Public outrage

Silas guided Esme out of the hospital with a gentle but firm hand, leading her to the car parked outside. Once there, he carefully ushered her into the passenger's seat and fastened her seatbelt.

"Mom wants to meet you," he mumbled with hesitation, assuming she might refuse to meet Victoria. "There is no rush. We can go whenever you're ready."

"Meeting your parents isn't the issue," Esme said. "But before that, I want you to clear the air and let everyone know that your and Lara's marriage is fake. I already told my parents everything, and they want to talk to you."

"Really?" Silas's eyes widened in alarm. Her mention of her parents made him a bit nervous. "Your parents are coming here? How will they feel about me? Will they accept me?"

A light laugh escaped Esme's lips at his flustered look. She had never thought the carefree and confident Silas would be nervous to meet her parents. "Are you scared now?"