Chapter 121 - The nature of the problem

"Don't worry, let him enjoy his Coke." Alexandre whispered into her ear. But his attempts to appease Lily did not seem to help. Little furrows were rippling on her forehead. His hand grasped hers under the table and pulled it on his lap. " Everything's fine." He whispered softly before he turned to his mother again. In the end, his mother had an axe to grind with him.

"Maman, may I ask you how we got the pleasure of your company? I thought you and Papa were still traveling through South America for four weeks?" Alexandre inquired as he played under the table with Lily's fingers.

"Well, your sudden plans caused us to reschedule. It's really hard to plan a wedding from abroad. Lady de Clermont and I were faced with so many challenges until we came to the point where there was no progress. But as the date was getting closer, me and your dad decided to reschedule for now." She gasped for breath. Alexandre knew it wasn't over. His mother was just getting warmed up. She would still talk effusively and dramatically about her suffering, no doubt. He squeezed Lily's left hand again, soothingly. She had stiffened a little and bit her full, juicy lower lip. A clear sign of her anxiety. Did his mother have to puff everything up unnecessarily?

"Alexandre I am so ashamed every time I talk to Countess de Clermont on the phone, when I was not even introduced to my daughter-in-law. You're absolutely horrible!" His mother moaned. Annoyed he raised his eyebrow, but so far everything went well with the wedding planning. Alexandre had only received a letter from the hired wedding planner a week ago. He did not understand the nature of the problem. However, he kept silent, because it was not a good idea to interrupt his mother when she was in her drama queen mode.

Still the fact that his mother was putting Lily and Adrien in danger with her reckless behavior was gnawing at him. He let his thumb slide across her palm. Her skin was soft and delicate. He liked that feeling. Her closeness.

" Pardonmy behaviour, my poor dear." Isabelle reached across the table and grabbed Lily's right hand. Her expression was a mixture of pure honesty and a pinch of regret. "I can only imagine what a tyrant my son is..." Alexandre breathed in sharply, suppressed the sharp preservation in his throat. "We spoiled him far too much. Not a shred of decency is left in this fella. He must have behaved really shamefully towards you and my precious grandson." Isabelle shook her head in silence. "But don't worry I'll take care of it in the future. This behaviour will no longer be tolerated." His mother's glare settled upon him. My Lord, did she think he was still a child, that she could treat that way.

"Thank you, Lady Isabelle. You are too kind." Replied Lily with this enchanting smile that brought back peace to his heart.

But his mother was a master of drama. She couldn't leave it alone. " Oh, no, that's a given. It's my failings that he turned out this way." Lily giggled. He squeezed her hand tighter.

"Alexandre, aren't you the least bit ashamed. "You even kept your grandson hidden from me for so many years. " I had to learn from your sister that I have such a sweet angel." His mother had to exaggerate everything and always only ME. ME. ME!

Like she was the victim.

Alexandre's eyes narrowed. There sat the true culprit. His sister! Why was she trying to divert Mama's attention by hiding behind his secrets.

Alexandre had been waiting for the right moment to tell his parents about Adrien's existence. But his sister had to stick her nose into his business again!

His patience was wearing thin. Now Alexandre was sure that his mother had rushed home just for her grandson and his squealing sister could not even warn him.

"Maman, I didn't hide your grandson away - There are circumstances..."

"Pah!" She interrupted him. "I don't want to hear your cheap excuses. Three years! Three years, you've been acting scornfully towards your sweet wife and son. How can I ever lift my head proudly and look into the eyes of the de Clermonts under these circumstances without wanting to sink in the ground out of shame?"

Alexandre felt that it was very difficult to endure. " Maman!" He tried to cut off her weeping. It was hopeless.

"By no means..." Lily's face had turned quite pale at the sight of his mother's tragedy. "The fault also lies with me..." She lied to ease the burden of the woman who was close to tears.

All his mother did was shake her head quietly, letting no one speak until her performance came to an end. "But no, my dear, the fault lies entirely with that scoundrel." Her voice trembled when she raised her gaze again. "But that is not enough for you. Louise told me about..."