Chapter 51
…….” Sophia stammered, her face flushed as she tried to justify herself. “Them meeting in private is inappropriate! It’s wrong!”
“Mrs. Webb, it’s a whole new ball game now, unlike when you were young. If my sister having coffee with her brother–in–law by chance is considered inappropriate, then what about your son drinking and dancing with other women? Isn’t that even more inappropriate?” Doris retorted.
“My son is a man. How can your sister be held to the same standard? Besides, everything my son does is for this family, for your sister.
Do you think she could enjoy such a good life in our home otherwise? She’s living in luxury, yet she doesn’t seem to appreciate it!”
“Oh, yes, my sister is living a wonderful life in your household.
“A little over a year after she married into your family, you fired the housekeeper, and everything the housekeeper used to do became my sister’s job. Even the tasks a housekeeper didn’t have to do ended up on her plate.
“She gets up at six every morning to make breakfast, then does the laundry, cleans the house, and even takes care of your pets. She tends to the garden, planting and trimming flowers.
“She takes care of everything in your family’s several–thousand–square–foot villa all by herself. She works tirelessly, going to bed only after everyone else is asleep.
“She gets up with the first light of day, stays up until the stars shine bright, and puts in relentless effort throughout.
“You call that a life of luxury? Why don’t you give that ‘blessing‘ to your daughter? Would you accept it then?”
Sophia felt a bit guilty in the face of the barrage, but she refused to back down. “Which woman doesn’t do housework after getting married? Your sister isn’t made of glass. Doing some chores won’t hurt her!”
Doris replied angrily, “If it’s no big deal, why don’t you do it yourself? After all, you don’t have much else to do at home, and you’re not so old that you’re incapable, are you?
“My sister is young and perfectly capable of pursuing a career and achieving her own goals. But instead, you forced her to quit her job and dedicate herself to your household, trapping her and wasting her prime years!
“You’re so selfish! And now, you’re even accusing her of having an affair with my husband. Don’t you feel any guilt at all?”
The more Doris spoke, the angrier she became, her eyes growing misty with emotion.
Her words came rushing out like a flood, leaving no room for interruption–not from Laura or Lewis, and certainly not from Sophia or her son.
Doris continued, “Mrs. Webb, you only see how hard my brother–in–law works, but you turn a blind eye to everything my sister sacrifices for your family.
“Sure, the Webb family is wealthier than ours, and my brother–in–law makes good money. But that doesn’t give you the right to act superior, looking down on my sister and treating her like a free maid.
“My sister has a good temper and doesn’t argue with you because she cares about this family and her husband. Otherwise, why would she endure all this?”
Deciding to let out all her pent–up frustration, she turned to Matteo. “My sister married you because she wanted love and care, not a life full of grievances, sleepless nights, and endless tears–where she constantly wondered whether marrying you was the right decision.”
1/3
Chapter 51
Her voice started to choke as she spoke, her emotions overwhelming her. Matteo pressed his lips together, remaining silent.
Doris continued, “Matteo, you promised to love her for a lifetime, but what have you done? You let your mother insult her, even falsely accuse her like today.
“How did she get those bruises? As her husband, you should know better than me!”
Doris grabbed Laura’s sleeve and pulled it up, revealing the bruises on her arm–purple and green marks glaring under the light.
Matteo’s face darkened even more, his pupils shrinking. Laura hurriedly pulled her sleeve back down, covering the injuries. Her right hand gripped her left wrist tightly.
Onlookers began speculating after seeing the bruises of varying shades.
“Is this domestic violence?” someone asked.
“Sure looks like it,” another replied.
“Stay away from an abuser–it’s a matter of survival!” someone else chimed in.
Hearing her son being labeled a domestic abuser, Sophia immediately flared up. Even though she knew the truth, she still defended her son.
She yelled, “My son is so busy with work every day–do you expect him to watch over her 24/7? Are we supposed to abandon our duties and revolve our lives around her?
“These bruises must be her own doing! Stop blaming everything on my son!”
She scanned the onlookers and snapped, “Why are you all meddling in things that don’t concern you? This is our family’s business!
“I know my son best–he’s my child. He wouldn’t hit her for no reason. If he did, she must have been at fault! How is that his problem? Stop slandering him!”
Sophia’s twisted logic only fueled the crowd’s anger. The tide of public opinion shifted. People began condemning Sophia and Matteo and sympathizing with Laura.
“What a nightmare of a mother–in–law!”
“Not just a domestic abuser but a total mama’s boy!”
“Such a gorgeous lady–why not end things with the man and really live it up?”
“Putting up with an abuser? The woman is too spineless!”
The crowd lamented Laura’s misfortune while blaming her for not standing up for herself.
At this point, Doris said, “Mrs. Webb, whether my sister is a victim of domestic violence or not, we can easily confirm it with a medical examination.
Even if she’s in the wrong, your son has no right to hit her! It’s against the law, and my sister has every right to call the police!”
Then, turning to Matteo, Doris added with unwavering determination, “Matteo, my sister isn’t an orphan–she has a family. As long as I am alive, I will never let you treat her like this.
“If you still love her, then treat her well. If you don’t, stop hurting her. You can return her to us, and we’ll love her the way she deserves.”
2/3
10:18 Sat, 1 Mar
Chapter 51
Doris’s words brimmed with righteous anger, and her deep disappointment in Matteo was evident.
Furious, Sophia replied. “Return her? Fine, take her back! A woman who can’t bear a son is of no use to our family. What woman doesn’t bear children for her husband’s family? Having children is a significant responsibility.
“In a different time, your sister would’ve been divorced! But my son is kind enough not to complain. She can’t give birth to a boy yet expects us to treat her like royalty? What a ridiculous dream!
“Matteo, divorce her! Divorce this woman! She’s nothing but bad luck. Let’s see who would want a barren hen after your
She had long wanted to say this, and today seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Laura’s heart clenched at her words, her lashes trembling slightly as she glanced at Matteo, who also turned to look at her. His face was cold, and the tenderness she once saw in his eyes was gone.
Doris clenched her fists, ready to lash out, her face dark with anger.
Lewis quickly grabbed her arm, stopping her, and remarked, “Mrs. Webb, by your logic, you’re nothing more than a hen that can lay eggs. What’s so great about that?
“It’s the 21st century. A woman’s worth isn’t defined by whether she can have children. In a marriage, a wife has the right to decide whether she wants children or not. A husband has no right to interfere, let alone a mother–in–law!”
His words were firm and sharp, drawing a shared reaction from the crowd.
“Exactly! We’re no longer in ancient times. They really need to break away from outdated ideas.”
“There are so many women who choose not to have kids. Are they all just hens that can’t lay eggs?*
“What has marriage really brought to women? No wonder so many are afraid to get married or have kids these days!”
“This old hag is disgusting! Get her out of here!*
610
