One year, one love by Aurora Miller

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.

hard my brother–in–law works, but you turn a blind eye to everything my sister

you the right to act

good temper and doesn’t argue with you because she cares about this family and her husband. Otherwise, why would she

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

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Chapter 51

emotions overwhelming her.

have you done?

As her

and pulled it up, revealing the bruises on her arm–purple and green marks glaring under the light.

hurriedly pulled her sleeve back down, covering the injuries. Her right hand gripped her

the bruises of varying

domestic violence?”

looks like it,”

an abuser–it’s a matter of survival!” someone else chimed

labeled a domestic abuser, Sophia immediately flared up.

watch over her 24/7? Are we supposed to abandon

must be her own doing! Stop blaming everything

and snapped, “Why are you all meddling in things that don’t concern you? This is our family’s business!

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

fueled the crowd’s anger. The tide of public opinion shifted. People began condemning Sophia and Matteo and sympathizing with Laura.

of a mother–in–law!”

domestic abuser but a total

a gorgeous lady–why not end things with the man and really live it up?”

The woman is too

while blaming her for not

point, Doris said, “Mrs. Webb, whether my sister is a victim of domestic violence or not,

It’s against the law, and my sister has every right

a family. As long as I am

you don’t, stop hurting her. You can return her to us, and we’ll love her the way