Blame lay solely on Cedrick's secrecy.
His mother had rushed here upon learning he had a girlfriend.
"Mom, please don't be angry. I know I was wrong to keep this from you. I'm sorry."
Cedrick had been thoughtful and easygoing since he was a child. He was the kind of kid that adults could trust. Tabitha had always been proud of him.
Tabitha's anger stemmed partly from Cedrick's maturity and discretion. He had kept his relationship hidden, a sign of independence that now made him difficult to control.
"Why apologize? I'm asking you, with so many women out there, why did you choose her? She's just a child, not even an adult!"
Tabitha was also upset by Jessica's young age, deeming her unsuitable for marriage.
While she thought Cedrick was excellent, their age gap was too big.
Cedrick's face flushed as he admitted, "She is of age, nineteen years old."
"Nineteen? That's so young! At your age, she should be in school, not dating. What were you doing at nineteen? You were studying!" Tabitha sighed, doubting the viability of the relationship.
Cedrick hadn't considered what a typical nineteen-year-old should be doing.
He simply found Jessica's youth endearing. She was charming and likable.
"Mom, not everyone follows the same path in life. Jessica has her own unique circumstances..."
"I'm well aware of her background. I heard her mother's career left her neglected. Starting from age thirteen or fourteen, she skipped classes, got into fights, and loafed around. Later, she went to an art school and became an actress. Cedrick, have you really looked into her background? If she were from a decent family, she'd still be in school. Moreover, I don't approve of you marrying an actress. The Lawrence family values tradition and discipline. Do you think your grandfather would agree if he knew?"
Tabitha frowned, her worries for her son's future overwhelming.
Cedrick had considered all these factors, which was why he had kept his relationship with Jessica a secret for now.
Despite his careful deliberation, he found he couldn't bear to part with Jessica.
"Mom, if you're concerned about her age, I can wait until she's of legal marriage age before considering marriage," Cedrick said in a low voice.
"What?" Tabitha shot up from the sofa in shock.
She slammed her cup on the table and snapped, "Wait another few years? You're twenty-eight now. How long do you plan to wait? Three, five years? What if she grows tired of you and finds someone younger? What then?"
Cedrick's face paled, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
He had pondered this possibility but believed men of thirty or thirty-five wouldn't be rejected for their age.
As for Jessica leaving him, he hadn't seriously entertained the thought.
"Son, have you considered the future? Don't you just crave the novelty of the moment? I advise you to find a woman with similar education and background. A well-matched pair can support each other in their careers. Look at Benjamin—he chose Eda, a capable woman who will undoubtedly be a pillar in his future endeavors," Tabitha said, satisfied with her younger son's choice and expecting the same from Cedrick.
Cedrick acknowledged the sense in her words but knew that acknowledging them and acting on them were two different things.
"Mom, I won't break up with Jess. I've promised to care for her and marry her," Cedrick declared firmly, aware his mother was still furious but resolved to stand his ground.
"You..." Tabitha's face drained of color as she pointed at him. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? You treat her like a daughter?"
Cedrick's face turned pale, his tone heavier. "Mom, I enjoy my time with her. She's simple and without ulterior motives—I like this kind of easy-going life."
"Hah, simple and without motives? Why not ask her if she'd stay with you without your current status?" Tabitha's words cut deep.
"Mom, your approach is too aggressive. A person's identity is closely tied to their charm. If I weren't who I am today, what right would I have to ask a young woman to live with me?"
Cedrick's voice carried a hint of irritation.
Though he knew it was improper to argue with his mother, he felt she truly couldn't grasp his perspective.