Chapter 15: A Small Misunderstanding
Amelia believed that 99% of wives in the world had experienced conflicts with their husbands‘ relatives, but rarely did it escalate to the level she was enduring now.
Chad’s relatives saw her as a gold–digger who schemed her way into their wealthy family. They looked down on her, treating her as someone beneath even the household staff. If she were a servant, at least they might feign politeness and say “thank you” after receiving her services in the name of aristocratic manners.
But Amelia? She was treated as someone they could boss around and ridicule at will, someone who deserved no respect. The only “privilege” she had was sitting at the same table during meals, and even that felt like an extension of their contempt.
Among them, Chad’s sister, Celine Weatherfield, despised her the most–second only to Chad’s mother. Whenever they met, Celine would order Amelia to massage her, paint her toenails, or perform other menial tasks. If Amelia didn’t meet her standards, Celine would criticize her, claiming it was all to “temper her character and ensure she stayed humble, so as not to embarrass Chad or the family.
Amelia had always hoped Chad would defend her in front of his relatives, but instead, he accused her of being lazy and told her to do her work without complaint, reminding her this was her “only value.” Celine, with a mocking tone, said, “Some women can’t even finalize their divorce papers before throwing themselves into another man’s arms. You’ve brought nothing but shame to the Weatherfield name!” She raised her voice deliberately for everyone to hear. “Oh, I get it. This is just your old trick, isn’t it? The same one you used to worm your way into our family! Now you’re setting your sights on your new lover, hoping he’ll buy you a car?”
Amelia, recalling the years of humiliation she endured, wasn’t about to back down. She countered with a smirk: “Oh my, who’s squawking like that? Turns out it’s the Weatherfield family’s old spinster.” She added, her tone dripping with sarcasm, “What’s the matter? Seeing other people paired off finally drove you mad?”
You how dare you talk to me like that?”
Celine stood there, stunned. In her memory, Amelia had always been meek and submissive, never daring to retaliate. This sudden defiance left her both shocked and furious.
Amelia leaned in closer, her voice low but sharp. “Next time you step out of the house,” she said, ‘consider stitching up that mouth of yours. Otherwise… your father might have to clean up your mess again.” Elise, who had been quietly observing, clapped her hands in admiration. This was the Amelia she remembered.
Celine’s face twisted with rage. “Can you even name one thing Chad has done wrong to you? And yet, here you are, flaunting the title of Mrs. Weatherfield while sneaking around with that Richard! When this family needs you the most, you-
Slap!
Aloud, resounding slap cut through Celine’s tirade.
She staggered backward, falling to the floor. Her meticulously styled hair came undone as the room fell silent, every eye fixed on the unfolding drama.
Celine clutched her reddened cheek, looking up at Amelia with a mix of shock and hatred.
“How dare you, you crazy woman!”
Amelia’s voice was calm and icy. “First of all, Richard and I are innocent. Second,” she paused, her gaze piercing, “your so–called ‘family? You mean the people who treat me like a free servant? The ones who
make me scrub floors on my knees? The ones who deliberately spill red wine at banquets just to humiliate me?
She let out a cold laugh. “Third, the Weatherfield family’s money and status?” Her tone turned scornful. “They mean nothing to me.”
Several women, dressed in outfits that practically radiated wealth, exchanged glances from the sidelines. They were Celine’s so–called friends, her shallow inner circle.
Some of them had attended the city charity gala recently and recognized Amelia. That night, Amelia had danced with Richard, and her radiance had stolen the spotlight. It was a night that had led to countless whispers mocking Vianna and Chad within elite circles. These women had used the incident to suppress Celine’s position in their little social hierarchy.
Now, seeing the scene before them, they didn’t step forward to help. Instead, they pulled out their phones, eager to capture this spectacle.
Amelia noticed the cameras and delivered a pointed warning. That’s enough, Celine. I’m not someone who tattles, but if you dare to slander me again, I won’t just sue you–I’ll make sure to have a little chat with Richard as well.”
Celine, who had been on the verge of retaliating, froze. Amelia’s words snapped her back to reality.
She had foolishly brought Richard into this mess, forgetting that her family was currently relying on him to secure a major municipal redevelopment project. Forcing a smile, she quickly backtracked. “Oh, come on, I was just joking! How could I ever doubt Mayor Richard’s integrity? Don’t take iso seriously.” Amelia raised her hand, the same one that had just struck Celine, and smirked. “Oh, in that case, consider my slap a joke too. Now we’re even, aren’t we?” Celine clenched her teeth, swallowing her pride. She knew she had no choice–offending Richard was a price she couldn’t afford.
“Yes,” she said through gritted teeth. “We’re just joking.”
Every word felt like a dagger, but she had no other option
