5. "You're Not Gonna Be Daughter In Law Here."

AMBER. The dinner atmosphere at Vincent's family home was luxurious and formal. The crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling reflected a warm glow throughout the room, creating a feel that was more like a big event than an ordinary family gathering. Everyone was laughing, talking in light tones, but in my heart, there was just a tension hanging over me, like something big was being prepared. I gazed at the table filled with delicious food, but there was nothing to enjoy. All my eyes were on Grandpa Vincent who sat at the end of the table with an air of authority. He seemed satisfied with the attention he was getting, as if the whole world revolved around him. Grandpa Vincent finally put down his glass, breaking the heated conversation around the table. All eyes were on him, and I felt my stomach turn over. An inevitable offer was coming. "Amber," he said, turning his gaze to me, "As part of this family, I want to give you something more than just a symbol. I know that this marriage..." For a second of time, he stop his words. "It may not be easy for you." He smiled, as if this was small talk about the weather. "But, to show our commitment to this relationship, I want to give you a gift. A house. A big house, complete with all the conveniences you might need." I paused for a moment, my eyes meeting Vincent's who was staring at me with an expression I couldn't quite place. He said nothing, just waited for my reaction. The rest of the family looked at me with hope, as if this gift was something that could not be refused. But my heart felt tight. Home? It was more than just an inanimate object-it was a symbol, a bond, and more importantly, an obligation I had to shoulder, a trap I had to accept. I took a deep breath, feeling the heat creeping up my cheeks. All eyes were still on me, waiting for me to answer. "Thank you, Grandfather," I said in a firm voice, though my heart trembled. "But I can't accept the gift." The previously boisterous atmosphere of the room was suddenly quiet. I could feel the tension in the air, like there was lightning ready to strike. He looked at me with a gaze I couldn't guess. The smile on his face suddenly hardened. "You refuse?" he said, his tone surprised, but there was a power hidden behind it. "This house is a gift from the family, a token of acceptance. You know what we did for this, don't you?" I bit my lip, restraining myself from expressing my growing anger. "I appreciate your good intentions, Grandpa. But I don't need a home to feel accepted in this family. I want our relationship to be built on trust, not an obligation that is simply given." Grandpa Vincent was silent for a moment, then raised his eyebrows. "Excellent," he said in a flat voice. "I thought a little gift from our family would make you feel more appreciated. I was wrong." On the other side of the table, Vincent's family members exchanged glances, some with expressions of surprise, some with uncertainty. However, I couldn't care less. All I knew was that I had to stand on my principles. I could not accept such a gift just because of their demands or expectations. Vincent, who had been silent, finally sighed and spoke softly, almost as if talking to himself. "Amber..." he said, "You can refuse the gift, but remember, refusing these kinds of things in my family is not a commonly accepted act." I looked at him with a stern gaze. "I don't care. I prefer to build a true relationship, without anyone feeling forced or burdened by such gifts." Jerco-Vincent's grandfather folded his hands, his face growing serious. "You will learn, Amber. It's not just about you and I. It's about family." They all waited for my reaction, but I remained silent, letting the decision hang in the air. Home or not, I would stand by my decision. I was not theirs to give and take at will. *** I stood on the balcony, looking at the spacious backyard, where the shady trees seemed to block my view to the outside world. The night was so quiet, there was only the sound of the wind gently waving. But inside me, there was a shaking anxiety. Just now, I received an unexpected warning-from Vincent's mother. Vincent's mother came to see me after dinner, as if she had been waiting for the right time to speak. There was no friendly smile on her face, just a sharp gaze that felt piercing. I knew, from the start, that she never liked me. Maybe it was because I didn't come from a family of their class, or maybe it was just because I was the only thing that could stand in the way of her son achieving his goals. He came closer, standing right behind me, looking far ahead with an expression that was hard to read. Then he spoke, his voice low and full of warning tones. "Amber," he said, the name slipping from his lips like poison, "I hope you know what you're doing." I turned my head, a little surprised by the different tone. "What do you mean?" Madam Jenna-Vincent's mother smiled, but it wasn't a warm smile. It was a smile filled with hidden hatred. "You know, you'll never really be part of this family. You're just a means to an end. Don't think my son will give you any more attention than necessary." I choked up, almost unable to believe his words. