Ever since I became pregnant, my health hasn’t been the best. Once my mother-in-law found out, she moved into our marital home, under the guise of taking care of me, along with my younger brother-in-law’s wife. Her demeanor changed drastically from her usual kindness, and she started saying absurd things: “My son is the eldest, so he has the duty to support his younger brother and sister-in-law.” “Besides, he’s a high achiever, so he should be in charge. Always listening to women won’t get him anywhere.” “Declan is no longer with us, and it’s Jasper’s responsibility to continue the family line. Since you’re pregnant and can’t look after him properly, let Declan’s wife do it.” My anger rose to my throat, but just then, Jasper came in and refused her. “I’ve already promised Nora that she is the only one for me, no exceptions.” Seeing my husband stand firmly by my side, I felt reassured that I had chosen the right partner. I gritted my teeth, working overtime to save for baby supplies, while drinking the special nourishing soup Jasper made for me. However, I discovered that the soup was drugged, and my husband was having an affair with his sister-in-law right under my nose.
I’m 37 this year, and it took two years of marriage with Jasper Thompson before I got pregnant. As soon as we confirmed the pregnancy, Jasper shared the good news widely. When my mother-in-law heard about it, she moved in with my younger brother-in-law Declan Thompson’s wife and child, under the pretense of taking care of me. Declan was a son-in-law my father found for me, but he had a strong sense of pride, and I never refused any of his harmless requests. The marital home, a spacious 300 square meters, was bought by my father, so there was no sense of overcrowding with them living there. Seeing Jasper trying to please everyone, I eventually softened and allowed them to stay. I never expected my mother-in-law, who appeared so kind before the wedding, to change so drastically, forgetting her son was a live-in son-in-law, and started acting domineering in my home. On their first night, I symbolically had the housekeeper prepare a table full of dishes. But I didn’t expect my mother-in-law to say something utterly absurd at the dinner table. “Jasper, Declan died young, so I arranged a posthumous marriage for him. This is your sister-in-law, Adeline Carter.” “Adeline is divorced and has a child, making it difficult for her to remarry. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed to a posthumous marriage with Declan.” “You married into the Thompson family, and your children won’t carry the Thompson name. Why don’t you and Adeline have a child, as if it were Declan’s, to continue the Thompson lineage?” “This won’t affect your marriage; it’s a win-win.” Hearing this, the cup in my hand fell to the ground with a “crack.” I knew my mother-in-law was uneducated, but I didn’t expect her to be so absurd. Not only did she arrange a posthumous marriage for my deceased brother-in-law, but she also wanted my husband to father children for both families. I, Nora Thompson, the only daughter of the Thompson Corporation, cannot accept sharing my husband with another woman. With displeasure, I tapped the dining table with my hand. “Jasper, what do you think?” He hesitated for a long time, “Mom, I can’t do that.” I breathed a sigh of relief, not noticing the flirtatious glances between him and that woman. “Why not? You’re the eldest son of the Thompson family, and you have a responsibility to continue the family line.” “Besides, you’re a high achiever. Your children will be smart and bring honor to the Thompson family.” “If you hadn’t married into the Thompson family, why would I have to beg her?” She tried to persuade Jasper with bitter words and lectured me. “Nora, you should be more generous. You’re an only child, aren’t you lonely? When you and Adeline’s child are born, they’ll be siblings, and it’ll be lively.” “Also, I think this house is nice, big, and well-located. Adeline can stay here and keep you company.” “What?” I felt a surge of anger, raising my voice. Seeing me upset, Jasper quickly tried to smooth things over. “Mom, what are you talking about? Nora just got pregnant, and the baby isn’t stable. She can’t get upset.” Jasper signaled Declan to pull the excited mother-in-law aside and held my hand to comfort me. “I’ve always said, I only love Nora in this lifetime. I can’t agree to this.” Some of my anger dissipated, thankful that even Jasper couldn’t accept such a ridiculous idea. Otherwise, the Thompson Corporation wouldn’t stand for it. I left a note saying, “It better be that way.” Slamming the door shut. Jasper still followed me, explaining nonstop. “Mom is just like that, uneducated, doesn’t understand anything. Don’t take it to heart.” “You’re pregnant, getting angry affects our baby, it’s not worth it.” “I absolutely won’t agree to mom’s idea of fathering children for both families.”
