Chapter 79

“Listen to your dad, son. He’s right,” Shelly said gently. “Mom, no. It’s too late now,” Joe replied sharply. Jacob sighed. “Shelly, your son treats this like a project. He’s not thinking about what matters.” Joe narrowed his eyes. “Tell me one thing, Dad. Why are you so against this marriage? Why do you keep defending that jerk? Why Aaron?” “It’s not about defending him,” Jacob said. “It’s about Ivy. She loves him. Isn’t it only fair to say the truth?” Joe looked away, jaw tight. “I don’t want to hear it. I want to marry her, and that’s final.” Jacob’s voice turned cold. “Joe… Ivy is pregnant—with someone else’s child. Don’t forget that.” “I don’t care, Dad,” Joe shot back. “If you won’t accept it, fine. We’ll deal with that later.” He stormed off and slammed his bedroom door behind him. Jacob clenched his fists. Damn it. What am I supposed to do now? I just want to protect him… I’ve never asked for anything. And now, when I finally try to help someone else, my own son is in the way.