When ke and I got married, his father was really happy because the mess he’d made finally had a way out.[]

But ke’s mother was theplete opposite.[]

She’d never have a job or gotten get mixed up inpany’s business.]]

So she couldn’t care less about the benefits this marriage would bring the Prescotts.[]

All she knew was that I’d been crazy about ke for a really long time.[]

But ke didn’t like me back.[]

In her mind, marrying me meant her son was getting a raw deal.]]

I don’t like beating around the bush.[]

But I’m good at sensing whether people mean well or not.[]

I still remember how ke’s mother looked at our wedding–she was smiling, but her eyes weren’t.[]

And that meaningful reminder she gave me:[]

“Victoria, now that you’re married, you’re family. ke’s so busy with work–you need to learn to take care of him. Don’t leave everything ito /ithe household staff.“]]

Looking back, she was probably trying to set some ground rules for me. Too bad I didn’t get it then.[]

I just thought my mother–inw didn’t like me.

Over these six months of marriage, every time ke and I went back to the Prescott family home for dinner, his mother wouldpare me to Amber.

The message, directly or indirectly, was always the same:[]

So what bif /byou’re a rich girl? When ites to winning people over, you can’t evene close to what Amber can do.[]

Beforeb, /bI’d bjust /bsmile and let it slide because of ke.b[/bb] /b

But now she still thinks she can pull that fucking mother–inw act with me? I swear I’ll make her regret it![]

When ke’s parents showed up, I was still taking my afternoon napb./b]

Dad had gone back to the office, so their purpose was pretty obvious.[]

They wanted to smooth things over with me and make this whole mess go away.[]

Dragging my feet getting ready, I finally came downstairs. ke’s parents had been sitting in the living room for a full twenty minutes.]

Chapter b8/bb. /b

After ke’s brother died, both his parents seemed to age ten years overnight.[]

But ever since Amber found out she was pregnant, they’d both gotten this sudden burst of energy, like they’d been given a shot of adrenaline.

So even from far away, I could see the annoyance on ke’s mother’s perfectly maintained face.[]

“Such bad manners! We’ve been here forever and she still won’te down!“]

“I knew it would be–no mother around to teach her any …“]

“Shut your mouth!“]

I heard every single word ke’s mother said.]]

Knowing they weren’t here with good intentions, I let out a coldugh and made a point of stepping heavier.]]

Hearing the sound, ke’s father jumped right up and grabbed his wife’s arm.]

She looked so unwilling, and honestly? I thought the whole thing was ridiculous.[]

“So what do you want?“]]

bIt /bwasn’t that I was being rude by not greeting them.]]

bI /bjust knew exactly what kind of person ke’s mother was.

If I even looked like I was backing down a little, she’d totally walk all over me.[]

She’d think she could control me.]]

“Who bdo /byou think you’re talking to?! Can’t you even address us properly?!“]

ke’s mother had given the Prescott family two sons. In their household, she was basically treated like royalty.[]

bSo /bshe’s used to being spoiled. Even the tiniest thing that doesn’t go her way, and she flies off the handle.

bI /blet out a mockingugh and said tly:]

b“/bbMr. /bPrescott, Mrs. Prescott–what can I do for you?“]

ke’s mother shot me a furious re at once. Knowing she wouldn’t say anything helpful, his father quickly gave her a warning look:]

“bIf /byou can’t help, then at least don’t make things worse!“]

Maybe they’d discussed this beforehand, because even though ke’s mother was almost breathing heavily with anger, she knew to finally calm down.]

“Victoria, ke filled me in on what happened–How about this?”

ke’s dad studied my face. When he saw I wasn’t giving an inch, he went on cautiously:]

Sudmalies!

1705

ce was totally not right. We didn’t consider your feelings. I can understand why you’re upset, nd Amber absolutely do not have the kind of rtionship you’re thinking!“]]