Chapter 22 It's Your Life, Isabel
"What! No, mom... It was my decision to leave. Mason had nothing to do with it; in fact, he wanted to stay a few more days. Believe me," Isabel spoke firmly, her nerves betraying her understanding that convincing Nina wasn't going to be easy.
Nina keenly observed Isabel's visible unease while uttering those words. Familiar with Mason's capabilities, she couldn't help but believe he was the driving force behind Isabel's abrupt departure.
Isabel hoped Nina wouldn't probe further, realizing it would be challenging to concoct more lies. Despite Nina's lingering doubt, she chose to act as if she believed Isabel, avoiding making the situation more difficult for her daughter-in-law.
Nina left Isabel to her own devices, and after her shower, Isabel joined everyone for lunch. Mason was conspicuously absent, as he typically didn't come home for lunch.
Upon the first bites, Nina and John immediately noticed a distinct difference in the cooking style, not typical of Martha and Lara's usual fare.
"Did you cook all these dishes, dear?" John asked Isabel, who was quietly enjoying her lunch.
Isabel, taken aback, feared they might not appreciate her cooking. Nervously, she replied, "Yes, I did. Is there anything wrong?"
"It's fabulous, Isabel. I can't remember the last time I had such delicious cooking," John complimented, bringing a bright smile to Isabel's face. She was delighted that her father-in-law enjoyed her culinary skills.
While Nina relished the flavors, she couldn't shake her displeasure at Isabel taking on household chores. In her eyes, Isabel was like a daughter, and it seemed unusual for family members to involve themselves in such tasks. Nina wanted Isabel to settle into the family dynamics without burdening herself with too many responsibilities.
"You just got home today, Isabel. Why did you feel the need to cook for everyone? You could have taken some rest at least," Nina expressed her disappointment.
Although Isabel felt a bit disheartened by Nina's words, she also appreciated the care and concern emanating from her mother-in-law.
"It's okay, Mom. I had nothing to do. Besides, I love cooking. I used to cook in my home before marriage," Isabel reassured Nina, trying to downplay the significance of her actions.
"Look, Isabel, if you enjoy cooking, then go ahead. There's no need to do it out of responsibility, dear. You're a part of the family, and we don't want you to force yourself to act differently," John chimed in, expressing his desire for Isabel to feel at ease among the family members.
"And we have..." Nina was about to add something when Anna interrupted her.
"Oh, come on, Mom. If she wants to cook, let her do it. Besides, she's no use. So, it's better for her to do a few house chores," Anna spoke irritably, unaware of the impact of her words.
As soon as Anna realized what she had just said, horror washed over her, and she looked at her mom, Nina, who was already glaring at her furiously.
"Watch your mouth, Anna. Don't forget she is your sister-in-law," John warned her.
Though Nina didn't say anything at that moment, the rage in her silence was palpable. Isabel, not wanting Anna to face further scolding, decided to change the topic. She knew that Anna didn't like her and Mason, and she didn't want to exacerbate the situation. However, before Isabel could say anything, Anna began to apologize.
"I'm sorry, Isabel. I shouldn't have said something like that. Excuse me."
With that, Anna stormed off from the dining area, leaving Isabel's heart twisted in pain at the evident hatred in Anna's eyes.
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The next day, Isabel rose early, ready to take on the kitchen and prepare breakfast for everyone. Martha guided her through the breakfast menu and spilled the beans on everyone's coffee preferences. Isabel took charge, brewing coffee and delivering it directly to the rooms, bypassing Martha's usual routine. Afterward, she laid out breakfast and eagerly awaited the family's arrival.
Mason appeared first, fully suited for the office. He paid no heed to Isabel's breakfast-serving efforts, acting as if she were invisible. Despite being impressed with the morning coffee and enjoying a sandwich that surpassed Martha's usual fare, Mason avoided any expression of gratitude and engrossed himself in his phone.
"Didn't I mention before, no phones during meals?" Nina's voice erupted from behind, startling both Isabel and Mason. Mason promptly stashed his phone away, offering a belated greeting to his mom. Instead of responding to Mason, Nina turned her attention to Isabel.
"Good morning, Isabel," Nina greeted sweetly and beckoned her to join them. Anna rushed in moments later, expressing surprise at the unexpectedly delightful breakfast.
"Isabel, aren't you going to your college today?" Nina asked abruptly, catching Isabel off guard about her uncertain status with Mason's family.
"If yo...you want, then I will," Isabel replied, unsure of Nina's approval.
"Of course, I want. Why shouldn't I?" Nina sounded genuinely surprised. Isabel, feeling ashamed for doubting Nina's support, couldn't find the words to respond.
"It's your life, Isabel. We want you to build a career, and we'll be there whenever you need us. You don't have to wait or care for our decision when it comes to your life," Nina assured, placing her hand on Isabel's, who nodded with tears of happiness in her eyes.
"Early morning nonsense," Mason muttered silently, visibly annoyed by the exchange between his mom and Isabel.
"And I want you to drop Isabel and Anna to college, Mason," Nina declared, catching Mason off guard as he choked on his juice, surprised by his mom's sudden directive.