Every evening, my mother-in-law would warm up milk for my husband at the same time. I felt something was off, so I secretly replaced the milk with plain water.
My mother-in-law would warm up milk for my husband every night at the same time. I felt something was off, so I secretly changed the milk to plain water.
The reason was that Chu Yanbai had a sensitive stomach, and she wanted to come and take care of him.
I didn’t think much of it.
It’s only natural for a mother to take care of her son.
On her very first day, she rearranged the entire layout of the house.
The spices in the kitchen were rearranged according to her habits, the sofa in the living room was repositioned, and even the laundry detergent was changed to her usual brand.
Chu Yanbai said, “Mom just can’t sit still, please be understanding.”
I said it was okay.
By the second month, she started managing my wardrobe.
“Qingtang, this dress is too short, it’s inappropriate to wear it outside.”
“Qingtang, this lipstick color is too dark, your husband won’t like it.”
I wanted to argue, but Chu Yanbai, sitting beside me, nodded.
“Mom’s right, light makeup looks better.”
I held back.
By the third month, she started controlling my time.
I worked overtime until eight o’clock before coming home. She was sitting in the living room, the TV off, only one lamp on.
“Qingtang, married women should put their families first.”
“The money I earn isn’t even enough to hire a nanny.”
I said, “Mom, my job has many opportunities for advancement.”
She gave a cold laugh.
“Advancement?”
“If you advance, who will take care of Yanbai?”
“Who will take care of this house?”
Chu Yanbai sat beside me playing on her phone, not saying a word.
That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling suffocated for the first time.
But that feeling was quickly overshadowed by guilt.
After all, my mother-in-law cooked for me every day, cleaned the house, and treated me well.
Maybe I was being too sensitive.
Days passed by.
What bothered me most was the glass of milk every evening.
Nine thirty, right on time.
Song Yu Zhen brought a bowl of warm milk from the kitchen and placed it in front of Chu Yan Bai.
“Yan Bai, drink this and go to bed early.”
Chu Yan Bai took it and drank it all in one gulp, without even saying thank you, as if it were a conditioned reflex.
I asked him, “Does your mother warm up milk for you every day?”
He said, “It’s been like this since I was little, I’m used to it.”
I asked, “Aren’t you tired of it?”
He smiled and patted my head.
“Your mother only wants what’s best for you, don’t be petty.”
I’m not petty.
I just feel something isn’t right.
That feeling isn’t right, it’s hard to put into words.
It’s like watching a movie; all the plot points make sense, but the background music is always off-key.
Song Yu Zhen’s gaze at Chu Yan Bai wasn’t right.
It wasn’t the look of a mother looking at her son.
It was something… I couldn’t understand.
One evening, I came home from working overtime, and all the lights in the house were off.
I thought they were asleep, so I quietly went into the bedroom.
