Next One Is a Babe

Sophia and Ian boarded the car together, while she threw him a question just when he was starting the car engine. “You and your brother don’t share the same mother, do you?”

Upon recollection, the relationship between Sean and Ian didn’t seem particularly amicable. Sean even tried to inquire about Ian’s relationship with John, which seemed to be out of caution rather than concern, nor did they give off a vibe that they shared the same mother. However, their age difference made it hard to believe that Sean was born from Ian’s stepmother.

Ian didn’t try to hide it from her, and opened up to her while he drove, “Sean was mothered by my father’s first wife, while my stepmother gave birth to Simon and Sally.” The statement was followed by a self-deprecating laugh, while Sophia need not ask as he continued on, “Whereas I bring shame to the family, for my mother isn’t among the officially recognized wives of my father.”

Such a revelation startled Sophia, which caused her to inhale sharply as she thought to herself, Did he mean he is an illegitimate child?

The birth of an illegitimate child was commonplace among prestigious families, as it was far too easy for men—especially men of status—to cheat on their wives. Even men of poor birth would think of having an affair, say less of rich men who would have women chasing after them. They had far more opportunities to have an affair even if they had no intention to, which made it highly probable for them to go for one.

Back when Sophia married into the Constance Family, she assumed that men in a family like theirs would have a hard time maintaining their fidelity. However, William seemed to be an exception. While the other members of the Constance Family were no concern of hers, William set a good example, which made her gradually forget about the truth of the matter.

Her heart skipped a beat upon hearing what Ian told her, and she was suddenly being reminded of the risks of marrying rich. It was fortunate of her that John seemed to have inherited qualities of his father, so he hadn’t stepped out of line by then.

“So your mother, she... Now...” Sophia licked her lips nervously as she tried to ask with much uncertainty, but Ian seemed to have caught on.

“She married into another family, so she had since left the household.” Such was his reply. Sophia’s mouth hung agape as she was at a loss for words.

However, as if having no need for consolation from a third party, Ian smiled before explaining, “I’m already used to such things. I felt happy that she had found herself a new life, as she could never integrate into the Morgan Family, so it was unfair if she were to be held up like that. The fact that she could start anew meant that she had gotten over the hurdle, which is something that I am happy about.”

Sophia gave him a pat on the shoulder while consoling him, “You will also have a new life, so I wish you all the best.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Sophia’s lips when Ian turned to look at her. Her facial expression wasn’t one of contempt nor pity, and she looked the same as back when they just got to know each other, which was a relief to him. He then switched the topic. “Let’s go grab a meal. What would you like to eat?”

Upon figuring that she should be preparing for her driving test, Sophia decided that she didn’t mind about the food since she wouldn’t be leaving the house for some time. It was thus she said, “Let’s have some hot pot. It’s got a merry atmosphere to it.”