Chapter 15
Back then, she had opposed her son’s marriage. Her son was outstanding–he deserved a wife who matched him in every way, someone who could make him truly happy. Now, he was stuck spending his life with an ordinary woman who lacked ambition and just wanted to coast along. She couldn’t help but feel her son deserved so much more.
Suddenly, Vanessa seemed to remember something. She reached into her purse, pulled out a dainty gift box, and walked over to Evelyn. “Evelyn, I have a little present for you.”
Evelyn’s face lit up as she accepted the box. “Ooh, what is it?”
“Why don’t you open it and see for yourself?” Vanessa replied with a warm smile.
She stood close, and the sweet scent of her perfume–lan’s favorite kind, the one he wore every day–floated across to Eleanor. Glancing over, Eleanor saw Vanessa leaning in to hand Evelyn the gift, her arm brushing lan’s shoulder as she bent down.
Eleanor quietly turned away, pretending to focus on her cup of tea.
Evelyn tore open the wrapping and gasped with delight. Inside was a beautiful crystal globe. “Wow! I love it!”
Vanessa’s smile softened, full of fondness. “If you’re happy, Evelyn, that’s all I need.”
As Vanessa returned to her seat, Eleanor’s gaze accidentally met hers. Vanessa smiled, but there was a hint of challenge in her eyes, something subtle that no one else seemed to notice.
The food arrived. Magdalen tasted each dish thoughtfully, discussing cooking techniques with Gina, who happily joined the conversation. Eleanor served Evelyn, making sure her plate was balanced, while lan’s attention stayed mostly on their daughter.
“I don’t want this. Daddy, you eat it,” Evelyn said, pushing a piece of broccoli aside–the one Eleanor had placed on her plate, hoping she’d eat something green.
lan watched his daughter’s small hand move the broccoli into his bowl. He spoke gently, “You can’t just eat meat, sweetheart. You need your veggies too.”
Evelyn, her mouth full of chicken, looked up at him, her chin shiny with grease. “Daddy, wipe,” she mumbled.
lan chuckled, his affection obvious, and took a warm napkin to clean her face. As Eleanor watched them, she caught a glimpse of lan quietly moving the unwanted broccoli from his bowl to the discard plate, as if he couldn’t stand it either.
A pang shot through her chest.
Vanessa noticed too, she lowered her gaze, a satisfied smile curling at the corners of her lips.
Eleanor lost her appetite. She turned to her mother–in–law. “I’m going to the restroom for a
moment.”
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Chapter 15
Inside, she lingered for nearly ten minutes. As she headed back, she caught the faint sound of her mother–in–law’s voice through the half–open door.
“Vanessa, eat a bit more, dear. You’re far too thin. You need to take better care of yourself.”
“Thank you, you’re always so kind to me.”
“It’s the least I can do. If you ever need lan’s help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask. He’d be happy to help.”
“lan already takes such good care of me.”
Eleanor’s emotions tangled inside her. She pushed open the door, and the conversation abruptly stopped. All she wanted was for this dinner to be over.
Around half past eight, lan called for the check, but the waiter smiled and gestured to Vanessa. “It’s been taken care of–Miss Vanessa already paid.”
Magdalen and Gina both looked surprised. Gina couldn’t help but chide, “Vanessa, you really didn’t have to treat us tonight.”
Vanessa smiled, her lips pressed together modestly. “I’m always so busy that I hardly get to see you all. It’s only right that I treat you to dinner.”
Gina shook her head, half–admonishing, half–praising. “Such a thoughtful girl…”
As everyone stood to leave, Vanessa was the first to help Magdalen from her seat. “Let me help you, Grandma. Take it slow.”
Magdalen nodded, and Gina’s approving glance lingered on Vanessa. Tonight, Vanessa seemed more like the ideal daughter–in–law than Eleanor ever did.
Watching her tall, handsome son and the poised, beautiful Vanessa, Gina couldn’t help but wish. her son had chosen differently–that she had a daughter–in–law like Vanessa instead. Maybe. then, she wouldn’t have to put up with this constant disappointment.
Compared to Vanessa’s warmth and attentiveness, Eleanor’s quiet presence all evening seemed stiff and forgettable.
Vanessa escorted Magdalen to the car, only stepping aside once she was safely seated. She stood by the door, waiting as Gina climbed in. “Goodbye, Gina. Goodbye, Grandma. Hope to see you both again soon.”
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