Chapter20 
The next morning, the shrill sound of the doorbell wole Lily, Irritated, she kicked off her blanket, looking like she was ready to pick a fight. When Lily went downstairs, Loid had already opened the door. She paused, surprised by the sight. 
It was a stunning woman with perfect makeup and a flawless figure. She carried herself with elegance. 
The woman immediately noticed Lily standing behind Loid and quickly approached, grabbing Lily’s hand. 
Abright smile appeared on her exquisite face. “Oh, this must be my daughter–in–law? You’re even more beautiful in person than in the photos.” 
“Hello,” Lily, caught off guard, greeted the woman politely. She reined in her usual roguish demeanor reined in 
The woman was Loid’s mother, Melanie Jensen Lily had seen her photo while researching Loid. 
“Good” Melanie seemed very pleased with Lily. She held Lily’s hand and guided her to the couch, her smile unwavering. “We couldn Lattend your engagement because Loid’s father and I were busy. I hope you don’t mind.” 
“Not at all.” Lily replied calmly. 

“We’ll be staying in Lagersfield for a while. I’ll find time to invite you and your family for a meal,” Melanie said, increasingly satisfied with Lily. 
Loid sat nearby, completely ignored by his mother. 
“It’s fine,” Lily responded, annoyed at the thought of meeting the Martinez family. 
“I insist.” Melanie patted Lily’s hand. 
“Loid told me that he was supposed to marry your stepfather’s daughter, but she’s underage, so they chose you. I understand it must be hard for you. Being the stepdaughter of a wealthy family isn’t easy. 
“Now that you’re married to Loid, we’ll treat you well, and the Martinez family will naturally treat you well too.” 
Melanie had a simple thought. Lily was their daughter–in–law, and no one was allowed to mistreat her. Melucie wanted to ensure Lily had strong support so that the Martinez family wouldn’t dare mess with her. 

Melanie smiled and continued, “Inviting them to dinner is to show them that we’re very pleased with you as our daughter–in–law. You shouldn’t feel stressed out. Just continue as you were before.” 
On the day of their engagement, Melanie and Lold’s father couldn’t attend, but they asked Loid for details and photos of Lily Melanie wasn’t overly concerned about Lily’s family background. Besides, she did have some selfish reasons for the arranged marriage. 
Lald’s condition was getting worse. He only had two months left to live, so getting him married was meant to bring him joy and to ensure he wasn’t alone. 
Melanie wasn’t angry when she learned that the Martinez family refused to marry Shannon and instead sent the stepdaughter. Instead, she was determined to treat this girl well. Once a woman was engaged, their reputation would take a hit. So, Melanie was grateful that Lily agreed to marry Loid. 
Seeing Lily in person made Melanie even more satisfied Even if Loid passed away, she vowed to protect Lily. 
Shannon, who had just come downstairs, overheard this, and her face twisted in rage. What was so special about Lily? Why did Melanie like her so much on their first meeting? There had to be something wrong with the Laurier family to be this crude country girl 
Shannon clenched her fists, her sharp nails digging into her arms. They nearly broke the skin. After a moment, she took a deep breath and slowly approached Melanie. 
“Hello, Mrs. Laurier.” shannon had dressed up today. Last night, after deciding to stay, she called Susan to bring over some of her favorite clothes. 
She was wearing a yellow dress, and her hair was styled in two pigtails. She also had light makeup on her face. She presented herself as a naïve and innocent girl Melanie looked up at Shannon with a puzzled expression. 
“Are you Shannon?