Chapter 1 — The Unwanted Daughter-in-Law
The soft strains of classical music filled the luxurious hotel ballroom. Crystal lights glittered across the ceiling as hundreds of guests stood and applauded when the newlyweds entered the room.
Keira Namira held her husband's hand tightly. The simple white dress she wore lent her an elegant air. Beside her, Christ Manuel Blanco walked with confident strides, his black suit accentuating his handsome features.
This was the day they had dreamed of for so long.
After being in a relationship for three years, they were finally husband and wife.
“I promise I'll make you happy,” Christ whispered as he kissed the back of Keira's hand.
Keira smiled, moved.
“So will I.”
But that smile didn't last long.
From the corner of the room, a pair of eyes stared coldly at Keira.
There wasn't the slightest hint of happiness in that gaze.
The woman was Mrs. Anggun, Christ's biological mother.
In a maroon dress and sparkling jewelry, she stood elegantly like a queen. Yet her eyes were sharp, as though she were judging Keira's every move.
“Nothing special.”
The words slipped quietly from her lips.
“Christ could have gotten a much better woman.”
Several guests heard her and immediately exchanged glances.
Keira lowered her head.
Although Mrs. Anggun had spoken softly, Keira's ears still caught every word.
Her chest felt tight.
Ever since Keira had first been introduced as Christ's girlfriend a year earlier, Mrs. Anggun had never liked her.
The reason was simple.
Keira was merely the daughter of a retired teacher. She didn't come from a tycoon family. She didn't own a company. She had no prestigious name.
The Blanco family, on the other hand, was one of the most prominent families in the city.
According to Mrs. Anggun...
Keira would only become a burden to her son.
The reception continued until dinner began.
Keira did her best to keep smiling at every guest who came to offer their congratulations.
“You finally got married.”
“May your marriage last forever.”
“Hope you have children soon.”
Keira nodded politely.
Every so often, Christ would squeeze her hand, as if telling her that everything would be all right.
But that peace was soon disturbed again.
“Keira.”
Keira turned around.
Mrs. Anggun stood in front of her.
“Come with Mom.”
Her tone sounded more like an order.
Christ, who was talking with his business associate, hadn't noticed.
Keira followed her mother-in-law to the hotel's quiet balcony.
A gentle night breeze blew past them.
Before Keira could say anything, Mrs. Anggun spoke first.
“I'll be completely frank.”
Keira looked at the woman nervously.
“Whatever happens, you will never be the daughter-in-law I want.”
Keira's heart began to pound faster.
“Mom... I'll try to be a good wife to Christ.”
Mrs. Anggun smiled derisively.
“Don't call me Mom.”
Keira fell silent.
“Just because you married my son doesn't mean I'll consider you family.”
Those words struck Keira in the heart.
“I don't care how good you are.”
“I don't care how polite you are.”
“In my eyes... you're still a woman unworthy of standing beside Christ.”
Keira's eyes began to well with tears.
But she held them back.
“I sincerely love Christ.”
“That may be what you think.”
Mrs. Anggun folded her arms.
“I know women like you.”
Keira frowned.
“You're only after his money.”
Keira quickly shook her head.
“No, Mrs. Anggun. I—”
“Enough.”
Mrs. Anggun cut her off.
“Listen carefully.”
“If you have any self-respect... leave my son.”
Keira froze.
A few seconds later, the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard.
“What are you two doing here?”
Christ appeared from behind the balcony door.
His gaze moved between his mother and Keira.
He saw that his wife's eyes were red.
“Keira?”
Christ stepped closer.
“Were you crying?”
Keira hurriedly wiped the corners of her eyes.
“I'm fine.”
But Christ knew his wife.
Keira wasn't the kind of woman who cried easily.
He turned to his mother.
“What did you say to her?”
Mrs. Anggun gave him a faint smile.
“Nothing.”
“I was only giving her some advice.”
Christ sighed.
“If it was really advice, why did it make Keira cry?”
Mrs. Anggun didn't answer.
Christ took Keira's hand.
“Come on.”
They went back into the ballroom.
Throughout the rest of the event, Christ never let go of his wife's hand.
As if he were afraid Keira might be hurt again.
That night...
Christ's black car stopped in front of the luxurious two-story house he had prepared for them.
The house had been a wedding gift from Christ's late father several years earlier.
“Didn't we plan to live at Mom's house?” Keira asked.
Christ shook his head.
“No.”
“But...”
“I made this decision a long time ago.”
Christ smiled gently.
“I want us to have a home of our own.”
Keira looked at her husband.
“But Mom will definitely be disappointed.”
Christ gently stroked Keira's head.
“I married you.”
“Not someone else's wishes.”
Those simple words warmed Keira's heart.
For the first time since that afternoon...
She smiled again.
Christ took both of his wife's hands.
“Listen to me.”
“As long as you're my wife...”
“I won't let anyone hurt you.”
Keira's eyes welled up again.
“Do you believe me?”
Keira nodded.
“I do.”
Christ then pulled her into a tight embrace.
Without either of them realizing it...
In another car parked not far from the house, Mrs. Anggun watched everything with a cold expression.
Her hands clenched tightly.
“If Christ refuses to leave you...”
“I'll be the one to drive you out of my son's life, Keira Namira.”
Her gaze was filled with determination.
That night marked the beginning of a long war between a mother who had never accepted her daughter-in-law... and a wife who only wanted to protect her marriage.