For the sake of giving the child a complete family, I eventually softened my stance. I didn’t delve into their wrongdoings, focusing on my work instead. In the two years of marriage with Jasper, my mother-in-law never urged us to have children, so I thought she was understanding and cared for her deeply. I never thought that once I got pregnant, she’d show such a different side, making it unbearable. Fortunately, Jasper was still clear-headed, always standing by me. But I didn’t expect that I was still wrong. Pregnant women get hungry easily, so Jasper learned a few of my favorite dishes from a chef and made nourishing soup for me every day. One night, after dinner, I got hungry again. Jasper brought a bowl of soup to the bedroom as usual. I drank it without suspecting anything. Soon after, I felt sleepy and went to bed early. In the middle of the night, I woke up thirsty. The other side of the bed was empty. Jasper still wasn’t sleeping this late? I put on my shoes, planning to go to the kitchen for water. Unexpectedly, as soon as I stepped out of the bedroom, the sounds from the sister-in-law’s room stopped me in my tracks. Their door was wide open, and I saw Jasper and the sister-in-law in a compromising embrace. I swayed, ready to confront them, when I overheard their malicious conversation. “Jasper, I thought you had forgotten about me.” “How could I? You were my first. Nora Thompson can’t compare to you.” “Stop it. Don’t forget about us, Little Rain still doesn’t have a father. If not for you, why would I agree to a posthumous marriage with your deceased brother?” “I feel for you, Adeline. Little Rain is my son, I won’t mistreat him.” “Who believes you? That woman is pregnant with your child.” “Don’t worry about that. Her child won’t be born. At the hospital, I’m her husband. If I don’t sign, who dares to deliver her baby? Childbirth is like walking through death’s door. One wrong move, and it’s all over…” “Then, won’t her house, car, and savings all be mine?” These words struck me like a lightning bolt, destroying any hope I had left. Jasper, how dare he!? I wanted to barge in and expose their scheme, but I held back. Now wasn’t the time; there was no evidence. I clenched my fists, desperately suppressing my emotions. I don’t know how I got back to the bedroom last night. When I woke up the next day, the bed was still empty. I got up and went to the kitchen, finding Jasper there. Watching him busily preparing breakfast, I couldn’t help but gag. “What’s wrong, Nora? Feeling unwell? Are you too tired?” “Why not take a break from work today, rest for a few days.” His caring words came one after another, leaving me unable to distinguish which was the real him. Was the man in the sister-in-law’s room last night really this seemingly devoted man? The vile plots and sickening sweet talk were warning me not to be deceived by the high-acting man before me.
