CHAPTER 87: ACRIMONY II
As Gerard left, a heavy silence descended on the room. Jacqueline cleared her throat, seemingly ready to break the ice, but Harold silenced her with a raised hand.
"Jacqueline, wait before you speak. Lest I forget," he turned to the woman at his side, who was already frowning at not being properly introduced. "Meet your stepmother, my wife, Jessica."
"Hello, son," Jessica drawled, offering a strained smile.
James' eyes narrowed with jaws clenched, as he stared at her. "Don't. Ever. Call me that in your life." His voice dripped with icy contempt.
Jessica flinched, retreating behind Harold.
Harold's face flushed. "James, enough!" Harold shouted through gritted teeth. "I won't have you disrespecting my wife in my house! As much as am respecting yours, show me the same courtesy."
"Respect is a two-way street Harold," James retorted, his voice tight. "Perhaps you should also remind her not to call me son, because I have a fucking name" he shot back, his tone laced with bitterness.
"And what is so wrong with that?" Harold fired back.
"Enough, both of you!" Suzanne roared, slamming her hand on the table. "Enough. We are here today for Diana, not for some father-son feud or to rehash old grievances . This ends now. You both will behave like civilized adults for the duration of this visit."
A heavy silence descended upon the room. Despite the tension, Suzanne's authority held sway. James and Harold locked eyes, a silent battle of wills simmering beneath the surface.
Gerard returned, carrying the items Harold requested. Harold took the family register with a flourish, inscribing Diana's name in bold letters. "Welcome to the family, daughter," he declared.
"Thank you, Dad," Diana stood up and curtsied. "I also got some gifts for you, Grandma, and you too, Aunties." She picked out the gifts and personally handed them out.
Diana, however, surprised everyone by selecting a unique gift for Harold.
"Dad, I personally handpicked your gift," Diana said as she handed him a beautifully crafted box.
"What is it?" Harold asked, his curiosity piqued.
Harold unwrapped the gift, revealing a 20th-century smoke pipe.
"This pipe was smoked by Albert Einstein himself" Diana said proudly. "I got it at an auction. I felt this would befit your person."
A hint of smugness crossed his face. "Very interesting," he remarked, accepting the gift.
"Thank you, Diana," the rest of the family said as they opened their gifts.
The only people who did not receive gifts were Jessica and Cassandra.
Diana turned to Jessica. "Miss Jessica," she began, "I don't have a gift for you, because i wasn't able to find you a gift on such short notice, but you should have this."
She removed her bangle and gave it to her. "This also cost a whole lot. The bangle is a beautiful gold piece with eagle carvings engraved in the middle. When I get you a proper gift, I will have this back."
Jessica's smile was strained, but she accepted the gift. "Thank you, dear." Diana resumed her seat.
Suzanne, watching the exchange, beamed at Diana. "Such a thoughtful child," she remarked.
"Lovely indeed," Harold said, nodding his head. Diana smiled cheerfully.
Suzanne, meanwhile, had begun unwrapping her own gift. Inside the box lay an envelope with bold lettering: "Don't read aloud." Diana's heart skipped a beat. Suzanne, however, kept her expression neutral.
Unfolding it, Suzanne's eyes widened. Tears welled up as she read the message hidden within:
"Dear Grandma,
It's Diana, your granddaughter-in-law. I'm already carrying your first great-grand-child. My husband wanted you to be the only person to know, and it's our secret for now. Help us keep this secret. Please keep in touch – my number is below.
Love,
Diana"
Suzanna managed to compose herself, a hint of moisture glistening in her eyes. She displayed the actual gift – a beautifully wrapped item and gasped in delight. "Oh, Diana," she choked out, tears welling up again. "This is the most precious gift I could ever receive."
Diana offered a watery smile, knowing Suzanna had read the note. James, oblivious to the secret exchange, simply smiled along happy to see his wife and grandmother connecting.
"Here is my own gift to you too," Suzanne said. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a large red envelope for Diana, even bigger than the one Harold had given.
Everyone looked at the packet with a resentment that did not escape James's gaze, but they all maintained their composure and kept quiet.
"Gerard!" Suzanna called out, her voice laced with anticipation. "Where are the tea and snacks?"