Divorce To Restart: Vengeful Ex-Wife Strikes Back!

Chapter 74 Dinning with the Jackson Family

JACKSON’S HOME, NEW YORK. Johnson stared at his wife with evident exhaustion in his eyes. Venus can be too extreme when she puts her mind on something. He is still surprised by her announcement. Xander having a woman whose birthing date is near doesn’t sound much like his son. Even if they aren’t so close, he knows the boy like the back of his palm. At the same time, Xander can be unpredictable. He had started a company in the corner of his room without informing anyone until he got his first investor. The turnout had hurt Johnson as he had always hoped his sons would take over the company. To make things worse, Jace joined his brother’s wagon, leaving their father to handle everything himself. “You might be disappointed at this point. Don’t you think you are doing too much?” He queried from the chair he was seated on, interrupting Venus’s humming session. She cut him a glare. “You are why Xander must have kept something like that away from us. Do you expect me to fold my arms and not be keen on knowing who my daughter-in-law and grandchild is?” Johnson scoffed. “For someone who meddles in her children’s affairs like no man’s business. That is bold coming from you.” Venus sucked in a breath, choosing to ignore him. “I get that you are sore. But I beg of you, Johnson. Suppose you won’t be thoughtful during this dinner and intend to stir Xander’s anger. I think it would be best to leave the house and have fun. I can always come up with plenty of excuses. I will not let you ruin this dinner for my son.” He huffed, giving in. “Why do you always have to paint me out like the black sheep? I love them as much as you do and-” “You don’t sound like it.” She retorted. Their conversation came to a premature end when the doorbell rang. Venus shooed off the help, intending to get the door, and hurried towards it with a bright smile. But her smile faltered when she saw Jace instead. She opened the door and stretched her neck behind him. “Where are they?” She asked. Jace sniffed, passing her by to raid something on the overloaded dining table. “How am I to know that? I am not their nanny.” He replied, strolling towards his father to hug him. “Hey, pops. Miss me.” Johnson rolled his eyes playfully. “Like I ever would. You were here two days ago.” “I could make it every day. As long as I get to raid Mum’s pantry.” Venus smacked his head from behind, causing Jace to howl. “You fool, how often do I have to tell you not to touch anything on the table unless it is time to eat.” Jace snickered at her, escaping her intending kick when the doorbell rang again. The help got the door this time. Venus burst into a bright smile at the sight of Xander and Nina. She walked up to them, hugged Nina, and checked her out. “Oh, my goodness. You look so beautiful, Nina. Welcome to our home.” Venus cooed, ignoring Xander while she gently grabbed Nina by the arm. “Come, meet Johnson, my husband, and their father.” “Hello, sir. Nice to meet you. I am Nina.” Nina finally said a complete sentence amidst Venus’s bombardment. “Welcome, Nina. It’s nice to have you here,” Johnson replied. Nina didn’t fail to see the awkward grunt Xander shared with his father. “Come, come. Let’s eat.” Venus ushered them. Xander leaned towards Nina and whispered in her ear. “Remember what I told you, she is so extra.” His words brought a smile to Nina’s face. Even though Xander has told her so much about his mother in a bid to keep her mind prepared, she seems to like Venus. Her excitement radiates with Nina just fine. “How have you been, Nina? I am so sorry it took me so long to reply. Xander can be too secretive like he doesn’t have a family.” Venus said while giving Xander a side-eye. “You make it sound like you have never given me a chance to explain.” Xander snorted. Nina grinned, “I am fine, ma’am.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, please. Just call me Venus.” “Thank you for having me in your house. It looks very nice, by the way.” Nina complimented. Venus giggled. “I know. I designed it myself. These ungrateful folks wouldn’t even acknowledge the beauty.” She snorted at her son and husband. “That is because you talk too much about it, and it tires us out,” Jace informed her. “You better keep your words to yourself.” Venus gritted, almost shoving her spoon in his face. Nina chuckled, unable to resist the drama unfolding. “Just ignore them, Nina. They bring out the worst in me. I am so glad you are here. Do you know the child’s gender yet?” “Mama!” Xander exclaimed. “Can we just eat in peace?” “I agree with him on this.” Johnson intervened. “The food will get too cold at this point.” “Yeah, right. We will talk after this.” Venus said to Nina, winking. Halfway through their meal, the