On the other hand, Leena's eyes were wide with astonishment as she stared at the man. Something about what he said made her heart ache in a really sweet and good way. The simple remark he said was beyond any "I love you". It was simply worth more.
"Enough of the chitchat. Kevin, take Leena upstairs. The long trip must have tired you. Leena, we have years ahead of us. Go to sleep now. Otherwise, your husband may think that I'm bullying you." Despite Claire's unwillingness to accept Leena, Shannon was pleased to see such a happy and satisfying marriage. She could finally set her mind at ease watching how her son and daughter-in-law couldn't seem to get enough of each other.
"Okay. Leena, let's go." Kevin stood up and reached out to help Leena.
I'm fine. I don't feel tired. We rarely come back. Stay to chat with your mom." A mild blush appeared on Leena's cheeks as she disapproved Kevin's command for the first time. She might not have a child yet but she knew how a mother's concern for her child was. And Shannon was no exception.
"Okay. I'll go upstairs to take a shower. I will join you after that." The man checked his watch. It was still early, and thus, he didn't force Leena to go upstairs with him. Plus, this could be a good opportunity for Leena to get closer to his Mom.
"No need. Leena, go with Kevin. I'll see what your dad needs." Since their conversation turned out unpleasing due to Claire, Shannon simply pushed the boat with the current and let Leena go upstairs with Kevin. She knew that Leena didn't really mean to stay. Leena was just being her naturally kind self who wouldn't want to hurt her feelings. She could sense how much the lady wanted to flee from the living room to avoid more commotions with Claire. As Shannon was also a daughter-in-law of the Gu family, she knew Leena's situation like the back of her hand.
"Okay. I'll go back to my room. Good night, Mom. Good night, Claire." Leena politely bid her good night to both ladies.
"Good night. Hope you can be used to the life here," was Shannon's worried reply. The weather there was different from that in S City. It was much colder at night than the daytime.
Don't worry, Mom. I'll take care of her. Leena, let's go." Kevin pulled his wife's hand and strode upstairs and Leena ended up looking back to Shannon with an apologizing smile.
"Humph! Mom, look how arrogant Kevin is!" Claire curled her lip. Obviously, what Leena did annoyed her. She bet that Leena was cursing them while pretending to be cultured and sensible.
"Watch your mouth, Claire. You're lucky that your sister-in-law is nice and doesn't take things seriously. You would have a hard time if she fussed about what you did." Shannon was back to scold her child as soon as Kevin and Leena disappeared. She was very pleased with how Leena behaved. Her daughter was haughty because of her love and indulgence.
"Mom, why do you take her side? I don't think she is nice. Didn't you see how fake she acted? I think she is trying to fawn on you. Her hypocritical smile is annoying," pouted Claire. There was no way that she would like Leena at all. The woman was simply a thorn in her flesh.
"Are you jealous, Claire? As the darling of our family, you think everything about you is perfect. Therefore, you can't bear the reality that your sister-in-law outshines you. That's why you hate her. Am I right?" Shannon thought that she had made a very close guess as she knew her daughter so well.
"No! I'm not jealous of her! She is from an ordinary family and she dresses rather rustically. Why would I envy her? Don't compare us. I'm a white swan while she is an ugly duckling!" Claire retorted with a loud voice. She couldn't hold her feelings back anymore. She was indeed jealous of Leena's sweet voice and smile. She thought that a pretty girl of humble birth like Leena didn't deserve to have innate charm.
"What's wrong with her family background? Her family isn't wealthy or prestigious but she is a well-bred young lady. I think she looks elegant and cultivated in her dress and it is at least better than your garish clothes." Shannon scowled at her daughter. She had never hated anyone who was socially inferior to them. She was never born as a snob and it was surprising how she ended with bringing up one. How ridiculous was that!
I knew that you would speak for her! Since you like her so much and you can treat her as your daughter, then I'd better disappear!" Claire stomped her feet and then ran for the stairs. The way her mother scolded her made her hate Leena even more.
Looking at Claire's angry silhouette, Shannon furrowed her brow and sighed inwardly. Somehow she felt uneasy and had a hunch that something bad might happen. This thought disturbed her. Thus, she remained staring at the stairs, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, inside the bedroom, Kevin was taking a shower while Leena stood in the balcony. The curtains billowed in the breeze. What Claire said echoed in her ears. The sky was misty and she couldn't look far. She focused her eyes on the darkness as thoughts began to flood her mind. 'Everyone generally likes me. Why does Claire loathe me much at the first meeting? It really shatters my confidence. Sheesh! This is making me miss S City so much. I miss my family members who love me. Even Justin who often pisses me off seems so cute now.'