Mistaken Match Marrying the Enigmatic CEO novel Chapter 141
Chapter 141
1/5
Emmanuel never thought Mackenzie would agree. After all, it had taken him a
lot of convincing to make her go home with him the last time. Hence, he
figured there was no way she would want to go to Ryder’s house this time.
“Let me check my schedule. Maybe I can take one or two hours out
tomorrow.”
“Huh? I-”
Mackenzie’s reply was so unexpected that Emmanuel was overwhelmed with
surprise.
“What’s wrong? Did you not want me to go?” Mackenzie asked, eyeing him
suspiciously.
“No, no, no! I’m just too happy! Tommy really likes you, you know? He even
said you being in his house will be the greatest gift for him.” The excitement in
Emmanuel’s voice was unmistakable.
“Tch!”
Mackenzie turned away to feign indifference, but a subtle smile formed on
her face while she faced the car window.
This is weird. Why am I feeling happy? This is so weird.
Meanwhile, both Ryder and his son were elated when they learned
Emmanuel was bringing Mackenzie over tomorrow night.
Tommy was so excited that he stayed up all night to wait for Mackenzie’s
arrival.
Abellyn, on the other hand, had been out playing poker through the night.
When she found out her son had not slept because of the visitors who were
coming, she began nagging at Ryder again.
“What are you doing? How could you let Tommy stay up all night? Don’t you
know he’s still growing? Lack of sleep will stunt his growth.”
While listening to her, Ryder packed his things to leave. He was long immune
to the woman’s nagging.
Tommy, too, was putting on his clothes and getting ready to head out with
Ryder to go to school. The truth was, he found Abellyn rather ridiculous. She
was out the whole night playing poker. How dare she scold Daddy when she
wasn’t around either?
“You’re a useless man! You can’t make money, and you can’t even take care
of your son. Ugh! I must’ve been blind to marry someone as useless as you!”
Abellyn nagged for some time and ended with the same words before
heading to the room to get some sleep.
Suddenly, Ryder refuted, “That’s right, I don’t make a lot of money, but at least
have a monthly income of about six thousand. What about you? All you do is
play poker. More importantly, you’re jobless! If you had a stable income every
month, do you think our family would be living so frugally?”
All of a sudden, a switch flipped within Abellyn. “Oh? So you’re putting the
blame on me now? What was all that talk about making money being a
man’s responsibility before we got married? What is this now? Are you
charging your mind now that I’m your wife and have given you a son?”
Ryder’s anger and frustration manifested on his flushed face.
I really shouldn’t have made those stupid promises back then. We still have
so many years to live. No one knows what kind of changes we’ll see in our
lives.
Back then, his family’s finances were still adequate. But now, things were
getting worse each year. Not only was Abellyn jobless, but she was also
neglecting her duties as a mother. Even a man as patient as Ryder would
snap.
“Daddy, stop arguing. I’m going to be late for school.”
Tommy’s words finally broke off the couple’s argument that happened on
daily basis.
“I’m not in the mood to argue with you. Emmanuel and his wife are coming
over to celebrate Tommy’s birthday tonight. You’d better stay home to cook
instead of going out to play poker tonight,” Ryder reminded before leaving
the house with Tommy.
In their family, it was a man’s duty to provide for the family. In fact, Abellyn’s
living expenses came from Ryder.
Ryder usually turned a blind eye to Abellyn’s schedule–playing poker all day
and not cooking meals for the family. That day, however, was Tommy’s
birthday. Ryder was going to make sure she prepared everything
accordingly.
Abellyn scoffed and let out a yawn before returning to the room to sleep.
At six in the evening, Ryder arrived home on a motorcycle with his son, only to
be greeted by the darkness. Even worse, the kitchen was in complete silence.
Immediately, Ryder’s insides burned with anger.
“Abellyn Sheppard! Come out this instant! Abellyn!”
The look of fury on Ryder’s face scared Tommy.
He rarely saw his father looking so terrifying. After all, Ryder had always been
patient with Abellyn.
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“What’s wrong? Is there an earthquake? Is there a fire? What are you shouting
for?”
Abellyn took her sweet time exiting the room, completely unfazed by Ryder’s
bellows.
In truth, she had been awake for quite some time and had been watching
some video clips on the bed. She had enjoyed herself so much that she did
not realize it was already six o’clock.
Ryder pointed at her and bombarded her with questions. “You useless
woman! Didn’t I tell you to stay home so you could cook? Where’s the food?
