Chapter 5

That night before bed, I suggested to Jackson:

"Mom's turning sixty next month, right? Let me organize it—a big celebration. Consider it my way of making amends."

Hearing my words, Jackson's body visibly stiffened.

He turned around and cupped my face, carefully examining my expression.

"Aria, you... are you serious?"

I tried to make my smile look more genuine.

"I've come to terms with it. Family harmony is what matters most. If Mom wants to pursue happiness, we should bless her."

Jackson's face finally broke into a smile.

He hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear, "That's wonderful, Aria. I'm so glad you've come around."

When Susan heard I was organizing a big birthday celebration for her, she was overjoyed.

She completely changed from her usual sharp tongue, holding my hand and calling me a good daughter-in-law over and over.

"Aria, you're so understanding. I knew you were a good girl."

Since they're such good actors.

I'll just build them an even bigger stage.

Susan's sixtieth birthday was held at the city's most luxurious hotel.

All the Thorne family relatives and friends came.

Jackson greeted the guests with high spirits while Susan wore a custom-made gown, beaming.

She took my hand and introduced me to everyone.

"This is my daughter-in-law, Aria Reed. She's so kind. She organized this entire birthday banquet!"

The relatives all gave me approving looks.

Midway through the banquet, Susan pulled me aside and said smugly:

"Aria, don't worry. Once the baby is born, I'll register it under your name so you can experience being a mother too."

I looked at her hypocritical face and smiled.

"Thank you."

Jackson took the stage and delivered a touching blessing, drawing rounds of applause.

Then, smiling, he extended his hand toward me.

"Next, I'd like to invite my beloved wife, Aria Reed, to offer a blessing for my mother."

I lifted my dress and slowly walked onto the stage under everyone's gaze.

I took the microphone and surveyed the room.

Jackson and Susan both looked at me with expectant, satisfied eyes.

They thought this was their victory celebration, my formal declaration of surrender.

"Today is a good day."

I began, my voice so calm it held no trace of emotion.

"Here, I want to especially thank two people."

"I want to thank my wonderful mother-in-law and my wonderful husband."

I smiled at them, and as their smiles grew brighter, I pressed play on my phone, already connected to the large screen.

Two entangled figures instantly filled everyone's field of vision in high definition.

The banquet hall fell silent in an instant.

The next second, Susan's passionate voice echoed throughout the entire hall.

"This time we must have a boy..."

All eyes turned like a tide toward Jackson and Susan.