Faux Vows, True Desires

Nathan, with his wife and children, was ushered into the main house amid a clamor of relatives.

Fearing that the house would be too crowded if everyone entered, many of the extended family members wisely bid farewell to the patriarch at the doorway before heading back to their own homes.

With the return of the eldest daughter, a grand feast was inevitable, and the entire clan would be attending. This occasion would serve as an excellent opportunity for the distant relatives to mingle with influential people.

"Dad, Mom, we're back," Nathan announced, his voice carrying a hint of detachment.

His relationship with his parents was lukewarm at best.

Especially since his wife had her breakdown, the connection with his mother had grown even fainter.

Nevertheless, as the eldest son, it was his duty to care for his aging parents in his home.

After all, with a house full of staff to attend to the elders, all it took was the occasional check-in and a shared meal now and then to fulfill his obligations.

Janice's gaze cooled as she faced her mother-in-law. With pursed lips, she eventually turned towards her father-in-law and greeted him with a muted "Dad."

During her time of turmoil, her father-in-law, though not directly harming her, didn't offer aid either.

Nathan was often busy, and even though he had arranged for the loyal Shirley to protect her, Shirley was, after all, just a worker, only able to call Nathan in times of distress. Her father-in-law, now retired and idle, could have easily helped with just a word.

But he remained silent.

Perhaps he too disdained her during her insanity, especially after her own family had fallen from grace.

These people were far too pragmatic.

quite influential, and her mother-in-law, despite always chiding her for being overly

be gently scolded by

fortunes dwindled, leaving only her

the person Janice resented

the sake of her children did she address

have you back,"

Janice didn't reply.

Keith and his sister called out. As the younger generation, regardless

smile grow cold, tempted to create a scene right then

her mother-in- law, rankled deeply. Remembering the divorce talks between Janice and her eldest son, the grandmother

grandchildren's greetings, she quickly resumed her affectionate

stepped forward

generous gifts from the Andersons, quickly filling the

aback by the sheer volume of presents. The Andersons' largesse was apparent, indicating the

just come without such formality, bringing all these gifts," the grandmother chuckled. "We're all family here." She admired her grandson-in-law, thinking, if only he were married to one of her other granddaughters

the spitting image of the grandmother in her youth, had been her darling for a mere six

their reunion was anything but

modest gifts for the family," Stefan replied with grace. No matter how the Blues had treated his mother-in-law before, he was determined to be beyond reproach now, to

so disarming that everyone in the room was taken by his presence, and the mothers present couldn't help but envy Lucinda for her good fortune in marrying such an exemplary

been too long since I last saw you, and I've missed you every

was an actress, and so

of her grandmother's in her youth she could easily outmaneuver them for affection, despite not wanting to forgive her

belongs to s

substantial private wealth her