Chapter 11
Lucas pulled back quickly, startled and turned around.
It was Clara.
She was standing there, brows furrowed deeply, her gaze sharp and full of suspicion.
Clearly, she didn’t like what she saw.
Lucas rushed toward her in a panic.
“Clara, it’s not what it looks like. I just… I was overwhelmed. Thinking about everything my mom’s done for me over the years, I got emotional.” He stammered through the explanation, his face flushed.
But Clara’s eyes narrowed as she looked between them. “Even if you’re emotional, do you really need to hug her like that?”
That’s when Madeline snapped.
In her mind, Lucas wasn’t just her son–he was hers and she wasn’t about to let some girl question that.
To her, Clara was just the daughter–in–law, and in her world, daughters–in–law didn’t get to question their elders. Her voice was honey–laced, but every word cut deep.
“Clara, darling, we’re mother and son. Even if you’re jealous, surely you wouldn’t be jealous of us, would you? Lucas said he was simply grateful for everything I’ve done. It’s just a hug, sweetie. Don’t be so uptight. Lucas is a catch, I know, but there’s no need to cast your insecurities this way.”
Madeline’s barbs were sweetly veiled, but Clara wasn’t having it. Her checks flushed red, fists tightening at her sides. When she spoke, her voice sliced the air.
“I haven’t even married into this family yet and this is how I’m treated? Lucas, didn’t you tell me your moin was an educated, graceful woman? High–class, gentle, wise?” She turned to Madeline. “What kind of grown woman clings to her son like that? Do you think he’s still three? Don’t you know anything about boundaries? Or did your refined mother just never teach you?”
Madeline’s veiled barbs had met their match and Clara was not about to back down.
And right in the middle of the storm stood Lucas–caught between his new wife and his so–called reclaimed mother.
He looked like he was going to explode.
Ryan, meanwhile, stood quietly to the side, observing everything. He knew Madeline would never agree to live in the same house, anyway. Clara would spend more time with me. Why? Because I was the perfect target. I never raised my voice. I never talked back.
To Ryan, that made things easier. If Clara was angry, she could take it out on me. I was the safe choice.
So Lucas, without hesitation, sided with Madeline.
He pulled Clara aside, his voice sharp with
disappointment. “Clara, that was too much. Mom took care of me for years. You should be more understanding, And let’s not forget that from now on, she’s your elder. You shouldn’t be talking back to her.”
Clara stared at him, stunned. Her lips parted, her cheeks flushed–not with embarrassment, bu fury, She hadn’t even married into the family yet and already, Lucas had turned
2/3
against her.
And it’s for his mom.
Then, with fire in her eyes, Clara raised her hand and slapped Lucas across the face.
“I’m not even married to you yet and this is how you treat me?” she snapped. “God, you’re such mama’s boy!”
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