Chapter 2

This whole mess began three years ago.

I was at work when Margaret called me, demanding that I pick her up from the maternity hospital immediately. I thought it was strange but still asked for time off and headed over.

Back then, Christopher and I had been together for years. Everything about our relationship was perfect—except for one thing. He was hopelessly devoted to his mother. Even the slightest disobedience wasn’t an option.

Thankfully, we didn’t live close to her, so we only saw her a few times a year. For the most part, we managed to keep things civil.

I was born with a congenital condition that made pregnancy nearly impossible. Deep down, I’d always known that Christopher’s decision to marry me had hinged entirely on Margaret’s approval.

To my surprise, she had been unusually open-minded about it back then. She told me she had read online that more couples were choosing not to have children, and she believed that young people should focus on their careers and enjoying life.

After that, I respected her deeply.

But when I walked into that hospital room that day and saw Margaret lying on the bed cradling a newborn, I was completely stunned.

She was wrapped in blankets from head to toe, and the baby in her arms was tiny and fragile.

Margaret, nearly fifty years old, had just given birth to a child?

She wasted no time, cheerfully holding the baby out toward me.

“Evelyn, come, hold him!”

I instinctively took a step back, avoiding the wrinkled, squirming bundle.

This was beyond bizarre.

Margaret’s cheerful expression faltered at my reaction. Her face darkened.

“Evelyn, I know this might be a bit awkward at my age. I understand your condition, and no one’s blaming you for it. But the Langford family can’t end with Christopher. Edward and I decided to have this child so he could be someone Christopher can lean on and support in the future. Don’t worry—we’ll raise him ourselves. We won’t trouble you.”

Lean on? Support?

Margaret didn’t work. Edward spent most of his time away, taking odd jobs just to make ends meet. Christopher was already sending half his paycheck to support them.

And now they had a second child? How could they possibly not rely on us?

I felt like I was losing my mind. But for Christopher’s sake, I kept my composure.

Margaret must have noticed my hesitation because she burst into tears, clutching the baby tightly to her chest.

“They say a daughter-in-law is half a daughter. Have I ever treated you poorly, Evelyn? And now, here I am, fresh out of labor, and the nurses are kinder to me than you are. You’ve broken my heart…”

She sobbed loudly, her cries echoing through the room.

Soon enough, curious onlookers gathered outside the door, their faces pressed against the glass, eager to witness the drama.

I’ve always had thin skin. Feeling the weight of their stares, I surrendered immediately.

Under Margaret’s direction, I began packing her belongings and carrying them to the car.

As I struggled with a heavy suitcase, I saw Christopher coming up from the first floor, holding a thick stack of receipts. He must’ve been settling the hospital bills.

I wanted so badly to talk to him, to pour out everything I was feeling.

But he glanced at Margaret, pale and frail, and waved a hand dismissively.

“The wind’s strong outside. Don’t let my mom catch a chill. Let’s head home.”