Rosie continued to recall the memories. After eagerly awaiting Stephen's arrival, Julie hid her injured fingers so he would not notice. In the end, Stephen simply gave an earnest assessment, "Not bad." Those two words alone filled Julie with joy for days, so much so that she couldn't sleep all night. From then on, Julie became obsessed with cooking, often spending entire days in the kitchen, often injuring herself in the process. But she never complained; instead, she was filled with happiness and anticipation. Sometimes, when Stephen was too busy to come home and eat what Julie had prepared, she would be depressed for the entire day. I tried to reason with her several times, but Julie was too deeply involved to listen. Strangely, Raelynn and Susie never objected to Julie's efforts on behalf of Stephen. Not only did they not object, they actively supported her. This was the first time I had ever spoken so bluntly to Julie. I didn't want my sister to sink deeper into this hopeless situation, so I hardened my heart. Tears welled in Julie's eyes as she listened to Rosie's words, which ruthlessly exposed the painful truth she had buried deep in her heart. I knew all too well the treatment I had received in the Yarbrough family - treatment that undoubtedly had Stephen's tacit approval. Even if Stephen hadn't publicly acknowledged the relationship, his mere presence in the Yarbrough household could have ensured that we lived with some dignity. The reality was too cruel, and Julie had always avoided facing it. She often wondered. Was I not good enough? Was I not gentle enough? Was that why I couldn't fully capture Stephen's heart? Was that why Stephen couldn't bring himself to protect me? Seeing Julie waver, Susie quickly stepped in, ignoring Rosie's darkening expression. "Julie, don't listen to her!" Susie coaxed. "Someone with Mr. Stephen's status has a lot to consider before going public with a relationship. A man like him can't just do as he pleases. I think you and Mr. Stephen are a perfect match - a match made in heaven! His feelings for you are obvious to everyone. You can't fake the way someone looks at you." Susie teased, "You have no idea-every time he visits our farm, his eyes follow you wherever you go! It's like he can't look away!" She then encouraged Julie, "I think if you just try a little harder, one day you'll be the Mrs. Yarbrough you've always wanted to be!"Julie's cheeks flushed at Susie's words, and her earlier sadness vanished. "Really?" she asked quietly. The question alone revealed the decision she had already made in her heart. Rosie's earlier warnings held no weight now. Before Rosie could answer, Susie quickly chimed in, "Of course it's true! Why would we lie to you? You must have felt it yourself!" Rosie frowned. Susie wasn't entirely wrong. Everyone in the Yarbrough household could see Stephen's affection for Julie. But we had entered the Yarbrough family as dependents-helpless and dragging down our entire family. That alone had greatly diminished our standing. The more Stephen showed his affection for Julie, the worse her treatment became at the hands of the Yarbroughs. Even at the height of the Gray family's power, they wouldn't have been considered worthy of a marriage alliance with the Yarbrough's eldest son. The Yarbroughs' daughter-in-law had to come from a family that could offer them significant advantages. Unbeknownst to Julie, in the eyes of the Yarbroughs, she was nothing more than a glorified servant or kept woman-unworthy of any formal recognition. In a powerful family like theirs, reality was often so harsh. No matter how much Stephen liked Julie, she could never be Mrs. Yarbrough. And Susie's chances were even slimmer. But they refused to see the truth and clung to their delusions. Rosie grew frantic as she watched Julie's flushed face. In desperation, she blurted it out. "Julie! You can never be Mrs. Yarbrough!" Her voice was so loud that everyone in the room was stunned.