“Besides, tonight’s dinner was meant to welcome the child back into the fold.”
Primrose’s eyes stayed nervously locked on me the entire time.
She pulled out a chair for me and served my plate with careful hands, trying hard to win my favor.
“Carson, Mom and Dad are getting old. They long for a grandchild. Don’t blame me for making this decision alone. Whether the child becomes officially part of the family still depends on your consent.”
Both her parents’ faces showed clear disapproval, as they had never liked the way Primrose doted on me.
“Primrose, don’t forget who truly commands the Archival family. Carson is your husband, not some outsider who married in. Don’t tarnish the Archival name.”
I didn’t even touch my spoon or fork, sitting silent and unmoved.
We had been married for ten years. I had chosen to remain childfree, and Primrose had respected that; no children came of our union.
But her parents never understood.
They had always looked down on me, whispering cruel rumors behind my back that I was infertile, not man enough.
Before, their gossip was whispered in shadows.
Now, with Primrose’s backup and a “precious” grandson, their disdain was brazen and loud.
Her mother, Elizabeth’s eyes bore into me. “Carson, you’ve been part of the Archival family for ten years. We don’t fault you for not having children. But at the very least, don’t you think it’s only right to restore our bloodline?”
I set down my wine glass, smiled coldly, and nodded. “Of course. Since the child is Primrose’s biological son, bringing him home is only proper.”
Joy instantly spread through the room. Primrose even set down her spoon and fork, glowing with happiness.
“Carson, you’ve finally come around?”
I stared at her, surprise flickering in my eyes. “Come around to what? Isn’t this an Archival family matter?”
“Don’t just talk about officially recognizing your family’s eldest grandson, since Gideon fathered the child but has no legitimate standing, he should be the one marrying you.”
I returned her smile with calm confidence. “As for me, I’m more than willing to step aside and make way for him.”
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Eyes darted nervously between each other, tension thick in the air.
Primrose’s face drained of color. Panic seized her as she grabbed my hand tightly.
“Carson, what nonsense are you spouting? I told you, we will never divorce.”