Web of traps

Leandre was dumbstruck as he heard his mother's words. How could she have concluded that he had feelings for Astraea? Doesn't she at least have trust in her son's taste?

He had been attempting to interject and clarify that there was nothing between him and her, but as usual, she wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise. Instead, she spouted grandiose phrases like 'I would rather die than accept her into our family.'

Contrary to Leandre, Astraea felt a surge of anger through her veins. Leandre's mother's words hit her like a slap in the face. She heard from her mother that Larisa has a biting tongue, but this is her first time experiencing it firsthand. 

How could she be so cruel, so brazenly telling her that she was not welcome into the family and that she did not approve of her relationship with Leandre? It was as if she was the gatekeeper to her son's heart, and her approval was the key.