The Gift

“It's okay,” Lila smiled, “I like to prepare gifts for you, auntie. Please have a look.”

Mrs. Robinson did not hesitate and unboxed the carefully wrapped package. She saw a gorgeous green flowy dress. Everyone looked amazed by the garment.

“So pretty, such embroidery. So beautiful.”

Mrs. Robinson had a huge smile on her face. Feeling extremely proud when hearing the compliments, Mrs. Cox took the opportunity to approach her and said,

“My Lila is the best dressmaker. Look at that detailed work. It took her a long time to finish making it.”

This remark caused even more shock among the ladies. Everyone looked surprised, “She made it herself impressive? Such a great girl with such skills and looks, Lila could be my daughter in law.”

Lila smiled elegantly like a true lady. She nodded to all the compliments without acting awkwardly. Mrs. Robinson sighed inwardly.

‘What bad luck. If Lila were her daughter in law, that would be amazing. How come it turned out to be such a woman?’ Thinking that, she looked at Serena resentfully, her smile disappearing. Serena knew clearly what Mrs. Robinson was thinking. Everything happening under her eyes had happened in previous lifetime. Everyone had been praising Lila and Serena had become her stepping stone. However, at this moment it won’t happen.

“ Serena, what gift did you prepare for auntie?” Lila successfully moved the focus back on to Serena.

She smiled happily and kindly in evidence of kindness to make serene feel less awkward in other people's eyes. However, Serena knew that Lila only wanted for her to make a fool of herself. In her previous lifetime, Serena could only smile awkwardly when Lila had shown her kindness because her gift was some luxury product the Clark family prepared for her. It was expensive, but not thoughtful at all compared with the dress hand made by Lila in her previous lifetime. When she had showed her gift in front of everyone, Mrs. Cox had commented.

“So unthoughtful, and you are the daughterin law.”

After that, she had become the abomination. Everyone had started to praise Lila and Mrs. Robinson had been even more upset about her daughter in law that she had never liked. She had wished that her son could divorce this woman immediately and marry Lila instead.

In the end, Lila said something to alleviate the awkwardness. Sadly, the previous Serena was so innocent, that she had no idea she was set up. Instead, she was even grateful to Lila. In her previous life, she had always been positive and kind, unwilling to assume the worst in people. However, she had no idea that it was this mindset that caused such tragedy. In this lifetime, she would not make the same mistake.

With a smile, Serena didn't immediately reply to Lila, instead, she looked at the green flowy dress Mrs. Robinson holding. Seemingly surprised, she asked, “Lila did you study at Austin?”

Lila did not expect Serena to suddenly change the subject and was surprised by her question. Mrs. Cox was less polite than her daughter. She sneered and said, “You think my Lila has the same amount of leisure as you do? She went to Australia to study abroad and only graduated and returned a few days ago.”

Serena was even more surprised, “However, I do think the embroideries is the work of the dressmaker at Austin. Look, there's a little curve in the end, which is the unique technique of Mr. Smith.”

Lila’s smile froze, Mrs. Cox hit Serena’s hand and said, “All you do all day is brag. If you want to prejudice Lila, you can just say so, her techniques are great. Much better than yours.”

Mrs. Robinson was also a bit upset. She looked at Serena coldly and said, “What do you know? You probably haven't even seen many pieces of the designer dresses and now you're talking about embroidery. Do not make a fool of yourself.”

Hearing these words, Lila looked even more pleased. Although she did not know how the stupid girl found out, no one would believe a word Serena said anyway. As expected, all the ladies cast blaming looks at Serena. Mrs. Allen said,

“Lila made so much effort to make the dress for your mother-in-law. It is not appropriate for you to say that. Don't you think? If you're that good, you can make your own gifts as well. Do not sabotage others. That is shameful. I was wondering why your mother-in-law did not like you, and now I finally have an idea. If I had such a daughter in law, I would not have liked her as well.”

“ Please don't say so,” Lila had a look of compassion on her face, “Serena did not mean to say that. Maybe she was mistaken.”

“ Mistaken?” Mrs. Cox's voice was shrill, “How could she say such a thing when she is mistaken? She has her facts Correct. What can she prove?”

Serena glanced at Mrs. Cox hopefully and said, “Mrs. Cox, this is indeed the Mr. Smith. I have proof.”

Mrs. Cox snickered and crossed her arms, “I thought the Clark family brought you back and spent two years to put some education in you. However, you know, I know that the scum from the gutter can never be taught.”

Her words were mean. The ladies became quiet. Looking at each other, they felt the atmosphere had become awkward. The words were so terrible that everyone looked at Serena. Serena’s face dropped as she dug her fingers into her arms. Everyone thought Serena would be angry. After all, no one could listen to such terrible words. In addition, Serena was famous for being short tempered, however, she did not lose it. Serena looked at Mrs. Cox coldly and sneered.

“It is true that the scum from the gutter cannot be changed. When a shrewd thief becomes a lady, I'm sure her children would steal as well.”

Hearing that, Mrs. Cox suddenly changed her expression. When she was young, she was charged with stealing. However, after she married the father of Lila, that part of her life should have been purged. How come this foolish girl would know that? Unconsciously, she looked at the ladies who were at a loss. Obviously, no one knew what Serena was talking about. Suppressing her shock and anger, Mrs. Cox dodged eye contact and screamed,

“What do you mean?”

“I have proof that this garment is made by Mr. Smith at Austin instead of Lila,” Serena stated clearly, word by word.

Lila looked upset and said, “Serena, why would you say that? I know that you are unhappy that auntie likes me more. However, don’t make things up.”