Chapter 10 Is There Still a Place for Me as His Mother in His Eyes?
As the White family's butler, Finn had seen more than his fair share of drama over the years.
The White family, being one of the most prominent families in Silverlight City, often attracted unwanted attention from those looking to infiltrate their ranks.
Naturally, Finn had to stay vigilant.
Preston pondered for a moment, lost in thought.
Just then, there was a knock on the study door.
Preston and Finn exchanged glances. Clearing his throat, Preston called out, "Come in."
The door swung open to reveal a middle-aged woman with a slender figure, dressed in a navy blue dress and wearing meticulously applied makeup.
She walked in with an air of elegance and poise, each step light and measured.
Her demeanor exuded a calm grace, yet there was an undeniable sense of aloofness that made people hesitate to approach her.
"Amelia, what brings you here?" Preston's stern expression softened into a smile.
Amelia Martinez was Benjamin's mother and the wife of Preston's eldest son.
Preston had two sons. The eldest, Magnus White, was Benjamin's father. The younger, Lachlan White, was married to Arabella Pearl.
Amelia placed a fruit platter on the table, hesitating to speak.
Preston said gently, "Amelia, if you have something to say, just say it."
Amelia, raised with traditional values, had a reserved nature.
Living in the progressive, business-oriented White family often left her feeling out of place, and over time, her demeanor had grown more subdued.
Pressing her lips together, Amelia looked up at Preston and said, "Dad, I heard you found a girl for Benjamin to marry?"
Preston nodded, "Yes. Benjamin agreed to the marriage willingly."
Amelia's face changed dramatically. "Marriage? When did this happen? Why didn't he discuss such an important matter with me? Does he even see me as his mother?"
Preston quickly replied, "Don't worry, they'll be here for dinner tonight. You'll meet her then. Besides, Benjamin has always been distant and needs someone to care for him. I've met the girl; she's a good match."
Amelia's brows furrowed deeply, her face full of displeasure. "Dad, you're spoiling him! Look at him now, he has no sense of propriety. How can he make such a significant decision on his own?"
"And what kind of girl would agree to marry Benjamin? She must be after our family's money. I don't approve of this marriage. You know Magnolia likes Benjamin. I've already promised her..."
Magnolia Belle was Amelia's best friend's daughter. Amelia's friend had passed away over a decade ago, entrusting Magnolia to Amelia's care.
Amelia had always treated Magnolia as her own daughter and even hoped to marry her off to Benjamin.
Preston's expression darkened, and Finn's eyelid twitched nervously. He quickly intervened, "Mrs. White, Mr. Benjamin and Ms. Brown married of their own accord, not because..."
Amelia interrupted coldly, "Traditionally, parents decide marriages, not the children."
Preston frowned, clearly disagreeing with Amelia's stance but worried about her health. He gently said, "Amelia, our family isn't bound by such strict rules. If the kids have someone they love, we let them make their own choices."
Amelia's family, the Martinez family, was as powerful as the White family, and her father and Preston were old friends.
Thus, Preston often indulged Amelia but occasionally disagreed with her parenting methods, offering gentle advice.
Amelia retorted, "Dad, this isn't about rules. You know Magnolia likes Benjamin, yet you choose an unknown woman for him. As his mother, can't I voice my concerns?"
"I don't agree with this marriage!"
Preston sighed heavily, "You'll have to discuss this with Benjamin. He's an adult now; I can't make decisions for him."
Seeing Preston's weary expression, Amelia swallowed her words. "I'll talk to Benjamin about this. You go ahead with your work."
With that, she turned and left the study.
Once Amelia was gone, Preston let out a heavy sigh of relief.
Finn wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling grateful to have survived the tense encounter.
Soon, news of Benjamin's marriage spread throughout the White Manor, and the servants gathered to gossip.
"Mr. White got married? Really?"
"No way! Mr. White is so cold; who could stand him?"
"Yeah, Ms. Belle is deeply in love with Mr. White. She'll be heartbroken when she finds out he's married."
"Poor Ms. Belle. Abandoned by her father, lost her mother, and now even Mr. White is taken away..."
That evening, Benjamin drove Sophia to the White Manor.
In the darkness, the sprawling manor came into view.
The car slowly entered the grounds, and Benjamin stepped out, walking around to open the passenger door. "Get out, we're here."
Sophia peeked out curiously, her wide eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on Benjamin's outstretched hand.
She met his gaze, her hand instinctively reaching out to his warm grasp.
"Don't worry, I'm here."
Sophia blushed slightly, nodding slowly as she followed Benjamin toward the manor.
She wasn't scared at all!
'Meeting the parents? Piece of cake!' She thought.
Sophia bit her lower lip, her other hand nervously curling as she tried to maintain her composure.
"Mr. White, you're back."
The servants rushed out to greet them, stunned to see a woman by Benjamin's side.
They exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes finally landing on the couple's tightly clasped hands, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.
Benjamin was known for his indifference toward women, never having one near him, not even Amelia's beloved Magnolia dared approach him easily.