The Young Stepmother's Survival Guide

ouldn't seem so afraid of him. This realization left me with a less favor

three floors-his two daughters' bedrooms were on the first floor, while he and his late wife had shared the second floor. Since her death, however, Alfred had rarely stayed at home, often

6 p.m. each day, so there was no

scolding. But as we chatted during the tour, I learned he paid her an impress

n't cook at all. Years of working in banking taught me plenty about dealing with people, b

th my demanding work schedule. But this nanny is uneducated and

through the villa, but I couldn

ghters than any romantic interest?" I wondered. "That explains a lot. No wonder he kept bringing up my college degree during our

ons during our courtship, I felt like I

purely transactional. He was after my education, character, looks,

using him, and he's using me. It's not a bad deal, actually-no s

ing, and I stayed the

e came quickly-me

his car, chauffeured by his dri

its, and even mannerisms bore the mark of a well-raised family

dlessly. In contrast, he playfully poked fun at Alfred, saying things like, "My son is

ly downplaying Alfred to

r, Laura, kept pilin

so warm it almost ma

utton eventually shifted the conversation. "Grace, do you have e

after plenty of kids back in my

Grace, you must take good care of the two daughters Marlene

died in childbirth, and the baby didn't survive either. It was devastating-a double loss. Our family owes her so much. The least we

s brimmed with tears, making my heart ache. A lump formed in my throat, and before I kn

help but feel a deep empathy for others who'd suffered as well

f his two daughters. At the same time, I worried about the scrutiny that often came with being

ids who weren't my own. The weight of taking on such a responsibility, along with the uncerta

rents exchanged several meaningful glances, as though they had much

intentions and spoke on their behalf. "Grace, my parents.

perfectly. Carrying on the family line-having children-was

and to me, the effort wasn't worth it, even for

derstand and focused on my food. After dinner, I excused my

his daughters. I had plans to step up and make sure they were well looked after. But

er our marriage. After that, he hesitated before suggest

g with a loud and confident voice. Yet now, he was hesit

we should, uh... maybe

ence. But I understood what he wanted-he

thing; a new wife meeting the family of her husband's late wife? That was

ore generous marriage gi