The Queen Back From Hell - Chapter 77: Chapter 77

Melinda learned the truth from one of her husband's most trusted confidants.
To think William still hadn't gotten over that woman, and now he'd even brought her bastard child into our home, Melinda was going crazy.
Melinda thought bitterly, 'And what about me? Where does that leave me? What am I supposed to do?
'After marrying William, we barely spent any time together. Now I'm past my prime, with nothing to show for it, while he's out there raising his ex's child. How ridiculous.
'I love my husband more than anyone else ever could.
'I'd do anything for him.
'But William doesn't love me.
'Our marriage is merely a business arrangement between two powerful families, devoid of any real affection.
'I won't take this lying down!'
'How am I any less than that bitch?'
'With the mighty Colon family backing me, my status, my power, my influence, what could that bitch possibly have over me?
'If I just destroy the only bond between him and that bitch, which is their child, then his heart would finally return to me.'
Melinda had always clung to this belief.
But that was just her own wishful thinking.
Ever since William believed the child was dead and that his lover disappeared, he grew even colder toward Melinda, rarely coming home and deliberately avoiding her.
'I hate that woman who ruined our marriage,' Melinda seethed inwardly.
So she locked the child away in the basement, keeping her imprisoned like a criminal.
Melinda thought viciously, 'I'll make her suffer every single day.
'She's nothing but a demon. All of this is that bitch's fault.'
"Melinda, dear, as his mother I know my son best. He's a man of great loyalty, he won't forget all the good you've done for him," Sally went on, praising her son.
The Boone and Colon families, both prominent clans, formed a marriage alliance that proved mutually beneficial.
Back then, William had refused to marry Melinda. It was only when his mother threatened suicide that he finally ended his ill-fated relationship with Ivanna and agreed to marry Melinda.
But after all these years of marriage, Melinda still showed no signs of pregnancy.
Sally was still counting on Melinda to produce an heir for the Boone family.
Growing increasingly anxious, she would drop by to check on Melinda every few days.
Today, Sally had also asked William to come home. He would be arriving soon.
Sally wanted the young couple to spend some time together so they could hurry up and give her a grandchild.
Melinda said, "Don't worry, Mom. I've been taking good care of myself, and I'm sure it won't be long before I get pregnant."
Melinda thought bitterly, 'With William never coming home, how am I supposed to get pregnant?'
Just as the two women were deep in conversation, William returned.
Melinda was elated. With a glance at Sally, she immediately realized that it must be Sally who had summoned William home.
"Mom, you should've told me you were coming back. I would've come to pick you up. I'm worried about you coming home alone," William said while looking at his mother.
He knew his mother had summoned him home to mend his relationship with Melinda.
Sally beamed from ear to ear. "I'm not that old yet. Besides, I've got bodyguards with me. Don't worry."
Melinda managed a smile. "You must be hungry. I've asked the kitchen to prepare some dishes, they'll be ready soon."
Sally immediately gave William's arm a gentle tug and beamed, "Wonderful! I'll love anything Melinda prepares."
William remained unmoved, his calm gaze fixed on the Melinda.
He thought, 'Beneath her gentle facade lurks a venomous and twisted soul.
'Back when I was forced into marriage, I never wanted it. My heart has always belonged to Ivanna.'
But the Boone family objected. His mother went behind his back and coerced Ivanna into leaving him.
After Ivanna left, Sally threatened him with her own life, demanding that he marry Melinda.
Sally threatened to slit her wrists if he refused to marry Melinda.
Left with no other choice, William reluctantly agreed to the loveless marriage arrangement.
When they married, he had told Melinda she didn't have to marry him. She was free to find her own happiness.
But Melinda took the pretense to heart and genuinely fell for him.
Sally gave William's arm another gentle tug.
William took the cue and said, "Alright, I could use a bite to eat."