Why is the kitchen so quiet?”
“You told me to stay home, and I did. Besides, I never agreed to cook. Why are
you so mad? It’s not too late to cook, anyway.”
Abellyn had no fear of Ryder, nor did she think the man would dare to hit her.
It’ll be better if he does. That’s domestic abuse. I’ll have a legal reason to
leave him, then.
“Y–You!”
Ryder was seething, and his fists were clenched tightly.
He never lost his temper when Abellyn played poker every day instead of
working, taking care of Tommy, or cooking meals.
However, it was Tommy’s birthday that day. Ryder could only get off work at
five thirty, and he had already invited Emmanuel and his wife for dinner to
celebrate Tommy’s birthday at six. By seven o’clock, the couple would leave.
And now, it was already past six, and Abellyn had not even prepared a single
dish. What will Manny and Ms. Quillen eat later?
“Why are you clenching your fists, huh? To hit me? Go on! Do it then!”
Abellyn continued provoking him, even though his face was already
contorted with anger. This coward wouldn’t dare to touch me. I’ll make sure
he completely submits today. That way, he wouldn’t dare to lash out at me in
the future.
Ryder never thought of hitting his wife, but her stubborn refusal to admit her
wrong was pushing his limits.
Fortunately, a knock sounded on the door right then.
“Ryder, Abellyn, are you guys at home? Mackenzie and I are here!”
Standing outside was a cheerful Emmanuel who wore a bright smile. After all,
it was Mackenzie’s first time visiting his relatives.
“Coming!” Ryder responded quickly before hissing at Abellyn, “I’ll deal with
you later!”
“Hah! Deal with me? What makes you think you can do that?”
Abellyn crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with disdain. She was annoyed,
so instead of going to the kitchen, she sat on the couch in the living room
with her legs crossed.
“Manny, Mackenzie, I’m so sorry about this. Abellyn and I have just started
cooking since we just got home. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for a little while.”
Ryder rarely lied, but he did not want to expose his family’s discord. Thus, he
lied to cover up his wife’s flaw. Manny and his wife will look down on Abellyn if
they find out about her character. I’d be the one humiliated when that
happens.
To Ryder’s horror, as he led Emmanuel and Mackenzie into the house, Abellyn
remained seated in the living room, the kitchen still in complete darkness. It
clearly did not look like anyone was cooking.
“Y–You! Why aren’t you cooking? Are you trying to p*ss me off?”
Ryder’s anger erupted. His face darkened as his features were
overshadowed by fury, and his fists clenched tightly again.
Abellyn was taken aback by his reaction. She half–pretended to leap up from
the sofa and hid behind it as if afraid her husband would abuse her.
“Ryder, calm down!” Emmanuel quickly stepped forward to stop Ryder from
doing anything rash. “It’s okay. I can help you guys. The food will be done in no
time.”
Mixed emotions–frustration, anger, exasperation-swirled in Ryder’s heart as
he sighed. “You guys are the guests. How could we make you cook?”
“It’s fine. I cook at home, too. Besides, you’re my cousin, not a random
stranger.”
Chapter 143
Emmanuel did his best to calm Ryder.
A harmonious family was the key to prosperity. Moreover, Tommy was still a
child. Watching his parents argue or fight would only become a bad memory
when he grew up.
To Emmanuel’s surprise, Abellyn took advantage of his words and screeched,
“You hear that, Ryder? Your cousin cooks at home, too! You’re just an
incompetent man. You can’t make money, nor do you cook, yet you have the
audacity to scold your wife. You’re good for nothing!”
“You-”
Ryder clutched his throbbing chest, finding it hard to breathe suddenly.
“Ryder, are you all right? There, there. Stop fighting already.”
Emmanuel was afraid Ryder’s blood pressure might spike and cause health
problems if they continued arguing. After all, the latter’s blood pressure was already a little high.
Crossing her arms, Abellyn returned to the couch and beckoned for
Mackenzie to join her. “Come, Mackenzie. We, women, should rest and let the
men take care of dinner. Women should be doted on by men, anyway.”
Emmanuel was annoyed by Abellyn’s behavior too. He knew how hard Ryder
was working for the family, yet Abellyn never lifted a finger. And now, she was
playing the feminist card. It was clear that she supported the movement.
Ryder was still panting and said nothing in response.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie had been watching the entire scene indifferently. She
had no attachments to Ryder and his wife. In fact, Emmanuel and Tommy
were the only reason she was there that night.
