Chapter 66: Chapter 66

- Mom!? - Missy gasped a little, turning quickly to face her, shocked, while Logan followed her more slowly, staring at her mother-in-law's face with a certain irritation, which she knew very well came from the fact that he was afraid that his mother might speak something that hurt her. Again.

Frankly, the expression on Victoria's face didn't arouse high hopes either. Her mother looked stern and terribly determined, her thin brows furrowed in what looked like annoyance and her lips pressed together almost to the point of disappearing. She was wearing a shimmering red dress, decorated with stones and sparkles that made it far more suitable for a red carpet or a big glamorous party... Which is what most people would expect from the wedding of such a famous former model. as much as Logan, Missy quickly realized, stifling a sigh.

And surely Victoria was about to berate her vehemently for allowing this party to be so simple, perhaps even ignoring the fact that this was the first time they had seen each other and spoken directly in months. After all, even though she and Victoria had responded so affably – at least by her usually acerbic mother's standards – to the news that she was going to be a grandmother soon, she and Victoria hadn't spoken since that day, no matter how much Missy had insisted. sometimes.

- Hi Mom. – Missy smiled crookedly, trying to disguise her tension, while discreetly clasping Logan's hand, who tightened his arm even more around her waist – I'm glad you managed to come… – since she hadn't even confirmed if she would come for the wedding, but Missy didn't add that comment.

Victoria remained a long moment in total silence, clutching the small purse she was carrying between her hands, before finally commenting, her voice tight and almost suffocated, as if she was struggling to speak.

- It's a very... Minimalist party... The one you two chose to have. She ran her blue eyes around the decorations, her mouth lifting slightly with a hint of contempt.

Even though she'd been expecting this, Missy couldn't help a twinge of disappointment hitting her.

- Yes, Victoria, it's all very delicate and charming, we know, thank you very much. – Logan opened a forced smile, which resembled more a lion showing his teeth in warning, than anything else – Missy and Megan, as always, did a great job from the style my wife chose. Now, if that's all the congratulations you'd like to give, then thanks for coming, but we need to...

- That's not what I meant! – Her mother interrupted him, now with her eyebrows more furrowed than ever – And you don't have to keep acting that way with me, Mr. Knight... I don't know how I never realized I was interested in my daughter. After all, you were always willing to sharply rebut all my attempts to correct Melissa, just to defend her... Even on the occasions when she had done something seriously worthy of correction. Her mother grumbled, surprising Missy.

- You defended me? - Missy questioned her husband, amazed, interrupting him at the moment when he seemed about to answer Victoria in a harsh way again.

- Oh yeah. - Her mother teased - From the moment I met him for the first time, when Megan introduced me to her husband's family. I could barely even open my mouth to tell you to straighten up without him giving me an angry look across the table. Oh, and don't get me started on Megan's wedding. – Victoria rolled her eyes, annoyed – I thought you had hired him to be your private security guard, or something like that, he was so determined to contradict everything I said about you.

- You really did that? Missy felt a passionate smile spread across her face as she looked up at him, enchanted.

- Don't look so pleased about it! – Victoria scolded her, irritated – And, while we're on the subject, I really hope your behavior changes, now that I'm officially your mother-in-law, my boy. She threw a challenging look in Logan's direction.

- And I really hope you start to measure your words better now that Missy is my wife, Victoria. - Logan opened a smile not at all friendly.

However, to Missy's immense shock, rather than becoming enraged, Victoria immediately retorted, offended.

- I'm already doing it! Didn't you notice? – Faced with their silence, her mother snorted impatiently – This mediocre little marriage deserved much heavier adjectives than “minimalist”, but I was still good to you, Melissa, as you seem to want so much.

- I'm sure you haven't reached the limit of your efforts yet. – Logan growled, but Victoria seemed not to hear him, as she continued to speak, with a heavy sigh.

- Even though I think that a good part of everything you said to me on the phone last year is nothing more than an exaggeration… – Victoria bit her lip, upset – I… I just didn't imagine that you felt that way. – her mother admitted, surprising her – When your father started to work enough to make us rich… I thought my role would be to make you two refined ladies worthy of frequenting the high society that was opening up to us . And you can't achieve perfection by being nice or letting the little slips go. And, frankly, Melissa... We both know I was never... Very good at being a mother. – Victoria shrugged, leaving Missy completely speechless when she realized that it was the first time she saw her mother get… embarrassed – Jonathan was always better than me in taking care of you two. So I figured I could always leave that role to him and just focus on what I knew I did well... refining your behavior.

