Then, I would have a lovely and considerate daughter… She would even love me sincerely and wholeheartedly.I could not help smiling at the thought of that. "I will."Julian turned his gaze away and concentrated on his work again. "I don't think you've had time to unpack your things yet."I got to my feet. "I'm going to do that now."…My bedroom was located farthest to the east on the second floor. The room was spacious, and it even had a dressing room attached to it. In addition, the room had good lighting and a huge balcony.As the curtains were pulled back, shafts of bright sunlight fell on the bed, creating a warm ambiance in the room.I did not unpack and organize my things right away. Instead, I lay on the bed and enjoyed the peace and tranquility that I had not felt in a long while.At that moment, I had this feeling that it would not be a bad thing if I could spend my days like this for the rest of my life.Once I was done resting, I dragged my suitcase into the dressi
After saying that, the person introduced themselves. "I'm Zach's teacher. Classes are already over for today, but no one's here to pick him up yet."So, I was wondering if something had happened at home to have held you up?" The teacher asked politely.Before Shayne and I separated, had Luna not picked Zach up from school every day diligently? Yet, she started neglecting Zach as soon as Shayne and I had gotten divorced?I was quite surprised to hear that. Still…These people and their familial matters had nothing to do with me now. I had no intention of poking my nose in their business either."I'm actually one of your students, Willow Hughes' mother. I'm not related to Zach Pearce." I smiled and replied, "I think you've called the wrong number."The teacher apologized immediately. "I'm sorry for the mix-up.""It's alright." I ended the call right away.When I entered the elevator, I could hear my phone ringing again. This time, it was a call from Shayne.I answered the phone.
Willow sat next to Julian. Then, she patted on the empty seat beside her. "Mommy, sit here!"I sat down beside her.Willow turned her body slightly so that she was facing me. "Make a wish, Mommy."I looked at the flickering candles and closed my eyes."I hope that Willow will get better with time. I also hope that we can enjoy a good and happy life for a long long time," I slowly muttered those words inwardly.Then, I opened my eyes and blew out the candles in one go.Willow leaned closer toward me at once. It was as though she wanted to stick herself onto me like glue. "What did you wish for, Mommy?"I was about to answer her, but Julian did not want to see me get pressured. He interrupted, "Willow, her wishes won't come true if she says them out loud."It was difficult for young children to hide their emotions. Willow was visibly disappointed. "Alright."I could not help grinning at the adorable sight of Willow pouting indignantly. I sliced a small piece of cake for her. "Le
Shayne shouted furiously down the line.I checked who the caller was and realized I had not blocked Shayne's number yet. "Why should I?"Shayne was infuriated by the hint of nonchalance in my tone. He said through gritted teeth, "Did you know that Zach had to wait all by himself outside the kindergarten and only got home after 9:00 pm just because you didn't go and pick him up?"I replied calmly, "Mr. Pearce, I think you're blaming the wrong person. Luna Sider is his mother now. As for me…"I got up, walked over to the balcony, and looked into the distance.It was dark outside. I could only see the stars in the sky and the lights coming from faraway houses. I continued, "I'm just a stranger to you and your family now."Shayne took a deep breath. "Are you still blaming us?""No." I said unhurriedly, "It's simply because I have a new life now. I don't see the need to be overly involved with people and things that are in the past now. Don't you think so?"Without allowing Shayne
"Just like Mom. Is that okay?"Willow was put into a difficult position.I put down some bait. "As long as you agree, then you can sleep in my room tonight." Willow looked at me. She then turned her head to look at the spacious room and threw her caution to the wind. "Okay!"Once Willow had brushed her teeth, she placed her cup and toothbrush in my bathroom. She then walked to the door with her head held high and reached out to Julian."Daddy."Julian was stunned. He then squatted in disbelief. He even wondered if he had misheard her. "Did you just speak to me?"Willow looked at me as I stood behind Julian. Although it was difficult, she replied, "That's right."Julian picked her up immediately.After he learned Willow was autistic, he took her to visit the doctor to receive all kinds of treatment. However, she still refused to speak.Back then, he'd thought it was fine as long as she lived a good life. Later on, she met me. Only then was she willing to speak to me. Howeve
Willow was clearly upset. She sobbed as she said, "I woke up and didn't see you. I thought you didn't want me anymore."I held her hand and led her to the living room.Willow obediently sat on the sofa, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.I helped her wipe her tears and comforted her in a gentle voice. "It's my fault for waking up early. I wanted to prepare breakfast for you, but I forgot that you would be upset if you couldn't see me."Willow's eyes were brimming with tears. "Is that true?""Of course, it's true."I then comforted her patiently. "So, can you please stop crying?"Willow stopped crying and nodded lightly. She then threw herself into my arms and said in a muffled voice, "But, Mom, getting up early to cook is too tiring. I want you to sleep a little longer."Since there was someone making breakfast, there was no need for me to take over someone else's job.I gently ruffled her hair and replied, "You're so thoughtful."Willow blushed and gave me a shy s
