When you're really unlucky.
The female lead, Lily, is here in the same room as me. Tsk.
"Who is this beautiful lady beside you, mare?" suddenly asked the woman who called Mama.
"Well, this is my beautiful and beloved daughter-in-law, Ally."
My eyes widened as I looked at Mama beside me. I could feel my cheeks heating up because of how Mama introduced me to her friend.
"Oh? So it's really true that Zion is already married," the woman said, sounding regretful.
I frowned and looked at her.
"Exactly. We were going to introduce someone to you, Fiona," cut in another woman whose face had a few wrinkles.
What's this old lady's problem? I don't think she's Mama's friend—or even the one who greeted us when we first entered the salon.
"Yeah. My son hid his wife so well because he didn't want any bugs getting near his property. If I hadn't come back to the Philippines, you wouldn't have seen my beautiful daughter-in-law," Mama said proudly.
I almost laughed at what Mama said. The two women forced smiles and looked me over from head to toe, so I met their gazes confidently.
"Where did your son find your daughter-in-law, Fiona? She doesn't look like someone from a wealthy family," whispered the first woman who greeted us.
"As long as my son loves someone, we as parents must support them," Mama answered seriously.
Mama was still holding my arm as she gently pulled me a little forward.
"But what if he chose wrong? Look at Caleen's son! He picked the wrong woman, and now what happened? That girl did something so Caleen would never have a grandchild!"
This woman is seriously testing my patience.
"There's a saying—maybe a woman wouldn't do such a terrible thing unless her husband did something wrong first," I said with a smile.
I saw how her eyes widened, and the people in the salon turned their heads. I looked forward and saw Lily, her face dark and staring intently at me.
It's like she's thinking about how to bury me alive. But am I scared? No! My parents raised me not to fear anyone. I have to stand up for myself. The plot of the online story I read has already changed. That means the original characters also have character development because of my involvement.
"I won't worry about my son's choice. He always chooses the best," Mama said, then pulled me toward a door labeled Private Room.
"Seriously, those worms are getting on my nerves! If only I could kick my husband out of their family business! He's so useless!" Mama grumbled as she threw herself onto the couch.
I looked around the room. It wasn't very big, but it had all the salon tools and equipment.
There was also a small lounge area where Mama sat on one of the couches. In front of her was a small table. I sat on one of the single chairs and placed my bag beside a bottle of water I didn't know was there. But based on the fresh water rings, it looked newly placed.
"What happened outside my shop for you to react like that, Fiona?" came a sudden voice.
I turned to where the voice came from and my eyes widened. Why does she look exactly like the woman who greeted us earlier? Are they twins?
A beautiful woman entered from the other door. Her face distracted me because she looked like the same woman who hugged Mama earlier. They had the same face, except for the eyes.
"It's because your thick-skinned sister hugged me like we were super close. Tsk!" Mama complained.
I quietly gasped. I can't believe I've seen so many different sides of my mother-in-law today! She's like a cold, cute, and fierce beast.
"Then why did you hug her back if you don't like my dear sister, Fiona?" the woman said with a laugh as she walked toward Mama.
"I was just being casual. A lot of rich wives were watching me."
Rich women can be so fake. They're perfect for recycling—except for Mama.
The woman turned to me and stared intently. Her eyes widened in shock, and I felt goosebumps from her reaction.
"You didn't tell me your daughter-in-law was this beautiful, Fiona!" she exclaimed.
"Seriously, Jessie! That just means my son has good taste."
"I agree with you!"
I stayed quiet as Mama and Jessie continued to talk about what happened earlier.
"By the way, what is Lily doing inside your shop, Jessie?"
I coughed softly and looked at the mirror at the side of the room.
"Even if you don't like her, I have business, Madam Cartridge," Jessie said with a laugh.
She didn't look like she was Mama's age because of how she dressed. But I know they're the same age.
"You're betraying me for business?" Mama said, sounding a bit offended, though I knew she was joking.
"No way. That woman is easy money. Besides, I know she's got a thing for your son," Jessie said, clearly enjoying the gossip.
"That girl? Psh. Zion is cold even to me, his dear mother," Mama said.
I nodded because what Mama said was true. I grabbed the bottled water on the table, unscrewed it, and took a drink.
"Unlike his wife. He can't even scold her," Mama added.
I nearly spit out the water I drank.
Jessie burst out laughing, slapping the table in front of her.
"I like this girl, Fiona! Hahaha!" she said, laughing hard.
All they did in that private room was catch up on gossip from the wealthy circle and entertainment world. I'm honestly starting to wonder how Mama ended up as a retired general.
When we came out of the private room, all the other customers were gone—but Lily was still there. We were almost at the double doors when someone called out.
And I mean someone—Lily, of course.
"Mrs. Cartridge!"
I rolled my eyes as she stared at me and approached Mama.
"Who are you referring to?" Mama suddenly asked, so I laughed softly.
"U-Uhm..," Lily looked really embarrassed.
"As you can see, there are two Mrs. Cartridge here," I said with a smile.
Her face turned pale. Some of the remaining customers glanced at her.
"Don't talk to me if you're referring to me, young lady," Mama said seriously.
Lily looked like she was about to cry. I shook my head.
"Do you know why? It's because I don't like you," Mama said and walked out of the salon first.
I stared at Lily and followed after Mama, not even giving her a triumphant smile.