Ruby's POV
My mom watched from the side. Terrified the argument would get worse, she quickly put down her chopsticks and hurried over to grab my arm. “Ruby, that’s enough. Just forget it. I can climb the stairs. It’s fine, really. Just think of it as exercise.”
Seeing her force a smile and humble herself like that, while the two people across from us looked at her with nothing but suspicion and disdain, filled me with a wave of sorrow so strong it nearly drowned me.
I gently patted her hand, telling her silently not to worry.
Then I lifted my head, letting my eyes sweep over Declan and his mother.
My mother-in-law shifted uncomfortably under my stare. She tried to act tough, but her voice trembled. “W-what are you looking at? There’s nothing to discuss here!”
I pulled the corner of my mouth into a cold smile and slowly stood up. “Fine. Nothing to discuss, then. Declan, remember what you and your mom said today.”
Without another glance at them, I took my mom’s hand and said softly, “Come on, Mom. Let’s go. No need to eat this meal.”
Behind us, my mother-in-law immediately erupted into angry shouting, and Declan started muttering useless attempts to calm her down.
But I ignored all of it. I guided my mom straight to the entryway.
In that moment, everything became clear. This home was rotten from the foundation.
I crouched down and quickly pulled our shoes from the cabinet.
Mom looked at me anxiously, her voice small and uncertain. “Ruby, don’t do this. I'm really okay. Don’t make trouble because of me.”
I looked up and cut her off, firm and steady. “Mom, I’m staying with you tonight. We’re going back to your place.”
She had her own warm, tidy little apartment she’d lived in for most of her life.
After retiring, she should’ve been enjoying her peace there, not being treated like this, not being talked down to.
I’d tried persuading her many times before.
But every time, she would sigh, pat the back of my hand, and say, “Ruby, I'm not asking for anything. You’re married now. I’m just afraid you’ll be mistreated. I can handle the hard work. As long as you’re okay, that’s enough for me.”
Thinking about that now felt like being stabbed in the heart.
All her kindness, all her sacrifices, and what she received in return wasn’t gratitude but a deeper contempt.
“Mom.” I held her hand tightly and looked directly into her eyes. “Starting today, you won’t suffer because of me again. This house is not worth it.”
Just then, Declan rushed over and grabbed my wrist hard. “Ruby! Are you done yet? My mom just made a couple of comments! Was that really worth making such a scene? She’s still an elder. Can’t you show some respect?”
“Respect?” I yanked my arm free from his grip. “Respect goes both ways. When you and your mom were acting like my mother was some kind of thief behind our backs, were you thinking about respect then?”
His eyes flickered violently, and he shrank back as if someone had struck him. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about. Who treated your mom like a—like a thief?”
I stepped closer, cutting him off. “Declan, how long are you planning to keep pretending? Do I need to spell it out? That elevator card, you had someone make a fake one on purpose, didn’t you?”
Color drained from his face instantly. His eyes darted around, not daring to meet mine or my mother’s.
Suddenly, my mother-in-law shoved herself forward and barked, “Ruby! What right do you have to accuse my son of that? Do you have any proof? You people are poor, so you’re afraid others will look down on you. That’s why you’re stirring up trouble here!”
“Oh? So, you’re bold enough to do it, but not bold enough to admit it? Should I go to the property management office right now and test the card in front of you? Or maybe we should call the police and see what they think about forging a security access card?” I challenged.
At that, Declan’s face burned red in anger.
“Yeah, it’s a fake card! So what? Why should I get your mom a real one? Who knows if she’ll lend it to her poor relatives? And if something goes missing, who’s responsible? You?” Declan suddenly snapped.
Even though I had already suspected the truth, hearing him admit it so bluntly felt like a knife twisting into my chest.
“Declan!” I raised my hand, ready to slap him.
“What? Did I say anything wrong?” He countered and grabbed my wrist.
As if he’d finally found the perfect punching bag, he began nagging—every word crueler than the last. “Your mom is just a retired factory worker. Her whole family is either involved in farming in the countryside or working odd jobs in the city. Is there even one decent person among them? And I’m wrong for being cautious? Ruby, let me tell you something. This house is our home, not a free hotel for your family!”
