Chapter 13.2

Chapter 13.2

My mother-in-law’s hand, griping the sofa’s armrest, turned white. She forced a smile and said, “Just meet him. Your uncle introduced him. He said he’s a good person.”

I resisted the urge to scoff. “No thanks.”

“What?”

“It seems like you want to kick me out of this house.”

“What!”

“I’m already seeing someone.”

She was about to yell but stopped short. “What?”

I looked at her calmly. This time, I didn’t tremble before her—she could no longer hit or verbally abuse Lee Buyeon. Though she was older, in terms of family hierarchy, Namgung Yena ranked above her.

“I said I’m seeing someone.”

Her face contorted in an ugly expression. “Do you realize you’re disrespecting your uncle with this behavior?”

I shrugged. I wasn’t afraid of her anymore. “Believe it or not, I am seeing someone.”

She visibly faltered at my demeanor. “Who… who is it?”

“I don’t think I need to tell you.”

“Hey! Namgung Yena!”

“Oh my. Aunt, Grandfather is right across the hall.”

Her face turned bright red as she trembled with rage. I had never seen her like this before, and it felt exhilarating.

“Orphaned brat.”

“I never asked for your pity.”

“Arrogant b!tch.”

“Thank you.”

When I didn’t back down, she jumped up and raised her arm. I looked her straight in the eyes. I won’t let you hit me anymore.

“Are you going to hit me?”

I stood up and leaned my cheek towards her. “Go ahead, hit me.”

She clenched her fist but couldn’t bring herself to strike me, trembling violently.

“Crazy b!tch.”

My mother-in-law swore and stormed out, stomping her slippers along the way like a petulant child.

I laughed. So, this is what power feels like.

My mother-in-law, who had always terrified me, was just another lower rung on the family pyramid. Now, there was nothing I couldn’t do, no need to watch my back. I no longer had to be scared of getting hit or be on edge all the time.

When I got home earlier, I was worried about how to act around my family members, but this incident erased those worries. There was no need to fear them anymore.

—

When evening came, all I had to do was escort Grandfather to the dining room at mealtime. There was no need to hustle in the kitchen to prepare the food.

When I entered the dining room, everyone stood up from their chairs simultaneously. Of course, they stood because of Grandfather, but it still felt good. I stared at my husband. Just looking at his face made my stomach turn.

Dinner was served. As soon as I saw the plate placed in front of me, I hesitated. It was Korean cuisine, with the main dish being braised short ribs. Grandfather’s gaze turned sharp when he saw my plate.

“Didn’t you know that Yena can’t eat meat?”

“Oh my, did Yena get braised ribs? There must have been a mistake in the kitchen. Yena, just eat around the ribs.”

I looked at my mother-in-law. Miss Yena, in the past, didn’t eat meat. This was intentional, a petty revenge for my earlier defiance. But I wasn’t going to play along. I spoke to Grandfather.

“It’s alright, Grandfather. I eat meat now. I have been avoiding it because of my diet, but I’ve decided to start eating it again because I was getting too thin.”

Then, I smiled sweetly at my mother-in-law.

“Thank you, Aunt. I’ll enjoy the meal.”

I deliberately picked up the biggest piece of meat and ate it with relish. I almost laughed at the stunned faces of my mother-in-law and father-in-law. Not just them, but my husband and his two brothers were also stunned.

“That’s right. You don’t need to diet. Eating well and being healthy is the best,” said my sister-in-law, Chae-Ian, with a kind tone.

“Thank you, little sister.”

At that moment, my mother-in-law interjected.

“From now on, just call her sister.”

“Why?”

“There’s only one daughter-in-law in this house, so why do you still call her little sister?”

“Wow, unbelievable. It hasn’t been long since elder sister passed away, and you’re already like this? Is no one mourning her death? Not even you, brother? Surely not?”

I smiled brightly as I looked directly at my husband. He was flustered.

“Of course not. It feels like she’s still alive.”

“Oh? Really? Then can you see who’s behind you?”

Everyone turned to look behind him. He, especially, turned pale and looked over his shoulder, and lost his temper.

“Namgung Yena!”

I burst into laughter.

“Just kidding, just kidding. But brother, be careful,” I looked at him with a sharp gaze, “They say a restless spirit who died with so much resentment can’t leave the house. They become a ghost, haunting the halls with vengeance.”

“Hey!”

“Oh, these braised ribs are really delicious. Everyone, dig in before the food gets cold.”

Everyone’s faces turned red with embarrassment. The only person who managed to suppress a smile was Grandfather. It wasn’t long before my mother-in-law, having calmed herself, spoke elegantly.

“Father, did you know Yena is seeing someone?”

I flinched for a moment. A counterattack? Grandfather couldn’t hide his surprise and asked,

“You are?”

I could see right through her. She believed I was lying and wanted to expose me in front of Grandfather. I answered calmly,

“Yes, Grandfather, I am.”

“Who is it?”

“I’ll tell you later. We’re still getting to know each other.”

“Are you sure you’re not just lying?” My mother-in-law suddenly interjected.