I liked you from the first moment I saw you. You’re so brave…
Mila froze, a look of shock crossing her face.
The first moment?
That must have been seven years ago, on a stormy night, when she was pregnant and knelt at the Montgomery Manor, desperately knocking on the door with her head.
Back then, she had been cornered by the Sutherland family and Lysander, with no other option but to make such a reckless and desperate move. In her mother-in-law’s eyes, was that really courage worth admiring?
Did she truly like her from the first glance?
But…
If she hadn’t been pregnant back then, and if she wasn’t the daughter-in-law of the Montgomery family, would her mother-in-law still have liked her?
She didn’t voice that question in the end, but tears fell silently, staining the bedspread with dark spots.
So, it was like this.
…
And that was enough for her. She had always been content with little.
She managed a faint smile, wiping away her tears, but then noticed her mother-in-law’s brow furrowing deeply, her face marked by heavy unease, as if trapped in a terrifying nightmare.
If only I… if only I were as brave as you, then I wouldn’t… wouldn’t…
She murmured, her breath quickening, and the hand Mila held began to tremble slightly.
Sensing something was wrong, Mila quickly climbed into bed, wrapping her arms around her mother-in-law as if comforting a child.
Don’t be afraid, I’m here, I’m here…
She repeated softly, and gradually, her mother-in-law’s small frame curled up in her embrace, her breathing steadied, and soon she was peacefully asleep.
Mila let out a sigh of relief.
But knowing her mother-in-law was a light sleeper, she dared not move, choosing instead to nap alongside her.
When her mother-in-law awoke in the evening, she was delighted to see Mila, her spirits lifting considerably, even eating a little more at dinner.
But unlike a child, her energy fluctuated wildly, making her more unstable and potentially dangerous.
Fortunately, Mila’s experience with children had left her patient and understanding.
She treated her mother-in-law not as someone ill but as a child whose emotions were just a bit out of control, playing and chatting with her as needed.
And so, she accompanied her through those days.
During this time, Lysander only showed up on the first day, using work as an excuse to avoid returning thereafter.
Mila didn’t mind.
She cherished the peace and was there primarily for her mother-in-law. Lysander’s presence would have been more of a hindrance.
However, Conrad was furious, and Mila occasionally stumbled upon him angrily berating Lysander over the phone, making for awkward moments.
Thankfully, her mother-in-law’s emotions stabilized soon enough, allowing Mila to make her excuses and leave.
How Conrad would explain things to his wife was his concern.