doorbell rang. Venus showed surprise as she wasn’t expecting any other guests. The help opened the door, letting Dawn in. Dawn made her way to the table. Her facial expression morphed from disbelief to shock and anger. “Dawn, what are you doing here?” Venus asked, pushing the chair backward to stand up. Dawn swallowed hard, feeling the fruit basket she carried weigh down on her arm. I thought I would bring you some fruits from the farmers’ market.” “Hey, Dawn!” Jace called out too loudly. His eyes danced mischievously. “Aww, that is so thoughtful of you, Dawn. Why not join us for dinner?” Venus invited. “Xander.” Dawn managed to call out while Venus’ question hung in the air. “Evening, Dawn,” Xander mumbled absentmindedly, his eyes on the water he poured for Nina. Dawn felt hazy at the sight in front of her. She clenched her fist by her side, wishing she could scatter everything well arranged on the table. Her eyes turned viciously onto Venus. She was supposed to help her get closer to Xander. Instead, she invited her over for an obvious family dinner. “I think I will pass on that, thanks. Can I talk to you for a minute, Venus?” She requested, still maintaining her composure. “Yeah, sure,” Venus replied. Dawn didn’t bother to wish anyone a good night as she only hoped their nights would haunt them. Her walk was rigid as she stopped in front of her car, waiting for Venus to join her. Venus already knew the discussion but wasn’t quite ready to have it yet. “What is going on, Venus?” She questioned. Venus’s face remained relaxed. “What do you mean?” “You know I have been pining for Xander, and I didn’t hide that fact from you. You even wanted us together. So why would you let someone else in aside from me?” “The last time I checked, I thought Xander had no woman around him besides you. And I realized later on that I shouldn’t have meddled in his affairs that much. He is old enough to make his own decisions, and if that includes not wanting you, then I have no say over that.” Dawn let out a dry laugh. “So, you think you have found a daughter-in-law? Do you know who she is? I am sure you got excited because of the pregnancy. That child isn’t Xander’s!” She screeched, stomping her feet. Venus remained very composed. She inhaled deeply and let out a slow exhale. “I know you all must think I am a fool because of my overzealousness. I thought you could work out with my son because of everything you shared. And all I wanted was to see Xander happy. Of course, I know he is not the actual father of Nina’s child. But do you think that makes any difference? If he is willing to stick his head out for the woman and her child, which, from all ramifications, makes him happy. Why would I be against it?” “What?” She gasped in disbelief. “Come on, Dawn. Wake up. It won’t work for you. Let it go. Have a wonderful night. I hope we can always hang around each other over time and catch up. I do enjoy your company a lot.” “You act like you care about your children so much. But it’s always all about you. I have been putting up with your sorry ass for the sake of him. You are such a waste of time. A useless woman who doesn’t deserve any ounce of respect.” “How dare you!” Venus bellowed, slapping her hard across the face. “You sly bitch…..” Dawn growled, raising her hand to retaliate. The older woman grabbed a hold of the hand expertly. “That’s a lot of nerve from you, young lady.” She hissed, throwing out Dawn’s hand. “I guess this brings an end to everything. Better stay away from my boy and his woman, or you will have me to contend with.” She gritted, walking away. Dawn rushed into her car and gripped the steering wheel tightly before letting out an ear-piercing scream. “I am going to ruin all of you. Every damn one of you!” She promised. “Here, you go.” Jace mused, handing Xander a bottle of Soda while they sat by the car watching the beauty of the night. Xander stared at the soda bottle like a poison container while he looked towards Jace’s beer bottle. “And why do I deserve this?” He looked unfazed. “You should be glad that I didn’t bring you water instead. Uncle says….” “Oh, please. I have had enough of what my uncle says. I want alcohol, and if I can’t get the spirit, a beer shouldn’t be such a hard thing to enjoy.” Jace groaned in frustration. “You are getting on my nerves, Xander. Don’t you want to be better? Does Nina know yet?” Xander glared at him. “That is not up for discussion.” “That’s what I thought.” He snickered, resting his back. “So, you and mum?” “Isn’t it surprising?” Xander replied, smirking. Venus had insisted that they spend the night, saying it’s been a while since she had a whole house. Nina seemed relaxed in the space, but Xander couldn’t say no. If it would be good for Nina, he would never say no. It wasn’t such a bad thing either; it