Love Like You Never Loved Before

I shrugged Lyle’s hand off mine and strode in the direction of the entrance. The moment I opened the door, I saw Zachary smoking next to the balcony. As confused as I was, I couldn’t be bothered by his presence.

After greeting the man with a simple nod, I was about to leave, but Lyle stopped me and asked, “Where are you going?”

“I’ll head over to somewhere I won’t be discriminated!” I replied with my teeth clenched because Sharon was the sole reason I had chosen not to file for divorce with that shameless man.

He frowned and said, “Dad will be mad at you if you leave unannounced.”

After much considerations, I changed my mind and decided to stay as it would be too much of a hassle to deal with Nathan.

Lyle then showed me the way back to the hall and had me join him in greeting his friends. I forced a smile and played along with him, being the dutiful wife as I should.

When we heard the crowd gasping, we turned around and looked in the direction of the commotion. Upon a glimpse, I saw Wendy walking down the stairs with Crystal. They seemed to be having a great time as they beamed in satisfaction, behaving as though Crystal was the rightful daughter-in-law of the Smith family.

Wendy had always wanted Crystal to be her daughter-in-law. When Lyle and Crystal were still in a relationship, Wendy would show up at our place just to meet Crystal in person.

I guess she’s never fond of me because I’m not as exceptional as Crystal. After all, Crystal is the Tanner family’s sweetheart and a famous artist. Meanwhile, I’m just a talentless finance graduate.

Lyle shrugged me off the moment he saw Crystal in her best fit. He must be charmed by the woman who seemed like a princess who had just stepped out of a fictional world in her white tulle dress.

Since she’s the one you have a thing for, why have you asked me to stay? Do you enjoy watching me suffer in silence? Albeit unreluctantly, I had to greet Wendy since she was around. Otherwise, the gossipmongers would spread rumors the moment they saw me ignoring my mother-in-law.

I forced a smile and greeted, “Mom.”

Wendy, who seemed to be having the best time of her life, pulled a face when she saw me. Once she sized me up, she started reprimanding me, “What the heck is wrong with this dress of yours? Can’t you put on something else that’s not as revealing? You’re embarrassing me!”

The mother and son duo had been picking on my dress over and over again. In fact, they talked about the same thing. Unwilling to carry on with the fight, I went dead silent.

I couldn’t believe she had the guts to pick on me for putting on something fashionable when she once picked on me for being a country bumpkin because of the color of my dress.

Well, she just needed something to justify her actions. Over the past two years, I had been groveling myself at her mercy and carried out every instruction of hers.

As always, I gave in to Wendy’s instruction again. While I was on my way to get her a glass of wine, I saw Christopher and Zachary from afar. The duo was engaged in a conversation.

Similarly, they turned around because they noticed someone had their eyes glued to them. The moment we exchanged glances, I sprinted in the other direction as I was afraid Christopher would approach me and cause me unnecessary trouble. Others might think that something was going on between us.