In spite of that, Mackenzie, too, thought Abellyn was going overboard.
Despite being a woman, Mackenzie never once used the feminist card.
All Mackenzie thought was that Abellyn was being unkind. How could she deliberately anger her husband? Is she cold–blooded?
“Sorry. I might not be in charge of the chores at home, but I never just sit
around. Besides, I’m responsible for the household expenses.”
Mackenzie finally spoke up.
Abellyn, who was feeling good about herself moments ago, felt her cheeks
flaming.
“Hear that? Did you hear that?” Ryder yelled, finally catching his breath. He
could not agree more with Mackenzie’s words. “I’ve never seen a woman as
lazy as you. All you do is play poker and sleep. Ms. Quillen might not do
chores, but she earns a lot of money. Buy me a Maserati if you think you’re so
capable!”
It was one against three. For a moment, Abellyn dared not refute. She merely
crossed her arms and sulked on the couch as her feelings of hatred were
transferred to Mackenzie.
What’s that b*tch acting all high and mighty for? So what if she can make
money? I, too, would’ve made a lot of money if I didn’t get married.
Abellyn felt aggrieved, for she believed she had sacrificed a lot for the family.
I married Ryder when I was in my early twenties. That’s when I looked the
prettiest, and I gave it all to him. So, why can’t I relax a little?
“All right! Stop arguing. You guys carry on chatting. I’m going to cook now,”
Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel had come to celebrate Tommy’s birthday. Naturally, he wanted to
see the latter looking happy in a harmonious family rather than witnessing
his family members squabble with each other.
Although Mackenzie did not know how to cook, she did not just wait around.
She pulled out the present she had prepared and handed it to Tommy,
saying, “Happy birthday!”
“Wow!”
Tommy, who was trembling with fear from his parents‘ argument, leaped
with excitement and took the present with both hands.
It was a toy drone.
It cost around eight hundred, which was nothing to Mackenzie. To Tommy,
however, it was the best gift he had received in his life. In fact, it was his
favorite toy.
“Thank you! Thank you, Mackenzie!” said Tommy excitedly.
A smile crept to Mackenzie’s lips, for the kid remembered to address her as
Mackenzie instead of Aunt Mackenzie. She swore she would have walked
away coldly if he had used the latter.
Abellyn did not share her son’s sentiments. She simply felt that Mackenzie
was showing off. What’s the meaning of this, giving my son a toy worth eight
hundred? Is she mocking my family for being poor? I’m poor because!
married an incompetent man! Hmph!
Chapter 144
“Oh my. You didn’t have to spend so much, Ms. Quillen!”
Ryder was stunned, too.
1/5
He had always found Mackenzie hard to approach, so much so that he would
subconsciously address her as Ms. Quillen. Never did he expect her to be so
generous by giving his son a gift worth eight hundred.
“It’s okay. It’s worth it as long as Tommy likes it,” Mackenzie responded calmly.
She then found a quiet corner and took out her laptop and phone, planning
on handling some work matters.
“Hmph! Show off!” Abellyn muttered under her breath and ignored
Mackenzie. She did not think it was worth talking to a woman who was not on
the same wavelength as her.
Tommy was thoughtful for a kid his age. He approached Mackenzie, asking,
“Would you like to go to my room? It’s quiet there.”
His bright eyes put a smile on Mackenzie’s face. “Sure!”
She did not want to see Abellyn, anyway.
Hence, Mackenzie went to Tommy’s room to work while Ryder entered the
kitchen to help Emmanuel.
Moments later, more people arrived.
It was Abellyn’s mother and elder sister.
Their visit surprised Abellyn, as her family was not originally from Yeringham.
When she was sixteen, she traveled to the South to work in a workshop at an
electronics factory. However, the income was too little for her, and the job
was too demanding. Hence, she joined the workforce at the bathhouse,
where she could earn more money by washing the feet and hair of other
men, as well as serving them with her body.
She continued fooling around until she was tired of it. At that time, she was
twenty–three years old, which was when she decided to settle down and
marry Ryder.
Her mother and sister did not live in Yeringham. It was only during New Year’s
and other important events such as weddings or funerals that they would
travel to the city to visit their relatives. Hence, Abellyn did not expect them to
turn up that day for Tommy’s birthday.
Seeing that, Ryder quickly left the kitchen to entertain them. The two guests
did not bring Tommy any gifts, but the former did not mind it.
Just like that, Emmanuel was left alone in the kitchen.