I looked at him, saying nothing. He tried to reach out and support me, but I sidestepped away. “Oh, sister-in-law is back.” My mother-in-law and Adeline Carter were already up, sitting at the table ready to eat. That woman wore an emerald green dress and an expensive jade necklace, giving her an air of elegance. “Who told you to wear my clothes, to go through my jewelry box?” I was furious, slapping her across the face. This was my favorite dress before I got pregnant. That jade necklace was a birthday gift from my dad, truly priceless. “Take it off immediately, or I’ll call the police for theft!” I’ve never flaunted my status as the Thompson Corporation’s heiress in front of them, letting them think I’m easy to bully. Adeline was startled, hiding behind Jasper, explaining pitifully. “I came in a rush, didn’t bring clothes. Just borrowing yours, I’ll return them…” Her pitiful look made it seem like I was the one at fault. When she moved in, she brought plenty of things, so it’s impossible she didn’t bring clothes. She just wanted to disgust me. My mother-in-law came over upon hearing the commotion, seeing Adeline looking like I’d bullied her terribly. “It’s just a dress, why make such a fuss?” “Your clothes and jewelry could open a store. One more or less doesn’t matter.” “Just pity her, let her wear it.” “Besides, she’s your sister-in-law, don’t be so petty.” Before, to respect his pride, I would always compromise on what he said. Now I realize I’ve been too accommodating. Just trying to make me sick. My mother-in-law rushed over when she heard the commotion, seeing Adeline Carter putting on an act as if I had severely bullied her. “It’s just a piece of clothing, why make a fuss?” “You have enough clothes and jewelry to fill a store. One more or less doesn’t make a difference.” “Show some compassion and let her wear it.” “Besides, she’s your sister-in-law. Don’t be so stingy.” In the past, to save his pride, I would always give in a little. Looking back now, I realize I was letting him walk all over me. I ignored his words and turned to him, saying, “I’ve been sleeping deeply these days, but last night I didn’t sleep well. I woke up and didn’t see you in the bedroom. Today, you’re defending her so generously. Did you actually do something behind my back, like your mom suggested?” My words clearly rattled the three of them. My mother-in-law, who’s not accustomed to such situations, couldn’t hide her panic. Adeline Carter, who acts high and mighty thanks to my mother-in-law, even wrinkled my expensive dress. Jasper Thompson was the quickest to recover. He was only caught off-guard for a moment before he replied smoothly. “That’s ridiculous, Nora. How could I do anything against you?” “Last night, Mom had terrible back pain. I was giving her a massage for a while. You seemed to be sleeping soundly, so I didn’t wake you.” “Isn’t that right, Mom?” Jasper even shot a glance at his mother to back him up. “Yes, yes, maybe I’ve been too tired from taking care of you lately. My back has been hurting.” What a joke. During their stay, the housekeeper has been preparing meals for their entire family, truly wearing herself out. As for my mother-in-law, she wouldn’t lift a finger if she saw a bottle of oil toppled over. I coldly watched their poor performance, feeling a wave of disgust rising up. I quickly walked to the bathroom, unwilling to see their hypocritical faces any longer. I had just finished a project and was ordered by my dad to rest at home. As lunchtime approached, my mother-in-law insisted on going out to eat. “Nora, eating this bland food with you every day is making me sick. Today, we’re going out to eat.” “Jasper, take me and Adeline shopping at the mall. Buy more clothes and jewelry so others won’t think we’re poor.” She even made a point to look my way as she said this. I really didn’t want to stay with them, seeing their ugly faces. Jasper looked at me, then at them, and finally spoke up. “Nora, rest well at home. With the housekeeper taking care of you, I’m at ease.” Jasper ultimately chose them. “Go if you want. Stop pretending here.” “Buy a few more clothes to change into. Don’t keep taking others’ clothes. That’s what thieves do.” I retorted mercilessly. My mother-in-law and Adeline Carter looked humiliated at my words, leaving with Little Rain without looking back. Jasper raised his hand, but before he could speak, my mother-in-law pulled him out the door. I watched them from the window. Jasper was sandwiched between two women, holding a child’s hand, chatting warmly, as if they were the real family. Ever since I got pregnant, everything seemed to change. Did Jasper think that just because I was pregnant, he could easily control me? He’s sorely mistaken. Since he dared to provoke me, the entire Thompson family shouldn’t expect an easy time! Since marrying Jasper Thompson, he had always treated me well. Pregnant women are naturally sensitive. I easily noticed even the slightest change. Today was supposed to be my prenatal check-up day. I waited all morning for Jasper to bring it up. As expected yet unexpected, he forgot. Watching their car drive away, I called the housekeeper to go to the hospital. The hospital wasn’t far. My primary doctor was a student of my dad’s, and also my old friend, Finn.
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