"I will surely empty my husband's card today!" Mama declared with a grin.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry after hearing that. I have a very bad feeling about Mama's shopping habits. May my Father-in-law be blessed for having a wife like Mama.
I let out a breath as Zion and I entered the mall. This is the second mall I've been to in this world, and it's even bigger than the first one I visited when I first arrived here.
And my bad feeling? Completely accurate. Mom is a shopaholic. Our staff behind us are already carrying loads of shopping bags, yet Mama still thinks it's not enough.
"M-Ma.. it seems—" I tried to say, but she cut me off.
"We're not done yet, dear."
I could only sigh in response. She's really not what I imagined. I honestly thought she was a monster mom—especially since Zion has some monster blood—but turns out she's not.
"Alright! We're going to the cute shop I told you about, and after that, we're hitting the last store," she announced.
I nodded repeatedly, forcing a smile. Back then, when I went to malls, I'd just window shop or enjoy the air conditioning. But now?
It's like we bought an entire floor's worth of stores. Zion's mom is on another level with her shopping. May Father-in-law be blessed again. But "cute shop"?
Mama suddenly grabbed my arm and dragged me toward the store she had mentioned. My eyes widened when we stopped in front of… a baby store?
"M-Ma..?" I asked in confusion.
She smiled brightly as she faced me.
"We're going to buy lots and lots of clothes and baby stuff for my grandchild, dear Ally!" she exclaimed.
It felt like my world crumbled right then and there.
"Ah—eh," I could only scratch my head awkwardly.
"Let's go!" she said and dragged me into the baby store.
"I know you and that useless son of mine did the deed last night," she suddenly said, shocking me.
I could feel my cheeks heating up and my heart pounding hard.
"Don't be shy, dear. I've been there, done that."
I wanted to cry, but not a single tear came out. This is all Zion's fault!
"I would've loved to have another child, but Zeon refused. He doesn't want to see me suffer again," she explained with a sigh.
I didn't say a word as she pulled me from one cute baby thing to another.
"I really like babies!" she said as she tightly held some adorable baby clothes for girls.
I cleared my throat while looking around, and then my gaze landed on a pair of tiny pink gloves.
"Do you like babies, dear?" I heard Mama ask. I quietly nodded and walked toward the gloves.
They were so small and cute. I wondered how tiny baby hands would feel inside them.
"I encourage you to seduce my useless son, dear! Make a grandchild for me and a cute baby for yourself!" she blurted out, snapping me back to reality.
"M-Mama.." I really wanted to cry now.
"Why? Is my wish too much to ask? Though I don't want to pressure you to bear a child for my son, I really do like you," she said seriously.
I took a deep breath as I looked at her serious expression. It was clear that Mama was once in the army based on her features. Her look and aura were enough to strike fear into anyone.
She turned her back on me and bent down slightly, dabbing her cheek with a handkerchief from who-knows-where.
"Oh! How I wish I could have another child with my dear sweet husband! How wonderful it would be if I had another baby!" she whispered as she continued wiping her cheeks.
I couldn't tell if she was crying, but based on her movements and the rasp in her voice, she probably was. I had no idea what to do.
I looked around and realized people were staring at us—especially our staff. Some customers were whispering, so I lowered my head slightly. Why does this feel like it's all my fault!?
"I-It's okay with m-me," I said shyly.
I'm sorry. I lied! I know it's wrong, but it's the only way to survive this emotionally cruel moment of my life!
"Really!? You'll do that!?" Mama lit up with joy as she raised her head and smiled widely at me.
Is she… acting?
"Ah… eh," I wanted to take back what I said, but her face suddenly looked sad.
"Seriously..," her eyes looked teary, and I started to panic.
She really loves Father-in-law Zeon, and if I hurt her, I might not survive!
"I-If it's okay with Z-Zion," I mumbled.
I saw how her eyes sparkled again as she laughed cheerfully.
"Don't worry, dear! Zion already told me you're not ready for a baby yet. But now that you are, everything's settled!" I could feel darkness clouding my vision as I imagined all the ways I could strangle that perverted, shameless man.
Zion! Just wait until we get home!
"It's settled then," she said happily, walking to the counter while humming a tune.
I seriously wanted to cry because of Mama. Now she was choosing all kinds of baby clothes—and even maternity clothes for me.
After that heart-wrenching episode, I finally breathed a sigh of relief when we got out of the baby store.
When I looked behind, I suddenly felt pity for our staff. All of them were carrying tons of shopping bags. I had only bought a few things—Mama did most of the choosing and used Father-in-law's card.
"We're going to my friend's store now," she said.
We walked toward a salon shop, and right as we entered, a woman named Lily greeted us with a smile. She looked to be Mama's age. When one of the women turned around, she smiled broadly.
"Fiona! You're finally here!" she greeted.
Mama nodded while still clinging to my arm. I felt Mama's mood shift from playful to serious. Lily stared at us—especially me—so I stared back.