.