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CHAPTER TWO: THE HARDSHIP

In the dimly lit study, Mrs. Bernard and Clinton sat across from each other, their faces reflecting the cold ambiance that had become characteristic of the Bernard household. The air was thick with tension as they delved into a family discussion, each word heavy with hidden agendas.

Mrs. Bernard, with a stern expression, began the conversation. "Clinton, we need to address your fabric business. It's been consuming resources without showing substantial returns."

Clinton, a mixture of defiance and frustration, responded, "Mother, my fabric business has potential. I need more investment to expand and make it profitable. It's a sound business strategy."

Mrs. Bernard's gaze narrowed, skepticism etched on her face. "Clinton, you've been pouring money into it for too long without tangible results. I can't allow you to risk the family's wealth on a venture with uncertain returns."

Clinton leaned forward, determination burning in his eyes. "Mother, trust me on this. I've done my research, and with an additional $50,000, I can turn things around. The fabric industry is lucrative; I just need the initial capital."

Mrs. Bernard sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Clinton, we have more pressing issues at hand. The microfinance bank is facing challenges, and we can't afford to divert our resources to fund a risky venture."

Clinton, frustration bubbling to the surface, argued, "The bank is Clara's responsibility. She's been handling it poorly. My fabric business could bring in substantial profits if given a chance."

A cold silence settled between them, the weight of conflicting priorities palpable. Mrs. Bernard's thoughts lingered on the perceived failures of both children, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamics.

Meanwhile, outside the study, Donald, tending to his tasks, overheard snippets of the conversation. The family's internal struggles, once a private affair, now unfolded before him like a twisted drama.

As the discussion continued, it became evident that the fabric business was not merely a business venture for Clinton; it was a manifestation of his desire for independence and recognition within the family.

The conversation between Mrs. Bernard and Clinton pivoted abruptly, veering into more sensitive territory—the affair between Donald and Clara.

Mrs. Bernard's tone became hushed, a calculated shift in the discussion. "Clinton, we must address the situation with Donald. His affair with your sister has gone on for far too long."

Clinton's eyes flickered with a mixture of surprise and disbelief. "Mother, I had no idea. How did you find out?"

Mrs. Bernard, with a knowing look, replied, "Observation, my dear. A mother knows when something is amiss. It's time we put an end to this disgraceful affair."

Clinton, now fully engaged in the conversation, leaned forward. "What do you suggest we do?"

A sly smile played on Mrs. Bernard's lips. "We need to expose him. Make it known to everyone in Eldridge. Humiliate him so thoroughly that he won't dare show his face in this town again."

Clinton hesitated, a conflict evident in his expression. "But Mother, what about Clara? Won't she be affected by this as well?"

Mrs. Bernard dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. "Clara is collateral damage in this. She brought this upon herself by associating with someone like Donald. We must protect the family's reputation at all costs."

The cold calculation in Mrs. Bernard's words sent shivers down Clinton's spine. He pondered the consequences of exposing the affair, torn between loyalty to his sister and the desire to please his mother.

As they continued to discuss the unfolding drama, the fate of Donald and Clara hung in the balance.

Clinton, grappling with the revelations about the affair, finally gathered the courage to broach another delicate subject—the baby Clara was carrying. He spoke hesitantly, "Mother, what about the baby? Is it really Donald's?"

Mrs. Bernard's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and disdain. "Of course not, Clinton. Donald was the scape goat! Clara wasn't wise, at all she later told me the truth, I can't allow my grand child to become a bastard not under my watch"

Clinton, though conflicted, nodded reluctantly. "But, Mother, won't this affect the child when she grows up? Knowing her real father isn't the man she calls Dad?"

Mrs. Bernard's response was swift and unyielding. "The child needs to learn the truth eventually. It's for the best. Besides, Clara brought this upon herself by involving Donald in her life. We must protect the family's legacy at any cost."

The tense conversation between Mrs. Bernard and Clinton continued, veering into darker territories. In the midst of their discussion, Mrs. Bernard, with a calculated shift in tone, decided to add another layer of humiliation to Donald's plight.

She glanced towards the doorway where Donald continued his work, then turned back to Clinton with a smirk. "Oh, speaking of the help, let's have Donald serve us some drinks and water. After all, he's such a skilled servant."

Clinton hesitated, glancing at his mother, then at Donald who had momentarily paused his work upon hearing his name.

Mrs. Bernard raised her voice in a mocking tone, "Donald, dear, we're feeling a bit parched. How about you fetch us some drinks and water? And do try not to spill anything this time."

Donald, swallowing his pride, nodded without uttering a word. He made his way to the drinks cabinet, his every step echoing the weight of the scorn he bore.

As he prepared the drinks, Mrs. Bernard continued her conversation with Clinton, her words deliberately audible. "It's crucial, Clinton, that we maintain a certain standard in this household. People like Donald should be reminded of their place."

Donald returned with a tray of drinks and water, his eyes avoiding the judgmental glares of the Bernard family. Mrs. Bernard, with a dismissive wave of her hand, said, "Place them on the table and be quick about it. We don't have all day."

The small room, already charged with tension, now held the added weight of Donald's humiliation. Eldridge, unknowingly witnessing the degradation of a man caught in the crossfire of family politics, awaited the climax of the unfolding drama. The once-quiet town was on the brink of being shaken by the ripples of the Bernard family's callous actions.

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