The Next Morning
Levina furrowed her brows at the alarm clock and pressed her hand on it to stop the sound.
She sat up in bed, stretched her arms, and glanced out the window at the clear blue sky.
Great morning, she thought with a smile.
Levina quickly showered and changed into her work suit. She grabbed her purse and walked out of her room.
As she descended the stairs, she bumped into her mother.
"Mom, good morning," she said cheerfully, hugging Regina.
Regina smiled. "Good morning, child. Did you sleep well?"
They continued walking downstairs together.
"I did, Mom."
"Good. Is everything prepared for today's fashion show for the new product? Do you need my help?" Regina asked.
"Yes, Mom. It's all ready. Don't worry, I'll handle everything."
When they reached the dining table, her father and grandparents were already seated.
"Good morning, everyone," she greeted them with a smile as she sat down.
No one responded. Levina noticed the serious expressions on their faces and frowned.
"Is everything alright? Why do you all look like someone died?" she joked.
But her grandmother shot her a glare. "Levi, don't talk like that."
Levina gave an awkward smile. "Alright, Grandma. But could someone tell me what's wro—"
Just then, Ivy and her mother entered the room.
Levina's eyes narrowed.
She shot up from her seat. "You? What are you doing in my house this early in the morning?" she snapped at Ivy.
Everyone turned to look, and Edgar stood up.
"Ivy, Serena, come. Let's have breakfast," he said calmly.
Levina and Regina exchanged glances.
"Edgar, what are they doing here?" Regina asked with a frown.
Edgar turned toward them. "Yesterday there was an accident. Ivy's house caught fire and was mostly burned down. Ivy and Serena barely made it out. Until their house is renovated, I've asked them to stay with us. I hope no one will mind or cause any trouble. Right, Levina?" He gave a sharp look to both women.
Levina scowled. "Dad, how could you bring your mistress and her daughter to stay—"
"Levina," Edgar cut her off with a hard glare. "Do not speak like that."
Levina pressed her lips into a thin line.
Ivy and Serena stood silently behind Edgar, looking uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry, everyone," Serena said gently. "We didn't mean to cause trouble. We're just staying for a few weeks. After that, we'll return to our place. Please don't cause any fuss."
Regina glared at her. "Of all the places in the world, you had to come here? Are you sure your house really caught fire and you're not just playing games? Maybe you started it yourself…"
"Regina!" Edgar roared. "They are staying here, and no one is to cause any trouble. Is that clear?"
"Dad—" Levina started, but Regina held her hand and gave her a silent shake of the head.
Levina glared at Ivy and Serena before reluctantly sitting back down.
"Edgar's mistress, why are you standing there?" Edith Lannister, Edgar's mother, sneered. "He brought you here and now he's yelling at his wife and daughter. That's what you wanted, right? So go ahead, sit and enjoy."
Ivy furrowed her brows, unable to take it anymore.
"I'm sorry, Grandma. We didn't come here of our own will. Your son is the one who brought us," Ivy said firmly.
"You little brat! Are you talking back to me? And don't call me Grandma—I'm not your grandmother!" Edith snapped.
Edgar pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Can't we just try to be a happy family for once?"
Regina scoffed. "Edgar, are you telling me to be happy with your mistress?"
"ENOUGH!" boomed Old Mr. Lannister, Edgar's father, who had finally had enough.
"Didn't Edgar say their house burned down? He brought them here for just a few weeks. Can't you all stay quiet for that long?"
Levina furrowed her brows. "Grandpa, are you taking their side too?"
Old Mr. Lannister narrowed his eyes. "Levina, I'm not taking sides. I'm trying to hold this family together."
Levina pressed her lips together and abruptly stood up. "Fine. You all enjoy. I just remembered I have an early meeting."
Regina frowned. "Levi, you haven't eaten yet."
"Mom, I'm not hungry. I'll grab something outside." With that, she grabbed her purse and stormed out.
Once outside, she kicked her car in frustration.
Again, her father had taken the side of his mistress and her daughter.
Levina clenched her fists, got into the car, and drove away.
Inside the dining room, everyone sat down and ate their breakfast. Ivy already knew this was going to happen—that's why she didn't talk back much.
She sighed and quickly finished her meal.