Melanie didn't see me for a few days and seemed to sense something was off; she called me directly. "Nina, you've gotten bold. Where have you been for the past few days?"
"Mom, I'm renting a small place outside, and I have a nanny taking care of me. Don't worry."
Melanie's tone was fierce; if I had been in front of her, I would have probably been torn to shreds. "What?! You rented a place on your own? How much is that costing? You better come back, or don't even think about coming back!"
I had enough of the disappointment and replied calmly, "Mom, whether you agree or not, I'm spending my own money. I took care of Thomas and you for months while I was pregnant. I may not have contributed in labor, but I've certainly put in my share of effort. Now I just want a little peace; I'm not bothering anyone!"
Melanie's breathing grew heavier. "Fine, then don't ask me for help with anything from now on, and don't come back to this house!"
After that, I really didn't return to that so-called home for months.
Until my water broke, the nanny took me to the hospital, and since the hospital required a family member's signature, I had to bring my mother-in-law along.
I figured she must be holding a grudge against me and used this method to annoy me.
After a while, my husband, Thomas, rushed back.
In addition to my husband, there was also his smiling mother behind him.
Looking at his angry face, I couldn't help but think that his mother must have asked her son to support her.
"Nina, I haven't come back in the past few months because I've been busy. Is this how you treat our mother?" Thomas shouted at me without even asking for the reason.
Tears welled up in my eyes. I thought I could rely on him, but I didn't expect him to help his mother deal with me at this time.
"Are you still talking? Have you come back once in the past few months? I went through the whole pregnancy alone. If it weren't for Aunt Rhea, I would have been driven to death by your mother!"
Thomas was choked by my words and felt somewhat guilty: "But you can't stay away for months. After all, she is our mother."
Looking at my filial husband, I felt disappointed in my heart and eyes.
I turned my face away, holding the child in my arms, not wanting to look at him again.
"Nina!" My husband called my full name again.
"Are we still together? You must apologize to our mother!"