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to keep myself from getting emotional. He walked closer, approaching me with steady steps. His eyes were piercing, and instantly I felt a wave of hatred so strong, it was as if he wanted to crush every part of me. "My point is very simple, Amber. During this marriage, don't ever expect my son to love you. That will never happen. He has bigger goals, and you are just a part of his plan." The rebuke was so sharp, it made my heart feel like it had been slashed. I wanted to defend myself, to say that I didn't need his love, but somehow the words wouldn't come out. Instead, all I felt was bitterness that seeped into my every pore. Madam Jenna continued, her voice growing colder. "Don't be stupid, Amber. You're not the only one who can get what my son wants. So stop thinking that you're anything more than a tool. You're nothing more than the woman he chose to solve his family's problems." I bit my lip, holding back the tears that were about to burst. How could he be so cruel? Why did everything feel like a game in their hands? Why did I have to be here, trapped in this lie? Madam Jenna looked at me once more, as if satisfied by my reaction. "You think this is a legal marriage? Happy?" She laughed sarcastically. "Don't expect that to happen. You'll only feel pain, Amber. Pain that you created yourself by naively hoping for love here." Her words were so piercing, and although I wanted to fight back, I could only remain silent. Madam Jenna had reminded me, given me a real picture of the marriage I was in-a marriage without love, without hope. I knew that even if I fought, I would never be able to change the destiny they had set for me. However, one thing I knew for sure: I won't just give up. I may not be able to change it now, but I will definitely find my own way, even if it means fighting alone. The room felt more and more cramped with every word that came out of Vincent's mother's mouth. We were in a luxurious living room, yet my heart felt tight, like it was trapped between four walls that were pressing in. Vincent had just left on business for a while, leaving me with his mother and extended family. From the start, I knew this would not be an easy meeting. Vincent's mother sat in a large chair facing me, her eyes assessing, as if deciding whether I was worthy of acceptance or not. Her cold, calculating smile made me feel like I was in a courtroom, where every word could change my fate. "I've seen a lot of women in Vincent's life," Madam Jenna said in a voice that was calm, yet full of meaning. "And I have to say, Rena, that I'm not sure you would make a good daughter-in-law for our family." Her words were so sharp, as if she had decided everything without giving me a chance to defend myself. I swallowed, trying to calm myself down. "What do you mean?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer. Mrs. Vincent frowned, as if I wasn't worthy of understanding the wisdom behind her words. "I mean, you know, right? Our family is not just any family. We have very high standards. Not everyone can conform to that," she said, her stern voice almost sounding like a command. I tried to hold my breath, remembering how much dislike for me I had often caught in her eyes. "I may not be perfect, Mom," I said carefully. "But I always try to be myself. Vincent and I are together by choice, not by anyone else's expectations." Madam Jenna laughed coldly, as if I didn't understand what I was dealing with. "Oh, you are indeed brave, Amber. But don't get me wrong. This isn't just about you two. It's about our family, our heritage. We can't accept just anyone as part of this family. "If you think you're going to be a son-in-law who is accepted with open arms, you're very wrong." Every word Madam Jenna said turned me off more and more. I could feel the anger and pain that began to radiate through my body. However, I knew one thing-Iwouldn't let myself be crushed so easily by her words. "So, you think I'm not good enough to be a part of this family?" I asked, voice a little shaky, but still strong. I had to defend my dignity. "That's just the way it is, Amber," she replied in a very flat tone, almost as if she were giving an unavoidable lesson. "You may be suitable in Vincent's eyes, but you will never be suitable by this family's standards. So, you better understand your position before it's too late." I swallowed hard, feeling a sharp pain in my chest. Every word from Vincent's mother was a blow, and I knew that she would do everything possible to separate us. But I couldn't back down. I had already made the decision to be by Vincent's side, and I would stay. In a calmer yet still firm voice, I replied, "I may never meet this family's standards, Mother, but I believe Vincent chose me not because I am perfect. I am here because I want to be a part of his life. That's all." Vincent's mother gave me a long look, as if trying to gauge how strong I was. However, I already knew-no matter what happened, I wouldn't give up. She can think of me as anyone she wants, but I will stand my ground.