14

We were all taken aback by Maureen's unexpected arrival. She even appeared surprised as she took in the sight of our suitcases in the living room.

"What are you doing here?" my mother-in-law asked her sternly.

Maureen was on the verge of responding when Mom interjected, "Didn't I tell you to stay away from my son?"

Maureen hesitated for a moment, but then summoned the courage to reply, "I'm the one your son loves. Besides, they're going to break up."

I clenched my fists and struggled to maintain composure as her gaze fixed on me. She offered a sympathetic smile, not out of kindness but as a silent acknowledgment of my role as a wife, even though I wasn't the one my husband loved.

With a sigh, I averted my gaze, determined not to let this ruin my day. I didn't want to stoop to her level.

As I heard Ivan's footsteps descending the stairs, I glanced up at him, but he froze in his tracks upon seeing Maureen.

"You're leaving? Where are you going?" Maureen questioned my husba