Chapter 6 - Chapter Six Mother-in-law

CHAPTER SIX — The Mother-in-law (Loud thud) It was the third morning in a row. It is almost a routine for her; she always runs to the toilet to vomit. Back aches, loss of appetite, no energy to talk. Dark circles under her eyes. She wiped her mouth, breath trembling, a mix of fear and wonder pooling deep inside her. Pregnancy. It's truly the beginning… She leaned against the counter for a moment, collecting herself, before stepping out into the quiet corridor. The mansion felt unusually still, the sort of stillness that carried both promise and uncertainty. Juliana found her in the kitchen, attempting to make tea while steadying herself. "Oh, sweetheart, look at you," Juliana said, rushing over with a tenderness she could not hide. "You're pale as milk. Sit, please." Victorine obeyed, cheeks warming at being fussed over. "It's only a bit of morning sickness, ma'am," she said softly. "I'll be fine in a moment." But Juliana shook her head firmly. "No, love. You won't be 'fine in a moment'. You're carrying our hope. You must rest." Her hand rested gently atop Victorine's, the gesture warm, protective — but beneath it, a faint tremor of guilt. This girl, fragile and kind, was carrying the child Juliana herself could not. Before either of them could speak again, the sharp slam of the front door echoed through the mansion. Both women stiffened. Footsteps, expensive heels, confident, unapologetic approached with the cold authority of someone who believed the world ought to part before her. Juliana straightened where she sat, shoulders tightening. And then she appeared.A woman in her early sixties is seen her hair still elegant just few wrinkles for a woman her age she is dressed In a long black gown that has a line cut with her hair dyed oxblood and fierce emerald eyes she have always been a beauty and she is well-known actress her reputation matters alot to her. And she was never a caring mother to her son Richard; she wasn't there when he needed her; she was after her fame and reputation. Mrs. Richard. Alex's mother. Juliana's heart was about to ripple out; she couldn't control her breathing; she already knew what she was in for. "Well," she announced, chin high, eyes immediately narrowing at Victorine. "So this is the girl carrying my grandchild." Victorine lowered her gaze at once — not out of shame, but because the woman's stare felt like a knife. Juliana rose from her seat. "Mother, what are you doing here?" "Checking on my family," Mrs. Richard replied coolly, sweeping into the kitchen as though inspecting an inferior household. "And I hear you've finally lost your senses." Juliana inhaled sharply. "Please do not start." "Oh, I shall start," the older woman snapped. "I spent years guiding Alexander to marry a respectable, capable young woman, and yet here you are—" she waved a dismissive hand toward Victorine, "—dragging a maid into your personal failures." Victorine's heart dropped. She clasped her fingers together under the table, trying not to physically shrink at the insult. Juliana , however, stepped in front of her protectively. "You will not speak to her that way." Mrs. Richard scoffed. "Why not? You've handed her the role of giving this family an heir. You cannot produce one, so now the servants must do it for you?" Victorine's eyes stung, and she looked away quickly. Juliana 's voice sharpened like a flint striking stone. "I chose Victorine because she is kind, responsible, and healthy. She is helping us. And if you cannot respect that, you may leave." "Oh, spare me your dramatics," Mrs. Richard sneered. Then, raising an eyebrow, she added mock-sweetly, "Tell me, girl — how much are they paying you for this?" Victorine finally spoke, voice trembling but steady. "It's… it's for my brother's treatment, ma'am." "Ah. Tragic story. How convenient." The older woman clicked her tongue. "Poor enough to sell your womb, yet apparently healthy enough to carry my grandchild." Tears gathered in Victorine's lashes. Juliana 's patience snapped. "Mother, I swear—" But Mrs. Richard was already turning away, lifting her chin in triumph. "I'm staying for the week. Clearly, someone must supervise things in this house." Mother, are you not busy with work and father needs you, you rarely visit. Juliana said with the hope to convince her. Which clearly failed. Julie darling do you know why you are still here is because your dad is an old acquaintance of mine. And I choose you as my son's wife. But you are a bag of total disappointment. With that, she strode out, heels clacking like a judge's gavel. Silence settled heavily behind her. Juliana hovered beside Victorine, her breath shaky with anger and shame. "I am so sorry," she whispered, brushing a tear from Victorine's cheek with the gentlest touch. "You deserve far, far better than her cruelty." Victorine swallowed hard. "It's alright, ma'am… I'll endure it." "No," Juliana said firmly, voice quivering. "You shouldn't have to endure any of this. And I will not let her torment you." Comforts Victorine but the thought of staying with her mother-in-law for a week is going to be hell she just hoped her husband won't cross his lines with her. Victorine nodded faintly, still shaken. Ma'am I would like to visit my brother and the doctor said that his donor will be arriving this week. I will accompany you dear. We will go by noon. I also need a break from the lady upstairs. They both laughed. The morning sickness returned again and she rushed to the bathroom, Juliana followed her closely. She helps clean up. Rest dear I will ask the maid to get you a glass of orange juice. "Thanks ma'am" Victorine said feeling exhausted. Juliana left her and went to check on her mother in law with the hope of talking things out which is far from possible. Victorine lay down thinking of how to help her kind boss but her stomach and sickness wouldn't leave for seconds she was scared. Fear was written all-over her body.