Chapter 367 Just Be Yourself
I was upset over the previous incident, but Michael’s family was involved; hence, I knew I would have to forgive them. Otherwise, I would seem like a petty woman who refused to let the matter slip.
In the living room, everyone was waiting. Josephine accepted a piece of fruit from the housekeeper and bit into it. When she spotted Michael and me, she shot me a frosty look and said nothing.
Previously, she did a one-eighty after finding out that I was pregnant with a baby boy. Right now, she had returned to her usual aloof self. I was displeased by the change in her attitude.
Nonetheless, it was a blessing in disguise. I’d rather have her treating me this way every day instead of treating me kindly for the sake of my child.
Michael’s grandfather, Andy, was reading the papers on the couch. I went over to greet him politely. “Hello, Grandpa.”
Andy lifted his head and nodded. “You’re back.”
“Yes. I’m sorry, Grandpa.”
I knew what Andy meant and immediately offered a shy apology.
“There’s no need to apologize, young lady. It’s normal for a young couple to fight; moreover, I’m not that traditional,” Andy said with a smile.
He didn’t seem to mind what happened.
In the Shaw family, Andy was the only one who treated me kindly, and I was thankful for that. Hearing his words, I felt warmth spreading all over my heart.
“Dad, you’re too generous. If you don’t interfere in their matter, others will talk behind our back. They’ll say Mrs. Shaw left home, for there is discord in the Shaw family!” Josephine declared.
Clearly, Andy’s forgiving words had made her upset. She whipped her head around and gave me a dirty look.
I knew Josephine despised me since our first meeting. Hearing her words, I lowered my head silently.
“All right. It’s normal for young ladies to be feisty. You should be a considerate mother-in-law,” Andy retorted.
He frowned and sent Josephine a withering glance that spoke volumes.
Even though I was new in the family, Andy would always defend me every time Josephine admonished me. I was rather touched by his actions. After all, I was an ordinary girl from the countryside. I was grateful that Andy could accept me despite my background.
“Mom, stop it. I was responsible for the DNA results, too. I promised Anna that it wouldn’t happen again,” Michael said, and there was a finality to his tone that warned Josephine to stop kicking up a fuss.
Michael walked towards me and placed himself in the eye of the storm. He then reached out to hold me tightly in his embrace.
Sensing his protective manner, I lifted my head and glanced at him. As Michael had made that announcement, it meant that he knew his mistake. The realization brought me a ray of happiness. Relief filled me so instantly that I felt about ten pounds lighter.
“Michael, are you saying it was my fault? I just want to know if she is pregnant with a baby boy. How is that wrong?” Josephine snapped.
Clearly, she didn’t expect Michael to rebuke her for her actions. An ominous black thundercloud of temper had settled over her after learning her son’s stance.
“That’s enough. From today onward, I don’t want to hear anyone discussing the child’s gender!” Michael declared.
As Josephine staunchly pursued the matter, Michael’s frown deepened, and a spark of anger stained his gaze.
Josephine jolted up from her seat on the couch and quivered in anger. A wave of fury crashed through her as she demanded, “Michael, I’m utterly disappointed in you. You’ve changed after marrying this woman! How dare you go against me lately? Did you forget that I’m your mother?”
Michael’s brows knitted as he gazed at her without a word. He had made himself clear that he was siding with me.
The silence was so palpable that it seemed to solidify in the air.
Suddenly, Andy broke the silence. “Enough! This isn’t a serious matter. I can’t believe you have to argue every time you meet! We’re a family, so why can’t you get along with each other? Stop pushing my buttons!”
He got to his feet and sent both Josephine and Michael a withering glance.
It was obvious that Andy was frustrated at Josephine and Michael’s frequent arguments after I came into their life.
“Grandpa, it was all my fault,” I offered apologetically and hung my head low.
It might not be my fault, but I was the reason every time Michael and Josephine fought. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel anything about it.
Hearing my apology, Andy came over to me and gave me a comforting pat on the shoulder. “Anna, it isn’t your fault. I adore you. Michael’s lucky to have you as his wife, and I get a filial granddaughter-in-law!” he said kindly.
In response, I flashed a smile. I knew he had a heart of gold. Andy was the nicest person in the world after Michael.
Josephine might be hot-tempered, but she was afraid of Andy. After Andy said that, she dared not utter a word despite her fury.
I watched as Michael close the distance with quick strides and announced, “Grandpa, I brought Anna here to visit you today. If there’s nothing else, we shall take our leave now.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and led me out of the house.
After getting into the car, I turned to Michael and asked, “Are we leaving just like that? Isn’t that rude?” I couldn’t hide the disappointment in my voice.
I would experience a qualm of unease without fail every time we paid a visit to the Shaw residence. Josephine would always utter harsh words, and Michael would respond by defending me. Every visit would end on a bad note, and our relationship would deteriorate further.
Back then, I was naïve enough to assume that Josephine would change her attitude as time passed. By then, Michael and I would’ve been together for some time, and she would probably cave in. Alas, I was wrong. Josephine would do anything to kick me out of the Shaw family.
“Do you want to stay behind to get yelled at? That might be your wish, but I won’t let that happen.”
Michael’s brows were furrowed together. I could tell he was in a bad mood, no thanks to Josephine’s previous attitude.
“Michael, what do you suggest I do to get on your mother’s good side? I don’t want her to get mad at the sight of me.” I turned to look at Michael and posed a serious question.
Despite not liking Josephine, I hoped to strike up a good relationship with her. After all, Michael was an influential figure, and the public kept an eye on his private life.
If the news of Josephine and I being at odds were splashed over the papers, Michael would definitely be affected. I didn’t mind that, but I had to consider his reputation.