At that moment, Mackenzie was feeling a little hungry. When she stepped
into the kitchen, she found her husband cooking alone. The idea of her
husband serving Abellyn annoyed Mackenzie. Just as she was about to tell
him to leave, she heard Tommy crying outside.
While Mackenzie was puzzled, Emmanuel muttered with a frown, “Abellyn’s
sister’s son must be bullying Tommy again.”
Abellyn’s sister was Chloe Sheppard. She had a son named Robby, who was
two years older than Tommy. Every time Chloe brought him to Ryder’s house,
he would make Tommy cry.
Sure enough, when Emmanuel and Mackenzie stepped into the living room,
they saw Robby playing with Tommy’s new toy. To make things worse, Robby
maneuvered the toy so high that it hit the ceiling and came crashing down.
Crash!
“Ah! Uncle Manny, my drone!” Tommy sobbed pitifully. Instead of going to his
father, he approached Emmanuel.
Deep down, the child knew his father would not be able to stand up for him.
Emmanuel quickly picked Tommy up and coaxed, “It might not be completely
broken. I’ll mend it for you, okay?”
With that, he approached Robby.
“It’s not my fault! Tommy was snatching the controller from me. That’s why I
lost control of it. The drone wouldn’t have crashed if not for him!”
Robby tossed the controller aside, washing his hands of the matter.
That was not all. As if afraid Emmanuel might teach him a lesson, Robby
burst into tears and ran toward Chloe.
Right then, Chloe quickly approached. When she saw her son crying, she
scolded Emmanuel without bothering to find out the truth, “What is this? The
kids are just playing with a toy. Why would an adult like you want to
interfere?”
A deep crease etched itself between Emmanuel’s brows, and his face
clouded over in a grim expression.
Chapter 145
Emmanuel didn’t like to quarrel with a woman. Not to mention that she was
Ryder’s relative, which meant that he should act in consideration of Ryder at
the very least.
However, Mackenzie couldn’t stand it any longer. After walking up to
Emmanuel’s side, she responded, “Is this your son? He broke Tommy’s
birthday gift!”
Upon hearing that, Chloe didn’t pay attention to the matter. Instead, she
reacted just like Abellyn when she first saw Mackenzie. This woman is so
beautiful!
Not only was Mackenzie beautiful, but she also had the temperament of a
socialite of high status. Even the boss of Chloe’s previous company seemed
far inferior to her!
Although Chloe, like Abellyn, was also considered a beauty when she was
young, she couldn’t help but feel jealous of Mackenzie’s beauty and
elegance.
Besides, Chloe marveled at Emmanuel’s luck because she couldn’t believe
that a poor guy like him would be able to marry such a gorgeous woman.
“Chloe, let me introduce you to my sister–in–law, Ms. Mackenzie Quillen!”
As the host, Ryder walked over and introduced them politely.
Chloe immediately put on her widest smile and tried to please Mackenzie
because she believed that the gorgeous lady before her was rich and had
high social status.
However, Mackenzie didn’t bother to respond to her. Her expression was
indifferent as ever.
This woman is adamant about defending her son regardless of the truth, so
she’s definitely not a righteous person!
Furthermore, Mackenzie was very protective of Emmanuel. Although she
bullied him sometimes, she would never allow anyone else to do so.
She also wouldn’t let anyone bully Tommy, who was an obedient kid.
“What birthday gift? We are guests today. Although my son broke your son’s
toy, he’s only eight years old. Don’t tell me you expect me to compensate
you?” Chloe asked Ryder impatiently.
Ryder looked helpless because he knew he was being guilt–tripped.
Emmanuel understood very well that if Ryder got into an argument with
Chloe, the three women of the Sheppard family could defeat him easily.
Mackenzie, too, was unhappy that Ryder couldn’t defend his son.
However, on account of Emmanuel, she didn’t want to argue with these
women at Ryder’s house. She didn’t want to be blamed in case any problem
arose in Ryder’s marriage.
Hence, she merely said to Tommy, who was still crying, “Don’t cry. I’ll buy you
a better one. This broken toy can be given to a child who suits it!”
Although she didn’t state it explicitly, it was obvious that she was implying
that the toy was for someone of poor character.
However, Chloe couldn’t understand the underlying meaning because she
clearly lacked education. Looking like she had stumbled upon a great deal,
she quickly stuffed the drone into her son’s hands without giving Tommy a
chance to refuse.
On the other hand, Tommy was generous. “You can have that broken toy.
When I have a new one, I won’t let you play with it!” he declared with a cold
snort.
