Beneath the polished surface of the dining table, Elena's hands were clenched in a silent battle against her rising frustration, her teeth tightly gritted. Despite her efforts to maintain patience and play the role of the gracious daughter-in-law, the pressure had become too much to bear.
Had Mrs. Liu just implied that Elena had problems because she wasn't pregnant? Though never explicitly stated, the judgmental glint in the older woman's eyes conveyed a message loud and clear.
Elena's mouth opened, poised to respond to the old woman's words. However, before she could say anything, the abrupt screech of a chair being pushed back demanded her attention.
Yuchen, having risen from his seat, shot a piercing glare at his parents. His face flushed with anger, hands clenched at his sides.
"What are you doing?" Mr. Liu questioned, his displeasure evident. "We're in the middle of lunch," he continued, oblivious to the storm brewing within his son.
