Chapter 25 Cleo Supports Me
Tyler spoke through clenched teeth, his voice like a knife being sharpened.
"Sophia, you keep pushing my limits. Have I been too nice to you that you've become this bold?"
I laughed bitterly at his words. "Me, bold? Are you the one being too arrogant, or am I being too bold? You know the truth. Jasper is still upstairs. I don't want him to know about what's between us. I want him to have a peaceful, happy childhood."
At the mention of Jasper, Tyler seemed to share the same understanding. He let go of me and forced himself to calm down.
I just glanced at him and went upstairs without a word.
-
A day later, Tyler's parents arrived. I took Jasper to Cleo's house to wait, while Tyler went to pick them up from the airport.
I felt anxious the whole time. In over six years of marriage, Tyler's parents had never accepted me. I used to try hard to impress them, hoping to win their approval, but it was all useless. Eventually I just let things be—after all, we only saw each other a few times a year.
But even so, every time I had to face them, I still felt deeply powerless.
I sat next to Cleo with Jasper, chatting with her, trying to seem relaxed.
Jasper was carefree, running around the living room, occasionally jumping into Cleo's arms to act cute.
Cleo smiled and hugged him, her eyes gentle. When our eyes met, she nodded slightly. I knew she was silently backing me up.
Sunlight slanted through the window, falling on Jasper's smiling face. In that moment, I wished time could stop right there—calm and peaceful, without the judgment and pressure that was coming.
The other adults sitting around were happy to play with Jasper, because he was adorable and naturally charming.
"Jasper is so handsome, he inherited all his father's good qualities."
"With Tyler's genes, no matter what kind of woman he has a child with, that child would definitely be very handsome."
"The Thompson family doesn't have any ugly people."
"..."
Listening to everyone's conversation, I felt deeply powerless again. I knew almost everyone was mocking me.
Cleo wasn't stupid—she heard it too. So she tapped her cane lightly and said slowly, "Tyler is good-looking, and Sophia is beautiful too. Sophia is so pretty, so naturally her child with Tyler would be good-looking."
Once Cleo spoke, no one dared to argue. Everyone knew Cleo adored Sophia.
"Right, Grandma is right. Sophia is so fresh and pretty, she's barely changed since college."
"Youth really is wonderful. When are you having a second child? They say the second one is even prettier than the first."
"That white sweater set Sophia is wearing is this year's new release, right? A limited edition too. Tyler really spoils his wife."
With Cleo's authority backing me, everyone started flattering me. While I was grateful to Cleo, I had no interest in these people's fake faces.
So I could only respond with a pleased smile.
Just then, Jasper ran over and hugged my leg, saying proudly, "My mom is the most beautiful mom in the world. All my classmates say Mom is as pretty as a princess, a princess from a fairy tale."
Right after he said that, someone blurted out, "Haha, your mom's life now is much better than any princess in a fairy tale—no worries about food or clothes, getting everything she wants without lifting a finger."
Suddenly, the whole room fell silent. My face darkened, people looked at each other awkwardly, and the atmosphere was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Faced with this situation, I was helpless. I could only force out a bitter smile, trying hard to suppress my sadness, putting on a fake smile to maintain my last bit of dignity.
Naturally, Cleo backed me up. She struck her cane angrily and said sternly, "Our Sophia was born a princess. No matter what, she deserves all of this. It's her destiny, and others can't be jealous of it. Don't you agree, Nia?"
Nia was the middle-aged woman who had just spoken thoughtlessly. She was Tyler's uncle's second wife, also from an ordinary family. She got pregnant before marriage, and Tyler's uncle's ex-wife made a huge scene everywhere. I remember it was quite messy, until Cleo stepped in to settle things.
So the one who was really unwelcome in the Thompson family was actually Nia.
She knew this herself, so she worked very hard to please everyone, trying to fit into this circle. But no matter how hard she tried, at critical moments her true nature would show.
Just like now.
Hearing Cleo's mocking words, Nia's face turned red, too embarrassed to even lift her head.
I remained calm, not planning to get involved.
The atmosphere stayed tense—so quiet you could hear everyone's heartbeat. An awkward feeling filled the air.
Realizing her mistake, Nia quickly tried to explain, "Right... right, I meant Sophia is lucky, it's her destiny, so marrying into a wealthy family is natural for her."
This explanation was too forced and showed her lack of education, making people just as uncomfortable.
Cleo looked stern. "Sophia's family background isn't bad. Her father was a lawyer before he passed, her mother is a doctor. Their family is at the top among ordinary people, perfectly suitable for the Thompson family. As for you, Nia, I don't need to say more, do I? Sometimes certain people should be more careful, or else..."
Cleo didn't finish, but it was enough of a threat to Nia.
Nia was terrified, looking extremely flustered, choking on her words, her expression both embarrassed and annoyed.
But Cleo wasn't planning to let her off easily. She said, "You're not suitable for this kind of occasion today, so please leave. I'll talk to Dax about it later."
Dax was Tyler's uncle, Nia's husband.
Hearing that Cleo wanted her to leave, Nia panicked, not knowing what to do. She lowered her head in shame. "I'm sorry, I said the wrong thing today, but Dax asked me to come help and wanted to introduce me to everyone. He'll come over after he finishes work."
"Even when Dax comes, he has to listen to me. Your status isn't suitable for our family dinner. I won't say it twice. Please leave."