This time, Robby burst into real tears. With an envious expression on his face,
he pleaded to his mother, “Mom, I want a new toy too! I want one too!”
Chloe was about to agree to buy him a new one when she saw the price tag
still attached to Tommy’s toy. The toy cost eight hundred and eighty–six. How
could she afford to buy such an expensive toy for her son to play with?
“No showing off, Tommy! You’re still a young kid. Who taught you to be so
arrogant?”
Abellyn couldn’t help but feel that Mackenzie was intentionally showing off.
However, since Mackenzie was not someone to be messed with, she directed
her frustration toward Tommy.
Disgusted by Abellyn’s behavior, Mackenzie thought that she was unworthy of
being Tommy’s mother.
“All right, it’s our son’s birthday today. No one is allowed to scold him! Go to
the kitchen and help out so we can start the feast sooner and welcome the
guests.”
Ryder couldn’t take it anymore and finally spoke up.
However, Abellyn snorted coldly and sat back on the couch with her arms
don’t have to work in the kitchen, so why should I?”
Ryder really had had enough of her. He was so angry that he raised his hand.
going on. She quickly flashed Abellyn a stern look. “Why don’t you go prepare
Under her mother’s command, Abellyn let out another scoff before
Ryder’s anger subsided as he managed to maintain a bit of dignity.
“Emmanuel, I need to go back and handle some work now,” Mackenzie said
as she glanced at the time.
She had no intention of staying for dinner because she had lost her appetite
“We shall make our move first, Ryder.”
“Oh… Oh!”
Ryder wasn’t angry. He just felt guilty for not being able to welcome them
with dinner properly, especially after Mackenzie had bought an expensive
birthday gift for Tommy while Emmanuel had brought cake. He felt that it was
quite impolite of them as the hosts.
Tommy cried and refused to let Emmanuel and Mackenzie leave.
Once dinner was over, Abellyn chatted with Mary and Chloe in the living
room, leaving Ryder to help Tommy with his homework in the room. She
acted like it wasn’t her responsibility to teach Tommy.
Ryder suddenly felt bitterness welling up in his heart. As someone from the
Over the years, he always treated his wife very well and considered himself
pregnant, even though their child was now six years old.
Ryder hadn’t thought much of it before that. After all, his cousin Jack’s wife
also stopped working after they got married. However, after seeing
Emmanuel’s wife, he couldn’t help but compare Abellyn to her.
Why is my wife so different from Emmanuel’s wife?
She’s not as good–looking, not as cla*sy, and not as capable!
This was a habit that had developed over the years that she simply couldn’t
change. From the moment they got married, she felt that he was truly lucky
to be able to marry her.
Moreover, with the comments from her relatives and friends over the years,
“What is it?”
registration to us so that he can secure a spot at the nearby elementary
Abellyn’s tone was calm as she commanded Ryder to follow her instructions.
However, Ryder exclaimed, “What? How can we do that? Robby is not our
child!”
where will he live if he studies here?”
as Robby’s living expenses. I’m sure an eight–year–old child can’t eat that
much, so you will definitely gain from it!”
Ryder felt like he was being forced to eat a dead rat while being pressured to
say it tasted delicious.
Since he wasn’t good with words, he didn’t know how to respond. Waving his
hands repeatedly, he said, “No, absolutely not! I won’t agree to it!”
He was so angry that he could kill someone!
your family when we got married? What now? Have you forgotten your vows
now that I’ve become older and not as good–looking as before?
Ryder struggled to catch his breath from anger.
Indeed, Abellyn’s looks and figure couldn’t compare to how she was six years
ago.
Wasn’t she framing him of what she always did?
“Anyway, this matter is decided. If you think five hundred is not enough for
after a long time, he was still unable to calm his anger.
Chloe and Robby hadn’t left Yeringham and were instead staying in a rented
house.
A year ago, Chloe’s husband pa*sed away due to an accident, leaving her
She could have used the money to buy a house in Yeringham, but she
by Mary, but Chloe hadn’t given her mother any caretaker fees for the past
and gave the excuse that she was already old. In the end, Mary sent Robby
back to Chloe yesterday.
Left with no choice, Chloe decided to put the pressure on Ryder.
When Chloe saw Abellyn, she immediately held her sister’s hand and asked
anxiously, “How is it, Abellyn? Did that honest guy agree?”
willing. I told him you will give him eight hundred every month for living
As they spoke, Robby secretly eavesdropped from inside the house.
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