- But I admit I've always been a little harder on you. – Her mother continued, with a heavy sigh – Megan has always been more rebellious, but also more independent, in addition to always responding to my expectations, even in her own way. You, on the other hand, were always following me around the house as a child, wanting to be held... And then, when you finally grew old enough and I thought I'd learn to be more adequate... You were shy and liked weird things , like cartoons and computers, very different from my friends' daughters. So I thought I could fix that and make you a normal girl who did normal things and liked normal things... I... I just thought you didn't know you wanted this. – Victoria shrugged, disconcerted – I thought that when you finally become an elegant and well-groomed woman, you would realize what you were missing all this time. So I thought I should keep insisting... Even when you told me you wanted to keep liking everything you liked. Her mother gave a heavy sigh, which Missy couldn't identify if it was sad or frustrated.

- And... Have you changed your mind now? Missy asked hopefully after a long moment of silence.

- You changed? Victoria raised an eyebrow, sizing her up and down critically. "You look different after all."

- Yes, I changed. – she admitted, with a bittersweet smile – But not in the way you always wanted. I know that was never your intention, but… - Missy bit her lip for a second, hesitating, before continuing – The truth is that I could never feel comfortable being myself around you. And, little by little, this evolved for other people. I always felt like I was doing something wrong or being inconvenient. – Missy avoided adding that that feeling was born from the fact that Victoria had always made a point of telling her that she was all that, with all the letters – But, after everything that happened last year... I learned to like her. be who i am. And I'm not ashamed of it anymore. I no longer feel like it was a mistake. So yeah, I changed a lot. – she smiled shyly at her mother, knowing perfectly well that she wasn't saying what she wanted to hear – But I changed inside and not outside, as you always expected.

- And honestly, Mom, now more than ever I can tell you that I will never be the person you want. I don't want to force you to like this... - Missy continued, with a heavy sigh - I just hope you understand that I want you to stop trying to force me to be who I'm not. I don't want to feel tense whenever I'm around you, afraid you'll say something inappropriate just because you think you're doing me some good, making me feel like I'm an anomaly or something. And most of all, I don't want you to think, even for a second, that you're going to be able to treat my kids the same way when they're born. – Missy crossed her arms protectively over her belly, staring at her mother fiercely – Because I will never allow that.

- I'll be their grandmother, regardless of anything. Victoria grumbled, though with far less irritation than Missy had expected after having told her all that.

- I know. And that's why I want you to understand how much you need to learn to rethink your behavior. - Missy stated, determined - Because you can be their grandmother, it's true. But even so, I would never allow you to hurt them or make them feel… the way I felt. - She finished that sentence with a choked voice, immediately making Logan hug her tighter, almost as if he wanted to hide her in his arms.

- I think that's enough for today, Victoria. – he grunted towards his mother-in-law, seeming to be trying to control himself – Today is our wedding day. Respect at least that...

- You don't have to talk to me like that. – despite Victoria's tone being slightly reproachful, Missy was surprised to realize that she sounded too… almost guilty – And I… I understand now… how you feel. – her mother said through her teeth, with her shoulders lower than ever, clearly embarrassed – Even though I think it's not that much… – she rolled her eyes for a second, before straightening up again – I… I I'll try to temper my words if it really bothers you that much. Either way, it's not like you're still a little girl. You're a woman now and... If that's the way you want people to see you... - Victoria grumbled, nodding at Missy as a whole, looking annoyed at having to say it, but saying it anyway - Then all right. , for me. I won't bother you anymore. After all, it's not like we see each other very often.

- On the contrary, I wish we could see each other more. – Missy smiled, thrilled to realize that, even if in a distorted way, her mother seemed to be really willing to accept her as she was. No doubt she seemed disappointed that Missy had "chosen" not to become the woman she had always wanted, but still... When could she have imagined that Victoria Sutton would accept, so calmly, that she wasn't going to get what she wanted? ? And, even more, would she be willing to hold her tongue?

- But… – Victoria's eyes widened in shock – I thought you hated me.

- Of course I don't hate you, Mom. – Missy smiled tenderly, taking a step forward to approach her, in which Logan accompanied her, as always making her feel supported and protected – Why do you think your opinions matter so much to me? I love you. – Her smile widened, while Victoria's face became even more perplexed – I know I haven't said this to you much, especially since Dad died, but… I really love you, Mom. And that's why I wish you could review the way you treat me. So that we can get closer. And so that you can be part of your grandchildren's lives. I may not know what made you decide to try to change your behavior, but I want you to know that nothing could make me happier, especially today. – She exchanged a significant look with Logan, who seemed sincerely happy for her – So, thank you very much for being willing to change, Mom. It means a lot to me. Because it shows you care about me.

