Back to the ‘70s: My Life as the Trouble-Maker's Bride

Annette was stunned—Laura? How had she ended up on the suspect list?

Sure, she'd drunk pesticide, but even if she had the strength to hurt Carl, how could she drag him to the village gate afterward?

No, Grace clearly suspected Laura because of what happened with Stuart. Laura had tried to take her own life, failed, and now everyone in the village knew. Grace likely figured she'd blame it all on Carl out of spite.

The more Grace thought about it, the more convinced she became. She clutched Carl's arm tightly. "Tell me the truth. Was it that hussy Laura? I swear I'll get revenge for you."

Carl violently shook his head, despair clouding his eyes.

But Grace wasn't letting go. "Maybe she got someone else to do it. That fox of a woman…"

Carl suddenly stopped screaming, his eyes glassing over as he stared at the ceiling. How was he supposed to face anyone now?

Grace, mistaking his silence for agreement, continued with mounting rage, ignoring Clara still sobbing in the corner. "It's that Laura, I know it! She's been holding a grudge ever since you slept with her all those years ago."

Clara's sobs caught in her throat. "What… what did you say?"

Even Charles looked dumbfounded. Carl and Laura…? Since when?

Outside the room, Annette nearly yelped out loud. This drama was spiraling. Laura had slept with Carl? And here she'd been parading around like a tragic heroine abandoned by Stuart?

Annette pressed closer to the door, eyes shining with curiosity.

Grace finally realized she'd said too much—but it was too late to take it back. She stiffened her neck and snapped at Clara, "Laura seduced him! Just like her mother, that shameless widow!"

Clara pushed Carl, furious. "Is it true? You slept with Laura?!"

Carl remained motionless, as if the ceiling were going to swallow him whole.

Grace, now defensive, lashed out at Clara. "Why are you pushing him? He's injured!"

But Clara wasn't backing down. "You all knew, didn't you? You kept it from me because my family's far away and I'm easy to bully! That girl's been coming over for years, and you treated her like a daughter!"

She had always thought Laura visited so often because she was Stuart's girl. And Grace's kindness made sense—until now.

Turns out, she'd been sleeping with Carl.

Clara jumped to her feet, furious. Grace, just as livid, stood to face her. "If you weren't so useless—always stuffing your face—we'd have divorced you ages ago! At least Laura's not frigid!"

Clara broke down in sobs. "You're all so cruel…"

If Charles hadn't stepped in between them, the two women might have come to blows.

Outside, Annette was having the time of her life. The drama in this family could rival any soap opera. Each episode more shocking than the last.

Stuart returned from speaking with the doctors and immediately spotted Annette in his coat, practically glued to the door.

The oversized military jacket made her look like a child playing dress-up, especially with the way she was eavesdropping so intently.

He walked up beside her, just as the screaming inside hit another peak. Grace and Clara were now exchanging barbed insults involving ancestors and barnyard metaphors. The creativity of their curses left Annette in awe.

Internet fights had nothing on this.

Stuart raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

Annette jumped, clutching her chest. "Your family is seriously entertaining."

"What happened?"

She tugged his sleeve and whispered like it was state secrets. "Guess what? Carl and your sweet little Laura—turns out they had a thing!"

Stuart's expression darkened. Annette grinned like a mischievous squirrel, practically bouncing.

He sighed. "Don't be ridiculous. She and I have nothing to do with each other."

Annette nodded eagerly. "Of course, of course. I'm just saying—they slept together. Your mom said so."

He looked pained. This girl had no filter. As for Carl and Laura's history, he honestly didn't care.

Seeing his silence, Annette raised an eyebrow. "You don't believe me? I swear, your mom said it out loud."

Stuart deflected. "The doctor said Carl might need another surgery. A prosthetic. Otherwise… well, even going to the bathroom could be a problem. The county hospital can't do it. We'd have to go to the city."

Annette shrugged internally. Not a big deal, really. But she sensed Stuart was testing her. Though she'd already blown her cover more than once, she still tried to play dumb. Her cheeks flushed. "I-I wouldn't know… better listen to the doctors."

Stuart studied her for a moment and then nodded. "Let's leave the decision to them. Come on, I'll take you to eat."

She pointed at the door. "Aren't you going in?"

"No need. Let them sort it out."

Annette blinked, then noticed Stuart was wearing only a cotton jacket. Guiltily, she shrugged off the military coat and handed it over. "Here, you wear it."

He took it, the familiar soft scent of Annette instantly engulfing him. His face reddened again. He cleared his throat. "Let's go."

Annette grinned slyly, eyes sparkling as she followed him downstairs.

They washed up in the hospital's shared washroom and dropped their things off at the front desk before heading out to eat.

Annette had expected some greasy noodle stall nearby. Instead, they walked much farther to a proper state-run restaurant.

When she heard Stuart order a full pound of rice, stewed cabbage and pork, and scrambled eggs with scallions, her eyes nearly popped out.

Was he craving rice too?

Just hearing the word made her mouth water.