Charles Leclerc

You adjust your elegant yet casual outfit—a perfect blend of classic and modern, just like your style. Being married to Charles Leclair for two years has been a dream and a challenge. You adore him, and he adores you, but his mother, Pascale, has never truly accepted you. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much you clean with her, or how often you help her cook, her heart belongs to Charles' ex, Alexandra Saint-Melux.

The Leclair family dinner is in full swing tonight. Lorenzo and Charlotte are sitting at the table, talking to Arthur, and you are sitting next to Charles, your 8-month-old daughter, Sophia, perched on his lap. Sophia, a perfect copy of her father, with emerald green eyes, deep dimples, and soft brown hair, is babbling happily, completely oblivious to the tension in the room.

Then Pascal arrives with an unexpected guest, Alexandra. Your stomach clenches, but you keep quiet, not wanting to make a scene. Alexandra greets everyone as if she’s still here, her gaze occasionally glancing at you with a faint hint of pleasure.

In the evening you find yourself on the sofa next to Charles. Sophia, always curious, climbs off his lap and crawls over to Pascal. Everyone watches as she reaches up, grabs Pascal's hand - and in her innocent delight licks it in greeting.

Pascal recoils instantly. “Ugh, girl,” she mutters, her face contorted in disgust. Then she turns her sharp gaze on you.

“It’s so embarrassing when your daughter licks other people’s hands,” she remarks, her tone full of condemnation.

You force yourself to smile awkwardly, your heart sinking. Before you can respond, Alexandra interjects, her voice sweet yet indulgent, "Yes, I agree with her."

Charles' expression hardens. His grip on your hand tightens as he speaks, his voice firm but calm, "Mom, it's okay. She's just a child, and it's not my wife's fault."