- Of course I care about you. – Victoria, who until that moment had been with her jaw wide open, seemed to finally recover her voice, even though it was faltering – Frankly, did I really act so badly that you came to think that? I know I was never the most present or loving mother in the world, but... I saw how you suffered. And that's why I wanted to help you change. Adjusting. – Her mother admitted shyly, something completely uncharacteristic for her – I thought I was doing something good for you, despite everything… Just like Jonathan always did. – Victoria sighed heavily – That's what made me change my mind. At first, I'll admit, I was angry with you, thinking this was all one big ingratitude drama. That's why I went so long without talking to you. – Missy felt Logan's chest shudder against her back, with an unsatisfied grunt – But then, when you told me you were pregnant, I… I thought of Jonathan. – Victoria swallowed, troubled – I know that maybe, sometimes, you two don't think so, but… I miss him. Every day. Because I loved him. He was, perhaps, the only person in the world who loved me for who I was, and not despite the way I am. And he... God, her father would have been so happy to know he was going to be a grandfather. – She opened a tiny and melancholy smile – He would have left wherever he was just to be able to stay by her side and follow every second. In fact, we both know he wouldn't have left his side, let alone moved countries like I did.

- And don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to act like your father would act. I would never be able to do that even if I wanted to. – her mother shook her head, as she continued to speak – But… Thinking about Jonathan and how he would be acting in this whole situation… It made me realize that I was breaking a promise I made to him. , before he left us. I promised I wouldn't leave you two alone... But that's exactly what I did without even realizing it. – Victoria sighed – I ended up forgetting that there was more to life than just trying to live one day after another, filling the emptiness of my longing with luxuries... And, mainly, I forgot that I should also be concerned about life. your happiness, beyond your way of being. Because that's what your father would do. And now that he's not here... I feel like I owe it to him. Not just him, but his sister, and especially you too. – Her mother raised her blue and regretful eyes towards her – That's why I decided to tell you today, even though I know it's your wedding day and I probably shouldn't make a scene out of it. But, I also know that the three of you deserve me to at least make an effort to make our family stay together, even though we'll never be the same without your father... And even if I don't have the slightest idea how to do that. So if you think that by being less judgmental and more nice, I'll make you feel better and want me around... Then I'll try. Even though I suck at those two things. Victoria promised with a tired snort.

- Oh, mommy... - Missy opened a radiant smile, feeling tears of joy flood her eyes - I know it's going to be difficult for you and that you're probably going to make a lot of mistakes, but... - she laughed, without breath from crying – I want you to know that nothing would make me happier. This is the best wedding gift you could ever give me.

Although hesitant, Missy pulled away from Logan a little, exchanging a silent look with him, before closing the space that separated her from her mother and enveloping her in a hug that was not too tight, but still full of emotion. At first, Victoria just stood there petrified, making no move to hug her back. Something Missy honestly didn't care about. She'd learned that her mother wasn't very fond of physical contact even before she learned to talk, and considering the whole situation, it didn't matter that she wasn't ready to start showing that kind of affection yet. After all, Victoria wanted to change the way she locked it. Because he cared about her.

What more could she want?

That, however, proved not to be a bold enough question, as, to her utter shock, Victoria's arms slowly wrapped back around her, slowly and awkwardly, as if she didn't quite know how to do this right. . However, in the end, the two finally ended up hugging each other lightly, falling into an emotional silence that lasted a few seconds, until Victoria finally commented, after clearing her throat.

"And, for the record, I got you a real wedding present."

The deep seriousness in that sentence, almost as if she was defending herself against a crime, made Missy laugh, pulling back to face her in full glee.

-You really are very different… – her mother commented again, while looking at her carefully – I don't think I've ever seen her being so expressive. Or so smiley. Does that mean you're really over the—” Victoria stopped suddenly, looking apologetic.

- What, mom? - Missy questioned, not understanding.

- Come on, Melissa, you know very well what… – Victoria rolled her eyes nervously, but, when Missy continued to raise her eyebrows, not understanding, she finally grunted, perplexed – Come on, Melissa, I mean everything what happened to Nilbert.

- Who? Missy asked, more confused than ever.