feels like old times. “Do you think she knows?” Jace inquired. Xander took a large gulp of his drink. “I really can’t tell. Mum can be strange when she chooses to be. That friendliness towards Nina appears genuine. Do you think Uncle Jason told her about me?” “Nah! He wouldn’t do that. He knows the bro code better.” “Well, I haven’t been on much good behavior lately. Probably Uncle Jason got pissed and decided to tell her.” “I still don’t think he will tell her. But to be safe, you might want to have that discussion with her now before it is too late.” Xander shivered. “That woman scares me.” “It’s why she is your mother, after all.” “Yeah, right. So, you and Tania? I saw you grinning toothedly at your phone during dinner.” Jace held up a childish grin. “She makes my heart race. I wonder where she has been all my life.” “I am glad to know that your heart races because of someone. It’s about time you become miserable. Do not fall in love; you will die.” He said with a straight face. “W.. what the hell, man? Do I need to report you to Mum?” He snorted, taking another loud gulp of his drink. “Can’t I advise you anymore?” “This is why you have been single for so long. I hope you die without ever hearing Nina profess to you.” Jace retorted, jumping out of the car and heading into the house. He took a pause and turned to him again. “And I am going to tell Mum everything. Asshole!” Xander laughed to himself as Jace stomped off pissed. It’s always fun to toy with his brother. It’s about time he spent alone anyway. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the silence the night provided. He couldn’t help but think about the exchange between his mum and Dawn. Even though Venus had acted like nothing had happened, he could see the flame in her eyes. “Aren’t you cold?” Venus said from behind, stretching out a jacket to him. Xander smiled briefly. “Thanks, Mum.” He said, taking the jacket from her. Venus hummed in response, and they remained quiet, each person lost in their thought. “I feel so bad, Xander.” She said breaking the silence. “I shouldn’t have been bold between you and Dawn. Maybe I was too worried about breeding a cold-hearted man for a son.” “Are you okay, mum? What’s with the sudden niceness?” He taunted. She rolled her eyes at him. “You are the same as your father. Never take me seriously. I am trying to make amends now, and you wouldn’t let me.” He chuckled. “Sorry about that, mum. I wanted to tell you something.” “About what?” “About Nina. Your presence that day had been unexpected. I….” “It’s okay, baby. You don’t have to explain it to me. I know I can be unreasonable. That doesn’t mean I am blind to the things going on with my children. It’s been ages since I saw you glow this much. I remember clearly when the light dimmed from your eyes. You are a smart man. So you know what you want. If and when the time does come for you to tell the story, I will be all ears. Right now, Nina’s safe delivery should be our priority.” Xander tilted his head to the side, still checking her out. “Mum, is everything okay? It is strange. You hardly give in to this easily, especially when you aren’t fully aware of something. Are you sick? Do I need to call Uncle Jason?” She thinned her eyes at him. “You will get it from me, you silly man. I am off to bed.” Venus could feel Xander’s eyes trailing her as she walked back into the house. Tears lingered, and she only wanted to be in the safe corner of her room. She would do anything to protect her children if she had known how hard the past years had been for Xander. She probably would have been nicer. She had visited her brother, Jason, at the hospital two days ago. He wasn’t in the office as he had a patient. While she stayed waiting on him. His phone screen had come on, and it was a message from Jace asking if Xander had come for a checkup. It made her curious as to why Xander would need to see Jason. When the thoughts clicked, Venus pounced on Jason when the poor man entered the office. She questioned him, not caring that he had just been on his feet for hours. Jason tried to say something else to derail from the actual discussion, but Venus insisted. He told her it was patient information he wasn’t liable to share, knowing she wouldn’t stop and might pester Xander further. Jason explained it to her and made her swear not to bother the young man. Rather than be pissed, she felt bad for being an inattentive mother instead. A lone tear escaped as Venus got to the door of her room. Johnson was sitting up on the bed when she walked in. He spread out his arms, gesturing for her to come to him. She crawled onto the bed, letting her husband’s strong arm comfort her. “You have done amazingly well, baby. I love you.” Johnson said, kissing her forehead.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.