Chapter 3

ALLIE

The news didn’t bring joy to Mrs. Smith. At least she tried to look happy in front of his son. But I know that she wasn’t happy knowing that we’re starting to build our family and hopefully, she would realize herself that this house isn’t meant for her to live in. That she has no place here. That this house was bought initially for me and Daniel and the kids we’re planning to make. 

She has a home in Burlington where she can return to. There, she could live quietly and enjoy the rest of her life planting around the yard. I wish she would realize that whatever she’s doing to me isn’t right and one day Daniel will learn all of this.

She was lucky because I haven’t told my husband anything yet. Daniel is an only child. And I understand that he loves his mother so much. I tried understanding the fact that she’s living here for a reason that she needs company in her daily life as she is getting old. I accepted that. I didn’t even refuse nor think twice. I let her inside our home only to make me her slave whenever Daniel isn’t around.

I could tell Daniel everything yet I didn’t because I don’t want to stir drama between him and his mother. I don’t want them to drift apart. She is his remaining family and as long as I can tolerate her behavior, I’ll be okay.

“How do you feel?” my husband asked after I handed him the empty glass of milk. 

“I feel good because you’re here,” I said with a smile on my face. He stood in front of me handsomely. I slightly bit my lip as I looked at his olive skin and his deep brown eyes. His nose was straight and his almost red lips seemed very inviting. 

I looked away, I heard him chuckled and leaned closer to give me a quick kiss on my forehead. I narrowed my eyes, proud I didn’t feel any heat creeping up my cheeks to give me away. His chuckle turned to a laugh. He sat down beside me and gave me a tight hug. 

“I miss you a lot, Allie. If I had no jobs to do, I would be happy to stay in bed with you the whole day. I would take care of you like any husband does to their wives. I feel like I’m lacking so much in terms of being present for you.”

I held his arms. 

“Shush, Daniel. You are doing just fine.”

That’s a lie. Sort of. I wish he’d stay at home most of the time so I can be spared from my mother in law’s stupid antics and devilish attitude.

“You know I am doing this for our family, right? I am working so I can give a suitable life for you. I don’t want you struggling in terms of finances, Allie. I promised to give you a comfortable life. I intend to keep that promise.”

Daniel had the best of intentions, however he doesn’t know everything about his mother’s doings. I thought of an idea.

“I don’t want to stay here all the time. Can I at least go with you to the office?” I asked, with a pleading voice.

He sighed. 

“If you go with me, Mom will be all alone here. Isn’t that the reason why she’s here? To be with you. So the two of you could bond together?”

My shoulder dropped in dismay. I tried not to make him notice my reaction.

“But I wish to come with you.”

“Allie, it would be better if you’d stay here. You’re pregnant. I’ll talk to Mom to look for you. Isn’t that better for all of us?”

I studied his intonation, his voice, the way he spoke to me.

“Are you mad at me, Daniel? For simply asking a little favor?” The pain in my voice is very evident. 

“I just want you and Mom to be closer to each other. She’s been living here for months and yet you seemed distant to each other.” He cleared his throat and sent me a pleading look. 

I wanted to shout at him but I handled my emotions so well.

“Just say you don’t want me around, it’d be much easier to admit.”

He combed his fingers through his hair and gave me a disappointed look. I didn’t want to talk back so I turned around, lay down and faced the other side of the bed. I just wanted to be with him and be far from his witch mother. Why can’t he give it to me?

“Allie, please.”

I didn’t answer. I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep. I don’t want to fight with him, not tonight. 

The next morning, I woke up a little late. I looked beside me. Daniel is nowhere to be found. I stood up carefully and went to the bathroom. When I came back, I saw him preparing food on the table near the bed.

“I cooked you breakfast, I hope you’d like it.”

I turned to him, studying his look. He’s wearing a shirt and khaki shorts.I’m still wearing my onesie sleeping wear and my hair is still disheveled.

“Aren’t you going to work today?”

“I planned to stay in the house for the next following days so I could make up for the times I am not here. I am here so I can attend to my beautiful, pregnant wife.”

He came closer so he could wrap his arms around my waist and give me a comforting hug. I let out a sigh of relief.

“Are we good?” he asked. I controlled the urge to roll my eyes. I bit back my smile but I gave in minutes after when he kissed me on my left cheek.

“I love you, Allie.”

I pushed him a little as I folded my arms across my chest.

“You’re just saying that because you did me dirty last night. You won’t even allow me to go with you to the office,” I snapped.

He raised both of his hands in the air as if surrendering.

“Alright, you can go with me but promise me you’ll make an effort to be close to my mom.”

I bit my tongue as I nodded to him. A little lie won’t hurt. His mom hates me, despite my effort to be a good daughter-in-law, I knew in my soul I’d never be enough for her.