Chapter 19: Evening Dinner At Mother-in-law's

I sat in the opulent dining room of my mother-in-law's house, surrounded by elegance that seemed to taunt me. Mrs. Corrigan, a dark, tall, and willowy woman in her mid-fifties, possessed a timeless beauty that defied her age. With her sleek, chestnut hair cascading down her shoulders, and her flawless complexion, she could easily pass for a woman in her early forties, if not younger. Her piercing green eyes held a hint of mischief, a knowing glint that spoke of the sharp tongue she possessed. But behind her seemingly ageless exterior, there lurked a woman who never missed an opportunity to be mean-spirited.

The house itself was a reflection of Mrs. Corrigan's refined taste. Every inch exuded sophistication and class. The walls were adorned with exquisite paintings, capturing scenes of breathtaking landscapes and renowned artists' masterpieces. The dining room boasted a grand mahogany table, polished to a mirror-like shine, its surface reflecting the crystal chandelier hanging above. The room was bathed in soft, warm light, emanating from intricately designed sconces that adorned the walls.

"You know, my dear, with that flowy dress of yours, you could start your own circus act as the disappearing woman. Poof! And you're gone!" Mrs. Corrigan's words dripped with condescension, her tone laced with mockery, as she couldn't resist another opportunity to belittle me.

As I sat there, my flowy dress billowing around me, I felt the weight of Mrs. Corrigan's sarcastic comment. The dress, a modest choice that covered every part of me, had been my attempt to appease her and avoid her snide remarks. But it seemed that no matter what I wore, she found a way to belittle me. I remembered all too well the previous evening dinner at her place when she had insulted my bare-shouldered outfit, likening her house to a strip club, insinuating that men would be throwing dollar bills at me.

Baby Corrigan, sensing my discomfort, squeezed my hand tightly with his large one. It was a gesture of support, a silent reassurance that he stood by me in the face of his mother's cruelty. I remembered how he had defended me before, recounting my difficult past as a stripper, but his mother had dismissed it as a ploy to exploit him.

However, what Mrs. Corrigan failed to comprehend was the truth behind my past. I had been a victim of circumstance, my parents taken from me at a young age, leaving me with my grandmother as my sole family. We struggled to make ends meet, barely scraping by. When life dealt another blow, and the weight of responsibility threatened to crush me, I succumbed to the pressures of my neighbor, Natalie, who was also a stripper. Working at the strip club was a means to an end, a desperate attempt to earn enough money to support myself and my grandmother.

But Mrs. Corrigan saw only what she wanted to see—a manipulative woman taking advantage of her son's affections. Her words cut through me like a knife, inflicting wounds that went beyond the surface. I had shed real tears then, the pain of her words striking at the core of my being.

And now, as I sat in my Victorian-inspired dress, a garment that felt like a shield against her barbs, Mrs. Corrigan continued her relentless mockery. Her spiteful words reminded me that, in her eyes, I would forever be the girl from the strip club, a scarlet letter branded upon my existence. But I was more than that, a survivor, a woman who had endured hardships and fought for a better life. I would not let her words define me.

I took a deep breath, determined to maintain my composure in the face of Mrs. Corrigan's relentless attacks. My gaze shifted from her to my husband, Baby, whose eyes met mine with a mixture of sympathy and frustration. He knew the pain his mother's words caused me, and he struggled with the constant battle between his loyalty to me and his loyalty to his family.

"Mother," Baby's voice carried a hint of authority, his tone firm yet respectful. "There's no need for such comments. We're here to enjoy a pleasant evening together."

Mrs. Corrigan feigned innocence, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Oh, of course, my dear. I was merely offering some fashion advice to our dear daughter-in-law here. After all, it's important to keep up with the times, isn't it?"

I clenched my fists under the table, fighting back the urge to retort. I had grown tired of defending myself, tired of explaining the circumstances that had led me down an unconventional path. But the fire within me still burned, a fierce determination to rise above the judgments and prove my worth.

Glancing around the immaculate dining room, my eyes fell upon the display of delicate china and polished silverware. It was a stark contrast to the modest upbringing I had endured. I knew that my presence here, as Baby's wife, was a constant reminder of a world that Mrs. Corrigan struggled to understand—a world where survival meant making difficult choices.

The tension in the room hung thick, suffocating the air around us. But in that moment, I made a silent vow to myself. I would rise above the toxicity, the prejudices, and the unrelenting cruelty. I would prove to Mrs. Corrigan that I was more than just my past, more than her narrow perception of me.

With a steadying breath, I looked at my husband, my partner in this tumultuous journey. His grip on my hand tightened, conveying his unwavering support. It was in that connection, that unspoken solidarity, that I found the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"No matter what you say, Mrs. Corrigan," I spoke with quiet determination, "I am proud of who I am, of where I come from, and of the person I have become. I will not let your judgments define me. I am here because I love your son, and together, we will build a life that transcends the confines of your prejudice."

Mrs. Corrigan's eyes widened for a moment, surprise flickering across her face. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, a glimpse into the cracks of her carefully constructed façade. But just as quickly, her features hardened, and a bitter smile twisted her lips.

"We shall see," she replied, her tone laced with icy determination. "We shall see just how far your love for my son can carry you."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the unspoken challenge hanging between us. But I knew, deep within my soul, that I was ready to face whatever obstacles lay ahead. With Baby's unwavering love by my side, and the strength I had discovered within myself, I would forge my own path—one that would defy expectations, shatter preconceived notions, and ultimately, prove my worth to those who doubted me.

As the evening continued, I focused on the glimmer of hope that lingered in the air, knowing that within the walls of this elegant house, a battle for acceptance and understanding was about to unfold—a battle that would test the strength of our love and our resilience, but one that I was determined to win.