Chapter 3

Joanna slammed into my shoulder and hastily walked into the room. She reached out to support Nora, her eyes full of concern. "Nora, you just gave birth, and you're still recovering. Why are you here?"

Nora looked up at me without speaking.

Joanna followed her gaze to me, and her expression changed immediately. "Yuna, did you make Nora come here? Do you know how weak she is after giving birth? She needs proper rest!"

I laughed in anger. "Then do you know that I'm the one your son is supposed to marry? He had a child with another woman, and all of you knew, but none of you told me!"

Joanna let out a cold snort, as if she did not care what my thoughts were. "This wedding only exists because you begged for it. Our family never thought you were good enough. You have no family status and no powerful backers. What part of you is worthy of Shane?

"I told Shane long ago that marrying someone from the right family was better than anything else, but he refused to listen. He let you cling to him until he couldn't get free."

I couldn't take it anymore. I curled my fists and snapped back at her. "Even if I'm not worthy, that's still better than your son being unable to control himself and having a child with his mistress!

"What kind of family values does your family teach? Do you teach your son to che…"

Before I could finish, Joanna raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face. My head turned to the side, my cheek burning from the pain.

Shane came over hastily. "Mom!"

"Stay out of this!" Joanna roared at Shane before pointing at me, her face red with anger. "Who do you think you are talking to me like that? If you hadn't shamelessly clung to Shane all these years, would you have dragged him down until now?"

I slowly turned around, blood at the corner of my mouth.

Despite that, she simply snorted, as if my miserable state pleased her. "Nora is a hundred times better than you. She is gentle, sensible, and never forgets to bring me gifts during the holidays. I have wanted her as my daughter-in-law for a long time. Having her join our family would be a blessing, while you are nothing but bad luck!"

"Please don't say that!" Nora rushed in front of me.

She carefully reached out, wanting to touch the corner of my mouth, but she ultimately lowered her hand, as if she was afraid of hurting me. "Yuna... does it hurt?"

I said nothing.

Only now did I suddenly remember many years ago, when I cried and told her Shane's family did not like me.

Her eyes had reddened with sympathy as she slammed her fist on the couch. "That's because his family has no taste! They don't understand how good you are! I'm telling you, if that brat Shane ever lets you down, I'll kill him myself!"

My thoughts returned to the present. I met her eyes and my aching mouth formed a smile. "Are you satisfied now?"

She shook her head desperately, tears falling. "No, Yuna... I'm not..."

I didn't wait for her to finish as I turned and walked out.

Shane called after me from behind. "Yuna!"

I did not look back.

"Yuna, listen to me." Shane caught up and grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop. "That's just how my mom has always been. You didn't just meet her today. Her words can be a little cruel, but she doesn't really mean it.

"Can we talk about everything after the wedding? So many of our friends and relatives have come today. Don't make it hard on everyone."

I shook off his hand, my eyes cold. "Shane… We've been together for eight years. Have you ever said one word in my defense?"

He fell silent.

"If you had defended me even once, I would feel these eight years were worth everything. But you didn't. Not even once..." I said with my hoarse voice.

Then I turned again and walked out the door without looking back.