---

"It's been such a long time since you last visited my home. I thought you had forgotten that you once called me your mother."

"Lately, I've been really busy, Mom. And I've been caught up in so many problems... that I found myself thinking of you again. I miss it-the feeling of coming home, the place where I could pour my heart out completely."

"My in-laws are kind, but I can't freely confide in them. After all, Bryan is their biological son. I can never truly win their hearts."

"What's going on with Bryan? Is your marriage still okay?"

"No, Mom. Not at all. I can't soften Bryan's heart. I've never been able to make him fall in love with me. And now... he's with another woman. And he got her pregnant."

Hearing Grace's words, the slightly disheveled older woman was shocked and couldn't believe her ears.

"What are you saying? I didn't hear that wrong, did I?"

Grace shook her head instinctively. "Yes, Mom. You heard it right. And I don't know... why God is testing me with something this heavy."

"That just means you're strong," she whispered as she gently stroked Grace's shoulder.

"So, what did your in-laws do about this? Do they know?"

"Yes, they know. Bryan was the one who told them. I even asked that woman to come to the house... for the sake of safety and the family's name."

"Again, you're doing this. How long will you keep enduring and sacrificing for Bryan? That's enough, Grace. He will never see how much you love him... if he truly doesn't love you."

"But I care about my father- and mother-in-law. They're the only family I have left. What should I do, Mom? I don't know how I'm going to face tomorrow-when I used to be the only wife in Bryan's home. But starting tomorrow, another woman will be living here... and that's going to be so hard."

The older woman sighed deeply. "You're trapping yourself in a painful situation."

Grace lowered her head. "If I still had my parents, I might've already decided to end this marriage. Not because I don't love him. Not because I hate my in-laws. But... I just can't handle this situation anymore."

The older woman took Grace's hands and spoke gently, "I may not have everything your in-laws do. But I can be the safest home for you. You can always come to me when you feel like there's no one else."

Grace was moved to tears, and she instinctively hugged her mother, crying in her arms.

---

The Next Morning, 10:00 AM

Grace didn't go to the office that day since it was Saturday and there was nothing on her schedule. She stayed home to welcome the woman Bryan brought with him.

With a calm and joyful face, Bryan led his lover into the house. Jenny looked hesitant and remained mostly silent as she entered the living room.

There, on the sofa, sat Mrs. Rosalina and Grace. They all stayed silent for several minutes.

Eventually, Grace spoke to Jenny.

"Welcome, Jenny. The maid has already prepared your room. You can rest now if you'd like."

"I think I do need some rest. I'm very tired," Jenny replied softly.

"You can give instructions to the maid in your room. She's new and specially assigned to assist you," Grace added.

Jenny turned her head slightly and nodded. "Thank you."

Mrs. Rosalina didn't say a word. She only held Grace's hand, trying to give her strength.

"What should I do, Grace? I really can't accept that woman. She looks so uncultured. She's nothing like my son. Why does my family have to go through this?" she muttered in frustration, squeezing the sofa cushion.

"We can't blame fate, Ma. This is all of our fault. What Bryan did is also our responsibility. Isn't the baby in Jenny's womb Bryan's child? We have to protect it, too."

"But she won't be given any place here. This is only for Bryan's happiness and the family's principles."

"I know, Ma. Let's just do our best... hopefully, we'll eventually get used to having Jenny here."

---

Later that afternoon

Grace went to the office for a meeting. Mrs. Rosalina was in the kitchen preparing food. Jenny walked in, trying to start a conversation with Bryan's mother.

"Good afternoon, Ma. Can I help with anything?"

With a sharp look, the older woman glared at Jenny coldly.

"I don't need any help. Please leave."

"But Mama, I wanted to make some warm milk for Bryan... and also for myself. May I use the stove?"

"You don't need to do that. You can just ask the maid."

"But Mama... just like you, I don't like ordering servants around. I want to do things myself-for my family... and my husband."

Mrs. Rosalina turned and said sharply,

"Don't get too proud just because you have my son's child and call him your husband. He's not your husband. He's not even your family. You're only in this house because of Bryan. So don't ever think of me as your mother-in-law. Or that Bryan is truly your husband."

Jenny looked at her with a blank stare, her eyes beginning to glisten with tears.

"I know you love Grace very much... but I can prove to you that I'm not a bad person."

Mrs. Rosalina turned away coldly.

"Do whatever you want. I'm leaving the kitchen. Do as you please."

"Maid!" she called out.

"Yes, Madam?"

"Please finish preparing dinner. I've lost my appetite to cook."

"Yes, Madam."

Jenny sighed, trying to calm the tightness in her chest. A few moments later, she composed herself, turned on the stove, and started heating water for warm milk and tea for Bryan.

As a simple woman from the countryside, preparing a warm drink for her husband was a sacred tradition.

Once the drinks were ready, she brought them up to the bedroom.

When she arrived, she saw Bryan working on his laptop.

"Bryan, here's your warm milk and tea."

Bryan looked up. "You made this yourself? It's your first time cooking in my house. Are you starting to adjust to my mom?"

"Maybe not yet. I think your mom really doesn't like me. But that's understandable... I don't think anyone in this house does."

Bryan paused for a moment, looking at her face.

"Just be patient, okay? I believe you'll win over my parents someday."

Jenny smiled and nodded.

"Honestly, I don't want to ruin Grace's happiness. I also don't fully understand my place in this house. If everyone could accept me, maybe Grace's presence wouldn't affect me so much. I'm going to try and win them over."

"You know, two years ago, I was married to Grace suddenly. Our relationship was good-she was my childhood friend, like a sister."

"That sibling bond was shattered by that marriage. I want to bring that back. Right now, she's still an amazing partner. And I'll help her accept all this."

"That's why I don't want to destroy our childhood friendship. More than that... I don't love you-as a lover."

Hearing Bryan's explanation, Jenny finally understood.

Now, she realized that there was nothing about Grace to be jealous of.

All she needed to do was wait-until her status changed and she finally found her rightful place.