19 Lies

To be fair, Heaven already guessed that Old Madam Zhu heard about the news. This woman might be old, but according to Heaven's memories, she was someone who was always updated on news even before they could reach the media.

However, she didn't expect she would react this way. Heaven would have known if only she looked into more of the original Heaven's memories, but she didn't want to rely on them at all times.

"It's true, isn't it?" Old Madam Zhu frowned deeply, displeased at her grandson's decision. "That you two are divorcing and the reason is that you don't treat your wife properly! That is the only reason I see for sweet Heaven to leave this family!"

'Actually, it was me who didn't treat him human, let alone my husband.' Heaven thought. It was true, the old Heaven was the one responsible for this divorce, and now, the new occupant would have to endure the consequences.

Heaven felt ashamed. Dominic was being scolded by the old Heaven's action. It was unfair that he had to be treated this way by his own grandma. 

The Old Madam huffed disapprovingly before facing Heaven. The anger in her eyes immediately disappeared as soon as she laid her eyes on the beautiful woman.

"Child, please forgive Grandma," Old Madam Zhu said as she held Heaven's hand once again. "I will scold your husband and make sure he will treat you properly. Will you give him a second chance to make things right?"

"Grandma!" Dominic's voice thundered in the room. He couldn't help but rise to his seat in utter disbelief at his grandmother's wish. However, Old Madam Zhu only ignored him.

"Child," Old Madam Zhu squeezed Heaven's hand mildly. "I know I am being selfish again, but Dominic still has many things to learn. He is a good child. He will learn things soon; if you can give him a chance, I know he will eventually realize where he was lacking."

Dominic slowly balled his hand into a tight fist as his face darkened. He had to bow his head to hide the anger that was starting to well up inside him, he could taste his own blood because he was clenching his teeth too hard. 

Heaven, on the other hand, was speechless. She could only stare at the Old Madam for a moment, unable to think of the proper words or reaction to this turn of events. If the Old Madam could kneel, she would've done it and Heaven was certain of that.

'Your grandson didn't do anything wrong,' Heaven thought, she suddenly had this strong feeling to defend Dominic. But her words were stuck in her throat.

Heaven has always thought that any problems inside a marriage could only be answered or resolved by the people involved with it. Husband and wife. For her, it was absolute. An unspoken rule that still applies today. But, as she could see, it was not true, not everything. Because a couple's separation would not only hurt themselves but also those around them.

Although divorce was inevitable in other people's cases, their situation was different because the problem existed even before this marriage. The problem was the original Heaven. Perhaps, Dominic too.

"I'm sorry if Grandma is hurting you. I will try my best so you feel more comfortable in this family," Old Madam Zhu continued and her words brought another wave of anger into Dominic's heart.

This anger, though, was directed at himself, not at his grandmother or his wife. Old Madam Zhu didn't have to beg Heaven if only… if only he didn't insist on this marriage.

Heaven pressed her lips into a thin line, glancing at Dominic, his head hung low. However, even without raising his head, she could feel an ominous aura coming off him. 

'I'm sorry,' Heaven thought silently, an unspoken apology to the man his own Grandmother was scolding. She then looked back to Old Madam Zhu.

"Grandma, what are you saying?" Heaven let out a short innocent chuckle, sporting a suitable smile, and continued, "It's true that Dominic and I are having problems. However, our little arguments aren't enough to bring up divorce on the table."

"Is that true, child?"

"Of — of course!" Heaven's lips stretched broader slightly. "Grandma, you don't have to worry about us. I admit he can be annoying and he presses my nerve at every turn, but isn't that all part of marriage?"

Dominic's face stiffened when the words said to Old Madam Zhu reached his ears. He raised his head ever so slowly. His eyes widened when he saw Heaven smiling beautifully at Old Madam Zhu.

'What are you doing right now, Heaven?' he wondered, but his voice failed to come out of his mouth. 'What nonsense are you saying…'

"I'm sorry for making Grandma Zhu worry, but we are alright," Heaven said in a soothing tone, reassuring Old Madam Zhu. "Matter of fact, we just reconciled this morning."

"Are you telling the truth, child?" Old Madam Zhu said in a hopeful voice, she leaned forward slightly, her eyes twinkling with anticipation and hope. "Are you really not separating?"

"Mhm!" Heaven nodded profusely with her lips closed.

"Then why were you hospitalized? I heard you were rushed to the hospital!"

"Ah, about that." Heaven massaged her nape as she thought of an excuse. "I was trying out some hobbies to bring the spark of passion in me, but it seemed I overdid it. I'm sorry for causing a misunderstanding, but it's not Dom's fault. To be fair, I'm glad he was there to spend that morning with me when I fainted."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, Grandma." Heaven squeezed Old Madam's hand once again. "Please don't scold him anymore. He did nothing wrong. If anything, he always did his best to make me happy. Actually, I sometimes feel ungrateful for still complaining."

The Old Madam heaved a sigh of relief, convinced she got everything wrong. "I'm glad." Peace immediately surged in the old madam's heart.

"Heaven…" Dominic's voice rumbled low on his chest, only to get a quick glance from his wife. Seeing the sharp look in her eyes as if telling him to shut up caught him off guard.

"I appreciate that Grandma has always been on my side." Heaven refocused her attention on Old Madam Zhu. "However, it will put me in a difficult position if you faint again because of me."

Old Madam warmly smiled at her. She knew Heaven as a meek child and this was the first time Heaven spoke a lot to her. Her replies were usually short and quiet, but the Madam still favored her because she wanted Heaven to feel she was welcomed in this family. Marrying into the Zhu Family could be intimidating and pressuring to others with the standard of others, but that was what the Old Madam was trying to avoid.

"Alright," Old Madam Zhu nodded in understanding. "If that is what you say, I believe you. I'm glad the news is wrong. Surely. People are quick to assume!" 

No. People weren't quick to assume. It was just that Heaven had found a way to turn the table in her favor.