Claire's expression darkened as she lectured, "A wife should act like one. Sleeping in till noon, what kind of example is this? Evan works tirelessly to support the family, and this is how you repay him?"
Zoe's face flushed hot, as if slapped, and she lowered her head, fixing her gaze on her feet. This mother-in-law had never been particularly pleased with her, and now, she feared, the dislike had only deepened, though they met but a few times a year.
Claire, noticing her silence, grew even more displeased. "Well? Aren't you going to let me in?"
Zoe snapped back to the present, hastily stepping aside. "Mother, please come in."
Claire offered no response, entering and inspecting the surroundings. The living room was clean, thanks to Zoe's daily upkeep, leaving nothing to criticize.
Zoe hurried to put on her shoes. "Mother, have you had your breakfast?"
"I already have had it two hours ago," Claire replied tartly, casting a disapproving glance at Zoe's disheveled hair and pale complexion.
"Oh, I'll make you some coffee then," Zoe suggested, retreating awkwardly.
Claire seated herself on the sofa, eyeing Zoe's bustling figure through the glass with clear dissatisfaction.
During the coffee-making interval, Zoe rushed to freshen up and change clothes.
When the coffee was ready, Zoe smiled, offering it to Claire despite her less-than-pleased expression. "Mother, here's your coffee."
Claire didn't take it, gesturing for her to leave it on the table. Zoe obeyed, settling on the opposite side of the sofa.
"Zoe," Claire called, her face turning serious.
"What's wrong?"
Claire continued, "You and Evan, how long have you been married now?"
Zoe forced a smile before answering, "Over five years."
Yes, they'd been legally married for over five years, with their wedding ceremony delayed almost a year.
"Oh," Claire picked up her cup, sipped after blowing on it, and then said, looking at Zoe, "It's been five years, and you didn't give birth to my grandchild yet. The neighbor's grandchild is three years old by now."
Zoe paled.
Claire went on, oblivious, "Evan's father and I conceived him within six months of our marriage. You've been married five years…"
Her gaze lingered on Zoe's stomach, "And nothing?"
As Zoe's face whitened, Claire's words hit like a slap.
"Are you unable to conceive?"
Zoe's eyes brimmed with tears. Despite the probing tone, the question was laced with malice.
Indeed, she couldn't bear children.
Claire's face soured further at her silence. "Really unable to have children?"
Her words cut deep, piercing the tenderest part of Zoe's heart.
"Zoe," Claire set down her cup, leaned closer, and took Zoe's hand. "You know how much his father and I want grandchildren. Since you can't…"
Zoe felt dizzy, coffeers streaming down her cheeks, blurring her vision.
"If you can't, then step aside for someone who can."
Step aside? Zoe wanted to refute, what a tactful way to put it.
Evan was unfaithful, and she had chosen to overlook it, but she hadn't expected his mother to be equally cruel.
Claire fetched a tissue, pretending gentleness as she wiped Zoe's tears, while her words were merciless.
"Zoe, divorce Evan. Your affection and marriage must have been near it's end. Listen to me, just divorce him."
It wasn't a question but a statement.
Zoe had no time to think about these things.
Claire persisted, "Perhaps this outcome is the best for both of you. Many marriages end in divorce due to lack of love. You're young; you can remarry easily."
Her tone was tinged with a pretense of concern.
Zoe's tears flowed freely. She pushed Claire's hand away and buried her face in her hands, sobbing.
