Chapter 1274 Can Act Now
Cecilia was completely oblivious to Azalea's voice.
"Cecilia?" Azalea's voice grew louder when she didn't get a response.
"Mom, what's up?" Cecilia was startled and quickly stood up to respond.
Azalea's expression darkened as she glanced at Cecilia. "Go make some coffee and get some tiramisu. We've been playing cards all afternoon, and I'm getting hungry."
The other three card-playing ladies chimed in.
"I'd like a fruit salad, and don't forget to add extra oranges."
"Tiramisu has too many calories. I'll have a matcha cake instead."
"Coffee isn't good for my heart. I'll take freshly squeezed orange juice."
Cecilia noted their requests and nodded. "Sure, I'll get that ready right away!"
She hurried into the kitchen, calling on two maids to help prepare the coffee, tiramisu, and other orders. Once everything was ready, Cecilia double-checked to make sure nothing was missing before carrying the tray to the sitting room.
As she approached the slightly ajar door, she overheard Azalea and the other ladies talking.
"Your daughter-in-law is quite obedient. She's not as difficult as you said!"
Azalea laughed. "Does she have a choice? Look at her background. Marrying into the Fields family is like a sparrow turning into a phoenix."
"True. For a commoner to marry into the Fields family and live in luxury, she should be grateful!"
"If she's not, she might as well pack her bags and leave!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Cecilia stood outside, her grip on the tray tightening.
Her background was an insurmountable barrier. Cecilia knew Azalea never liked her because she couldn't bring any benefits to the Fields family. She hadn't expected Azalea's friends to openly mock her about it.
Cecilia felt her dignity crumble.
They said marrying into a wealthy family wasn't easy, and even if one did, it didn't guarantee happiness. Cecilia now fully understood this.
"Exactly. A girl from her background should be devoted to her in-laws and take good care of her husband."
Azalea said, "You don't know how my son treats her like a treasure, always pampering her. I can't even say a word."
"We've all been young. When a couple is newly in love, it's all sweet and perfect. But as time goes on, even the prettiest woman gets sidelined, and the man looks for someone younger and prettier."
"That's right. Sons are forever yours, but husbands aren't forever theirs. You'll always be the mother, while the wife can be replaced anytime!"
"Now I feel relieved. A son will never replace his mother." Azalea laughed heartily.
Cecilia frowned as she listened.
They were just a bunch of idle rich ladies with nothing better to do than gossip. Cecilia didn't take their words to heart. She and Daryl had been through so much together, and she believed he was a devoted man, not the type to abandon her or fool around.
Despite Azalea's hurtful words and thoughts, she was still Daryl's mother, the woman who gave life to the man Cecilia loved. Cecilia wouldn't hold a grudge against her. She believed that with time, Azalea would come to accept her.
Wiping away her tears, Cecilia took a deep breath, composed herself, and pushed open the door.
The ladies were laughing around the card table but stopped when they saw Cecilia, pretending to focus on their game.
"Mom, here's your coffee and tiramisu. Mrs. Price, your matcha cake; Mrs. Cole, your fresh orange juice; Mrs. Kelly, your fruit salad with extra oranges." Cecilia gracefully placed their orders on the side tables.
"Thank you, dear. That was very kind of you," the ladies said politely, smiling at Cecilia.
"You're welcome." Cecilia smiled back, acting as if nothing had happened.
Cecilia understood how hypocritical these wealthy ladies were. They could gossip about her one moment and accept her service the next without batting an eye. She had never thought she would have to navigate such hypocrisy, but she had no choice for the sake of the man she loved.
If she clashed with Azalea, it would put Daryl in a difficult position. He had already stood up to his parents for her many times. She couldn't be selfish and cause more conflict. She hoped her efforts would eventually change Azalea's opinion of her, even though it would be a long and challenging process. But it was worth it for the man she loved.
That afternoon, Azalea didn't give Cecilia any more orders, perhaps because she knew Cecilia had overheard their conversation. For the rest of the day, Azalea didn't ask Cecilia to do anything.
After that day, Azalea became even colder towards Cecilia, barely speaking to her and only giving her tasks.
Three months passed in this way. Cecilia didn't know how she managed to endure it, but having Daryl with her every morning and evening made it bearable. Despite the difficult days, she felt happy because she could be with the man she loved.
One afternoon, Cecilia received a call from Isabella.
"Cecilia, what are you up to? It's been a while. Let's grab coffee this afternoon. I've already invited Susan." Isabella's voice was as cheerful and loud as ever.
Cecilia frowned, feeling conflicted.
She wanted to meet Susan and Isabella, but for the past few months, she had to ask Azalea for permission to go out, and most of the time, Azalea refused. It was difficult for her to leave the house unless Daryl took her out, but it was impossible for him to cover for her in the afternoon.
"Isabella, I'm afraid I can't make it." Cecilia had to decline politely.
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