Chapter 994: Leena's Concerns (part one)

"If he didn't like me before, now he hates me." For the first time, Leena found that some people didn't like her even though she was sweet and pretty. She was so frustrated with the Gus.

Don't sweat it, kiddo. You and I have our whole lives ahead of us, and nothing else matters. We're a couple. Who cares what anyone else thinks?" Kevin smiled and dabbed his flour-stained finger on Leena's nose. Instantly, her nose was covered with white powder.

"Easier said than done. Now that we're married, I'm supposed to be part of your family. I can't just ignore them. It's just so hard, knowing they don't like me." Leena placed her hand on her forehead in distress. It was fine for Kevin. People ignored their families all the time. But they still loved him, because he was their son. She had married into the family, but was still an outsider. If she screwed up, they wouldn't be as forgiving.

"Are their opinions really that important to you?" Kevin looked at her in confusion. His father treated everyone the same -- well, not quite true. His sister was obviously the favorite. Not only that, they wouldn't be living with the family. They were several hours away, in fact. They probably wouldn't see them except on special occasions. Kevin didn't think it would affect them much even if they didn't like her. He hoped they'd come around eventually, but he'd give up if they kept making hateful comments. Well, maybe one day they'd get along.

"They're your family. They're part of your life, the most important people to you in the world. And they should be. How can I ignore them? I care about you, so I care about what they think." Having grown up in an overprotective environment and spoiled by all the people around her, Leena had never been looked down on like she was today. This was the first time, and it was a shocker. But she hoped she could keep a low profile, and just keep trying to mollify his family. She would do anything to please them. All she wanted was to see Kevin happy. She loved him, and was willing to do even the tiniest things for him. She just hoped he could understand her and appreciate the things she did for him.

I know that baby, and that's what I love about you. But sometimes, I'd rather you be selfish. Then I wouldn't feel so guilty." Considering how they had gotten married, Kevin always felt apologetic to Leena.

"I see." Leena bit her lips wistfully. It sounded like Kevin saw her love as a burden just because he didn't love her. Now she knew what he really thought. Hopefully, it wasn't too late before she fell for him even more deeply.

"What do you mean?" Kevin looked at her, confused, wondering why she had said that. It wasn't a happy sound she made.

"Nothing. How do the pancakes taste?" Leena tried hard to suppress the sadness spreading in her heart. She tore off a bit of a pancake and put it in her mouth. Was it delicious? Maybe, because she could taste nothing. Much as she was sensitive and fragile, her sweet smiles had misled so many sharp eyes. Few knew that underneath those sweet smiles was deeply concealed sorrow.

"How is it? Good?" Kevin gloated. However, deep inside, he didn't feel relaxed as he acted. He sensed something different about her, but he wasn't sure what it was.

Yum, I think you're a much better cook than me." Leena swallowed the food and smiled, revealing no trace of wistfulness.

"You can take these to the table now. I think they'll be back soon." Kevin sensed that she wasn't totally honest with him. He was disappointed, feeling that the hard-earned harmony between them had once again been broken.

"I hope your parents will like them." Leena pouted. This was the first time she had cooked for her in-laws. Besides, she had chosen to cook something that she wasn't good at. She was nervous.

Don't worry. You're a good cook, and better than most girls. Now, go ahead." Kevin looked down at the bin, in which there was a lot of wasted dough. Instantly, he knew that she must have been very frustrated before he came into the kitchen. Leena carried the breakfast she prepared into the living room and put it on the table. Nathan and Shannon walked into the living room when she was about to get the pancakes. Upon seeing them, she paused and said with a gentle smile, "Dad, Mom, you are back already." They had indeed returned from their morning exercises.

"Leena, why are you up so early? And why are you covered in flour?" Shannon asked. She felt better after seeing Leena's sweet smile.

"Kevin's making pancakes. I wanted to help, but I think I got in the way." It was embarrassing, but Leena didn't want to take credit for what Kevin did. She would rather tell the truth.

Nathan glanced at Leena coldly. He hadn't had a problem with her, but ever since last night when he found out about her rich successful family, revulsion had set in. From where he stood, it was not a good idea for a government official to get involved in a merchant's business or personal life. However, now his son had married a businessman's daughter. And what was worse was that it was a fairly large, prestigious firm.

"Oh? Why is Kevin making pancakes? Is Maud out?" Shannon asked and then strode towards the kitchen, surprised that Kevin was cooking. In the past, he wouldn't even bother to raise a finger at home.

"Claire said that she left early for the market to buy some ingredients," Leena answered behind her. She had thought her mother-in-law was elegant and gentle. Now it seemed that she was pretty active and energetic, not at all like the usual type of stay-at-home wife of an official.

What? She's at the market? Why this early? She has plenty of time. I was thinking about going to the market with her after breakfast." Shannon frowned. She felt the whole matter was weird and suspected that Claire had something to do with it.

"Um... I have no clue why she was in such a rush." Seeing Shannon's glum face, Leena wondered if she had said something wrong.

"Mom, you're home." Kevin touched his nose awkwardly when he saw his mom in the kitchen. The end result was a white powdered nose, covered in flour. Leena suppressed a giggle.

When did you learn to cook?" Shannon was amused by Kevin's appearance. Her face finally lit up with good cheer, and she looked happier.

"When I enlisted, I tried to cook for myself if I had a craving for something. So practice makes perfect. I'm a fast learner too. But today, I only made the pancakes. I can't lie: Leena cooked the other dishes. She worked hard, so don't be too hard on her." Kevin defended Leena, though he was hoping he wouldn't have to. She was an awesome cook at home, so there was no reason why she wouldn't be as good or even better here. Kevin decided to clean up in the kitchen. He grabbed a broom, a rag, and a bucket.