“You may not be as capable as Hudson, but at least you know your place. The Leighton Family didn’t raise you for nothing.”
I nodded with a smile, agreeing again and again.
The guests around me looked on with even more dislike and disgust, while the Leighton relatives lifted their chins, staring down at me proudly.
“He’s got no backbone! His wife’s already sleeping with her brother-in-law and he’s still flattering his mother-in-law. What a shame to men!”
“What do you know? He’s trash, a beggar who grew up eating scraps. Without the Leighton Family, he wouldn’t even have food to eat. He’s fine being a fool.”
As gossip and mockery spread around me, I quietly greeted each guest. When the lucky hour came, Raline showed up holding Hudson’s arm.
The guests quickly gathered around, chatting and trying to please Hudson. Raline stayed close to him, not bothering to hide a thing.
With her head up, she enjoyed their praise, like she was already a billionaire’s wife. Her stomach was clearly round; she was already more than six months pregnant.
My mother-in-law hurried over too, warmly greeting her daughter and son-in-law, asking if she was tired and telling the servants to serve Hudson tea.
From start to finish, Hudson stayed calm and polite, his face showing no emotion at all.
Many times, I’ve asked myself this. Hudson, the richest man in the country, had married into the Leighton Family only to repay the favor of having his life saved.
But now that the debt was already cleared. Women wanting to marry him or have his child could line up across Nashville. So why, ignoring all the gossip, did he insist on being with his married sister-in-law?
While I was lost in thought, fireworks suddenly lit up the sky and the host’s loud voice filled the hall.
“Today is a day of celebration. Thank you all for coming to wish Ma’am Hannah a happy birthday.”
“Now, let’s welcome her daughter and son-in-law to come forward and give their blessings, wishing for her health and long life.”
As soon as those words were said, Raline smiled, held Hudson’s arm and stepped up to the stage.
“Mom, Hudson and I wish you good health, long life and endless wealth.” She then pulled Hudson down to kneel and offer respect.
Without a word, Hudson kept his eyes fixed on me. I smiled faintly and moved forward.
“Raline, you’ve got the wrong person. Your husband is standing right here.”