My Father-in-Law Treated Me Like His Own Daughter, But It Was With Ulterior Motives

Just as Carter started to recover, our baby began crying in the other room, demanding my attention. I had no choice but to go soothe the child.

Mia, frustrated, shook off Leon's hand. "You've got cuckolded and you're still here playing the peacemaker?"

Everly seized Leon's arm, her eyes filled with tears as she repeated her earlier tirade. "Leon, listen to your mom. Amanda's husband and her daughter-in-law colluded to move all their assets. Now that she's ready to divorce, Amanda discovers the whole truth!

"I've noticed Celeste acting off lately. Who knows what she's really up to?

"You need to count our assets quickly and maybe even consider a divorce from Celeste!"

Leon, struck by disbelief, stood there dumbfounded, speechless for what felt like an eternity.

"Did you hear that?" Everly nudged him, insisting he respond.

"That's impossible, Mom. Celeste would never do something like that!" His voice was firm and protective.

He quickly pushed open our bedroom door, standing there like a barrier. "Sweetheart, it can't be like what Mom is saying, right?

"How could you think I'd have anything with my dad? I don't buy it."

"If you truly didn't believe it, you wouldn't be asking," I said, looking down at the baby in my arms.

Taking a deep breath, I continued, "Leon, seriously, there's nothing going on between me and your dad.

"I know I just had a baby, so I shouldn't be doing anything too strenuous, but when I called for you a few times to help with washing some clothes, you never came.

"I washed my own stuff with gloves the other day. Your dad helped with my coat; I have no clue how your mom twisted that into something else.

"Today, when I was cutting vegetables, I accidentally sliced my hand. I couldn't put on a band-aid by myself, so Dad helped. But the moment Mom walked in, she didn't bother getting the whole story—she just started yelling.

"She's been like this lately, always on edge and jumping to conclusions."

"I'm so sorry, babe. I shouldn't have doubted you," he said, moving closer to pull me into a gentle embrace.

"Maybe we should get Mom and Dad to leave for a bit? I just had the baby, and while I can wear gloves to cook, I'd rather avoid any mix-ups like this. It's exhausting to explain myself." I suggested tentatively.

"Do you want to call your mom to come help? You really shouldn't be cooking right now, especially with a newborn," he replied, concern etched on his face.

"I asked her already, but she's busy taking care of my little brother's wife. She just had a baby too, so my mom can't make it," I admitted, my spirit dimming slightly.

Finally, Leon squeezed my shoulder, reassuring me that he was going to talk to Everly.

I chose to stay back, giving them some space to work it out.