Raphael’s grip on my hand tightened. "Mom, I told you to be nice to my girlfriend."
She simply snorted, turning away as if I were nothing more than an unpleasant stain on the evening.
His father remained silent, but the cold, measuring look he gave me was enough to tell me what he thought. I was unwelcome.
But I did not care, since I disliked them too.
Before Raphael could say anything else, the mood shifted.
Colette arrived with her parents, and suddenly, the ice in Raphael’s mother’s eyes melted into warmth.
Her lips stretched into an eager smile, and without hesitation, she pulled Raphael’s hand away from mine.
"My daughter-in-law has arrived," she cooed, leading him toward Colette. "Let’s go greet her properly."
"Mom, wait…."
I did not let him finish. I refused to stand there like a fool, clinging onto someone whose own family was parading another woman in front of him.
"I'm going to get some lemonade," I said flatly, slipping my hand from his grasp before walking away.
Raphael hesitated, looking torn, but in the end, he let go and followed his parents toward Colette.
I inhaled sharply, keeping my head high. I despised being underestimated, being dismissed so easily.