- I think she's talking about Newton. - Logan's voice sounded behind her and, surprised, Missy realized that he had also walked the distance that separated them from Victoria, just to be able to wrap his hands around his wife's waist again.

-Oh… – Missy widened her eyes, needing a moment to assimilate the fact that, for a moment, she had really forgotten about Newton and everything he had caused her – Yes, yes, of course… No worry mom. – she smiled at Victoria – I'm perfectly fine now. In fact… – she leaned against Logan, running her fingers over his cheek in a soft caress, as the two exchanged a passionate look – I've never looked better.

-Well… – her mother stammered, disconcerted – I think that's what matters, isn't it? – she sighed after a moment, resting her forehead on one of her hands – But anyway. I think I've taken up enough of your time. See you later. – Victoria completed, after a short moment of hesitation, as if she was forcing herself to make it clear that she wouldn't go that long without talking to Missy again.

- Yes mom. – Missy agreed happily – I can't wait.

- Good. – Victoria smiled, awkwardly, and looked ready to leave, when, suddenly, she turned to Missy again, quickly analyzing her wedding dress, before adding – Oh, and, by the way… Until your belly she was... Cute in that dress.

Laughing at what was apparently the best compliment her mother could muster to describe her appearance, Missy watched her hurry away, probably still incredulous that she'd said all that.

- I don't know if I feel relieved that she wants to change… – Logan commented suddenly, thoughtful – Or even more offended that a part of her obviously doesn't seem accepted that has been completely wrong this whole time.

- How about just being happy for me? – Missy offered, pulling him into an enthusiastic kiss – My mom is willing to do something I didn't even think she was humanly capable of: stop criticizing me! She laughed, euphoric.

- Yes… – Logan accompanied her in her laughter, lovingly kissing her forehead – I may be far from being your mother's biggest fan, but… If that makes her so happy, then I'm equally happy too. – he stated sweetly – And, now that she's officially my mother-in-law, I think it's a good thing that she's trying to improve her behavior. This will avoid many... Conflicts, in the future. - He completed cryptically, even though she knew very well that he was just avoiding saying that she would not hesitate to argue with Victoria, in case she returned to make her feel bad again.

- I can hardly believe that you were really able to face her because of me. Missy shook her head in disbelief.

- And you know what I can hardly believe? – Logan smiled crookedly, looking as incredulous as she was – That you really forgot about Newton and Foster.

- Well, uh... - Missy blinked a few times, stunned again by remembering that - It's just that I was so happy with everything my mom was saying... And, well, I haven't thought about them for a while now. time, so... Heavens, I think I forgot about them a little yes. - She laughed, amazed - Or I put them in a very distant place inside my mind. Sincerely, I do not know. I think... They are no longer important or relevant to me. – she admitted, shrugging – And, even if what they did to me was terrible and maybe I'll never be able to forget it completely… It doesn't hurt anymore. And... I feel like it's been a long time since I've had time to think about the bad things. – She smiled sheepishly at him, while her fingers ran through the intricate lines of silver and precious stones on the band on her left hand, still not able to believe that this man was really her husband.

- And never will again. – Logan solemnly promised, pressing her affectionately against his chest – But I'm glad to know that they no longer occupy an important part of your mind. In fact, I think this is the best revenge we could get: - he opened a huge, satisfied and malicious smile - The fact that they no longer have any power over you.

With a happy smile, knowing that was the purest truth, Missy just pulled him into a passionate kiss, which only ended when they were forced to separate to greet the other guests. And, with the speed of a blur and at the same time also of a turtle, Missy found herself spinning around the huge hall, first dancing a few waltzes with her husband, then cutting the cake, talking a little with her family, eating dinner, asking for Megan puts away the brooch Logan had given her before tossing the bouquet into the crowd and watching it fall into Lucy's hands...

Until, finally, she found herself in Logan's arms, feet off the ground, being carried down the halls of a hotel that could very well pass for a castle, and into the biggest and most beautiful room she had ever seen in her life. life. In fact, if anyone told her that royalty had once lain among those soft sheets and slept in that huge drapery, canopied gilt, she would surely believe them.

- You look like an angel wearing that dress... - her husband reflected, when he laid her on the bed, before starting to kiss ardent kisses from the beginning of her neck to the modest neckline of the dress - I hope the heavens can forgive me , but I spent the whole night imagining what it would be like to take it off...

- And I wouldn't forgive you if you didn't take it off... – she replied, panting – After all, I have a surprise for you, under it...