Chapter 132

The brand-new cotton-padded clothes Emily wore didn’t have a single patch—clearly, they were freshly made.

Elizabeth Stone, Michael’s eldest aunt, remarked with a sneer, "Oh, Mary, your daughter-in-law sure has airs. She didn’t even greet her elders."

Mary Stone suppressed her irritation and explained, "Elizabeth, Emily might not have recognized you. I’ll have her come over later to properly meet everyone."

Her words were perfectly reasonable.

But Elizabeth wouldn’t let it go. "Mary, your daughter-in-law has no manners. Not even a smile for her elders—does she even respect us?"

Mary’s heart sank. No matter what, Emily was the mother of her grandsons and the wife of her beloved youngest son.

"We have many guests today. Emily’s busy attending to others. Please be understanding."

"Understanding?" Elizabeth scoffed.

"Sister, you sit here for now. My in-laws have arrived—I need to greet them." With that, Mary turned and walked away briskly.

She was fuming inside, but today was a joyous occasion. She couldn’t make a scene.

Elizabeth stamped her foot in frustration and immediately complained to William’s wife, "Look at Mary! Ever since her in-laws passed, she’s stopped caring about us! And that daughter-in-law of hers is downright disrespectful!"

William’s wife was far shrewder.

Mary’s family was doing better by the day—her son-in-law was the brigade leader. Her youngest grandson’s family lived in a brick-tile house, and Emily’s parents often sent money and gifts.

"Elizabeth, let it go," William’s wife advised. "Today’s a happy day."

Mary circled the gathering and found Emily, who was busy greeting guests.

"Emily, don’t you recognize your aunts? Have Michael introduce you properly." Without waiting for a response, she left, leaving Emily bewildered.

Michael immediately understood. His aunts must have complained to his mother, accusing Emily of disrespect.

My wife lost her memory—she doesn’t even remember me, let alone those aunts, he thought.

"How many aunts do you have?" Emily asked curiously.

Michael explained, "Three. After Grandma and Grandpa passed, Mom only visits them during the New Year."

Emily nodded. She understood—when parents were gone, family ties naturally weakened.

"Introduce me to them."

Michael was surprised. "You want to meet them?"

"Yes. I can’t keep pretending I don’t know them."

Warmth spread through Michael’s chest. She was doing this for him.

"This is Uncle Robert."

"Hello, Uncle Robert."

Robert Stone studied Emily and smiled approvingly. "Michael’s a lucky man. His wife’s as lovely as the day they married."

"This is Uncle William."

"Hello, Uncle William."

"And this is Uncle Daniel."

"Hello, Uncle Daniel."

Emily followed Michael’s lead, greeting each uncle with polite but distant smiles. At least now she knew who they were.