Chapter 2

The birthday banquet was set for ten o'clock in the morning, two days later.

That day, I arrived at the restaurant early. I went over the menu and the event program again and again, determined that not a single detail be overlooked.

Most of the guests were from the Grant family. None of my own relatives came.

Back then, when I defied everyone's objections and insisted on raising the twin sons of my husband, Jeremy Grant, and his mistress, Janey Winston, my parents had been so furious they nearly collapsed from rage. Even after all these years, they still couldn't understand why I had thrown away a good life just to suffer and raise another woman's children.

Supported by relatives, my in-laws entered the hall. They went straight to the main seats and sat down. My husband's elder brother and younger sister, along with their families, filled the seats at either side.

The main table was set for eight. Surrounded by relatives, my two sons were pressed close on either side, leaving no place at all for me.

"Alison, what are you standing there for? Serve Mom and Dad some tea."

Lilian picked up a handful of chips and shot me a glance. She was my husband's younger sister. Her own marriage had been miserable—abused by her husband and scorned for failing to bear a son. But last year, at forty, she finally managed to give birth to one.

Now, with a boy in her arms, her back had straightened, her tone sharpened, and her arrogance swelled.

My two sons tried to rise and help me, but their grandparents pressed them back down.

"My sweet darling grandsons, sit with Grandma. Talk with me. Look at these two fine young men—so tall, so handsome. They look just like their father."

"I'd say they take after Janey more," Jeremy's brother muttered.

My in-laws shot him a glare so sharp he shrank back into silence.

I circled the main table, pouring tea, refilling wine glasses. Finally, unable to bear it, my sons dragged over an extra chair, forcing a space for me between them.

"Mom," one of them said, "our birthday is also the day you suffered the most. Sit. Rest with us."

At that, the table fell silent. Faces shifted; Lilian smirked with mockery. "If Jeremy knew his sons had been raised so well by you, he'd be overjoyed."

My father-in-law cleared his throat, and Lilian instantly shut her mouth.

"Alison," my mother-in-law said then, eyes narrowing with a smile, "since today's such a good day, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Please, go ahead," I replied.

"You see, with Sammy and Scott heading off to university soon, that three-bedroom apartment will be awfully empty with just you living there. Once they leave, why don't Henry and I move in? While you're at work, I can cook for you."

So this was her real intention.

My parents had paid the down payment for my apartment. Originally, the deed was supposed to carry Jeremy's name. But half a year after our marriage, he had taken Janey out for a drive, and the two of them never returned. I received what was left of him in a small urn.

My parents, seeing how hard life was for me, had helped with the mortgage ever since. For that reason, the deed bore only my name.

Now, with the boys nearly grown, my in-laws, Henry Grant and Wendy Alden, had set their eyes on my home.

"Mom, it's not that I don't want you to stay," I said evenly. "But Sammy and Scott will be going abroad for further studies. I've already sold the apartment to prepare. I plan to buy a one-bedroom for myself, and use the rest of the money to support their education."

My father-in-law's face darkened. He slammed the table with his palm.

"You're our daughter-in-law. How could you make such a big decision without consulting us?"

Feigning surprise, I answered, "But I'm doing all these for Jeremy's children."

"The money from the sale… hand it to Wendy. She'll keep it safe. I don't trust you with such large sums. You spend too freely."

Normally, if I had explained it was for the boys' sake, they might not have pressed further. But today, they seemed to treat me as though my role was over now that the children had been admitted to university.

I kept my composure. "I've already arranged everything with a lawyer. The money is locked into a growth trust. From now on, Sammy and Scott will each receive a thousand dollars a month, every month, until they turn forty."

At that, Henry's scowl eased, his brows loosening.

"Now that's better. At least you know enough to leave the money to the boys. Forget about buying another apartment. Just rent something small. No need to waste the money."