Chapter 75
Levi's mother saw I looked a bit lost, so she patted my shoulder, "If you feel uncomfortable, you can go sit in the living room for a while."
I smiled, "It's okay."
"Everyone coming today is my friend. If you two are planning to go public, I can tell them about our relationship."
Was she willing to make our relationship public?
This surprised me again.
"We're not planning to yet."
I'd discussed this with Levi, and we both felt it was best not to go public.
Levi's mother nodded, "Then I'll respect your wishes. I'll go outside to socialize in a bit. Make yourself comfortable here and pick some flowers."
"Okay."
Levi's mother was so thoughtful and considerate of my feelings. This sense of security from a mother-in-law was something I had never experienced before - it felt too good to be real.
"See you in a bit then."
Just as I was about to speak, Cleo rushed in with Jessa.
"Mom, where are you going? Look, Jessa's here. You two haven't seen each other in ages." Cleo pulled Jessa inside.
Jessa immediately put on a smile, "Auntie Uma, long time no see."
"Welcome. There are some snacks prepared outside, you can go try them."
Levi's mother was politely suggesting she leave, probably considering my feelings. The history between Levi and Jessa was definitely a sensitive topic.
"Thank you. You still look so young and beautiful." Jessa's words were sweet as honey. Honestly, I could never learn to flatter like that.
"You're too kind. I'm old now, not full of energy like you young people."
Levi's mother continued, "Cleo, take her around outside. I saw the fruit looks quite fresh."
"Mom, the fruit was ordered by Jessa from a farm. It was all picked this morning, really fresh." Cleo was all pleased.
"Auntie Uma, I'm glad you like it." Jessa smiled brightly, too.
I had to admire Jessa - she could always make fresh fruit work in her favor. She'd even sent Levi fresh cherries before.
"That's thoughtful of you."
Levi's mother didn't know what to say. She smiled awkwardly and glanced at Cleo, probably thinking her daughter had been won over by just some fruit.
"Levi said fresh things are healthy." Jessa brought up Levi again.
"Yes, my son is right. Some old things are really not suitable anymore."
Levi's mother's words had a double meaning, which I could hear.
Jessa smiled, probably only half understanding.
"Mom, Jessa..."
"I only have one daughter-in-law, and that's Blair. What's past is past. You and my son can be friends, and I'll see you as Cleo's friend."
I hadn't expected Levi's mother to be so direct, nor had I expected her to be so sure about me, recognizing me as her daughter-in-law.
"Auntie Uma, I..."
Levi's mother cut her off, "Even though I'm abroad, I know roughly what's happening back home. Your mother hurt my granddaughter, which made me very angry."
Jessa was so scared that her hands were shaking.
"It's all in the past. She got what she deserved. I can let it go, but I hope you're clear about things. Of course, if you behave yourself, you're still welcome."
These words left even Cleo at a loss. She'd thought bringing Jessa would help her get back at me.
The atmosphere became awkward...
I thought for a moment and spoke up, "Uma, there might be some misunderstanding here. First, Levi and I are doing well now. Second, Jessa already has a boyfriend."
"A boyfriend?" Levi's mother asked.
"Yes, a few days ago, when I went to the office to get some documents, I saw Jessa bring her boyfriend to discuss business with Levi, though it didn't seem to work out."
Cleo suddenly asked me, "Which day are you talking about?"
"The day you went shopping for clothes."
I made it clear, letting her know Jessa was just using her to get close to Levi.
Actually, I don't like stirring up trouble between people, but I really didn't want to get caught up in their drama. Letting them tangle with each other might help me escape this mess.
"Auntie Uma, I did get a boyfriend. I came today with no other intention, just to see you. It's been a long time."
Levi's mother took Jessa's hand, "Then I wish you well, finding someone you like."
I could read the unwillingness on Jessa's face, but nothing could be changed now. She might have placed her last hope on Levi's mother, but that last hope had been crushed, too.
Even Cleo, the only one who believed her, now had doubts about her.
"Thank you, Auntie."
Jessa reluctantly said her thanks. Her plan had failed again.
Cleo glared at her, seeming dissatisfied.
"Mom, let's go out. Don't keep everyone waiting." Cleo now didn't want to see us either and was eager to leave.
Levi's mom turned to look at me and said, "If you feel uncomfortable, find a quiet place to stay. Treat it like your own home."
"Okay."
I watched them leave, feeling warm inside. Today, Levi's mom gave me such a sense of security. For the first time in six years, I felt like I was truly part of the Morgan family.
Jessa smiled bitterly, "Blair, do you think you've won?"
"I've never competed with you, so how can there be winning or losing?"
I was really tired of her always talking about winning and losing. She was clearly the one constantly trying to destroy my family. I didn't even put up a fight for it. From beginning to end, it was Levi who wouldn't divorce, and now my mother-in-law's attitude toward me had changed.
"You deliberately told Cleo about us going to see Levi that day?"
"If you did it, why are you afraid of people knowing?"
Jessa rushed forward angrily and grabbed my collar, pushing me back against the flower stand before I could resist.
"Blair, do you think just because Levi protects you, I don't dare touch you?"
I tried hard to pry her hands off, but couldn't. "Don't you like to act weak? Why are you showing your true colors now?"
Jessa's face turned vicious, and she raised her hand to slap my face.
I never expected she would actually hit me. I thought she wouldn't make a scene here.
But when the pain hit my face, it finally sank in. I didn't even instinctively fight back - my mind went blank as I covered my face.
"What are you doing!"
Levi pulled Jessa away and asked me worriedly, "Did she hurt you?"
I clenched my teeth and said nothing.
Jessa rushed forward to grab Levi's arm, "Levi, it's not what you think, we two..."
"I saw it clearly."
Levi turned around and shook her off, "Are you trying to be as arrogant as your mother?"
"No, I, I really..."
Jessa couldn't argue anymore. She hadn't expected Levi to show up.
I knew Jessa hated me to the bone, but I never imagined that even now she would keep pestering me...