Seeing that Willow was now willing to speak, everyone else in the household gathered to tease her. But aside from Julian and me, she still refused to engage with anyone else.I pondered seriously as I ate. If just braiding her hair could make her so happy that she talked to everyone about it...Then perhaps she might start talking to others more as well if I did more similar things.…After breakfast, Willow held my hand and said goodbye to Julian, who was standing in the living room. "Daddy, I'm going to school now."Julian had planned to go straight to work at first. However, he immediately changed his plan upon hearing her words. "I'll fetch the both of you."Willow tilted her head. She didn't understand why Julian had suddenly changed his mind.However, Julian simply drove the car up to her and said, "Get in the car."Willow was too young and couldn't sit in the passenger seat, so I sat with her in the back.As Julian drove, he looked at Willow through the rearview mirro
Luna had become his mother, yet he didn't seem satisfied with it. He kept wanting to take his relationship with Luna a step further.What did that have to do with me?I looked at him with disgust. "Why are you telling me this? Are we familiar with each other?"Zach stood there dumbfounded, staring at me in shock.I frowned, not bothering to hide my disdain. "How you and your mom develop your bond is your business. It has nothing to do with me. Stop approaching me over and over again to tell me about it. I don't have that much time to waste. Understand?"With that, I walked past him without. After taking a couple of steps, I remembered something and turned to the kindergarten teacher. "I hope you can better supervise your students in the future. Don't constantly allow him to chat to strangers." I got into the car after I said that.Julian stepped on the gas, turned the steering wheel, and merged onto the road. He looked at me, his gaze probing.After spending some time with
Alice nodded. "Yes! Actually, you can talk to me about what she's done for you. Maybe from some small details, I can read her deep love for you."Confused, Joseph began telling Alice about everything that had happened between him and Avery.Each time Alice heard something, she would nod and say, "See? If she didn't love you, she wouldn't be willing to do those things for you!"The confusion on Joseph's face gradually turned into certainty.Seeing this, Alice smiled.Despite the complications along the way, her plan was about to succeed!Even though Avery might indeed have some special feelings for Joseph, Alice knew that Joseph's family had very high standards for a daughter-in-law.A woman like Avery—with no background—would definitely be bullied if she married into the family.At that point, it would be like the Wilson family was avenging Alice.The more Alice thought about it, the happier she got. However, she was also worried Joseph might reveal everything right away. "But
"Why?" Joseph asked in confusion.Alice suddenly felt exhausted. When she communicated with smart people, it was always just to the point. But when talking to Joseph, she had to explain every word."Because she knows your current situation! No one can help you, and you can only come to me. And my salary is so low. I wouldn't want to spend money on you. But she's different. She doesn't earn that much, but she's very generous when it comes to spending money on you.""That's true." Joseph's eyes instantly lit up. Then, he frowned."But I don't think she's ever spent money on me."Alice crossed her arms. "That's because you haven't mentioned it. Otherwise, she would definitely spend money on you."Though Alice didn't have much interaction with Avery, she was sure Avery would spend some money as long as it made life difficult for Alice.Alice suddenly felt smart for being able to use Avery's personality traits to set a trap for her.She signaled for Joseph to call Avery. "If you don
Joseph wasn't dumb, so of course, he understood the hint in Alice's words. "They would have to live through tough times with me?"Alice nodded. "Yes."Joseph couldn't say a word. It was only then that he realized that he seemed to have been living as a giant baby under his father's protection.When he was at home, with his father being kind and loving, everyone was willing to pamper him.Now that things had soured, no one wanted to have anything to do with him anymore.Joseph suddenly felt a bit incredulous."Although most of your fair-weather friends can't be relied on, one thing's for sure—someone will always be sincere with you," Alice continued.Joseph seemed to understand something as he looked at Alice. "You called me out here just to hint that you're the one who's sincere with me?"Alice almost laughed out loud from anger. She had called Joseph out to set Avery up!If she involved herself, she would be losing big time.Alice took a deep breath. It was stupid of her to
"That's right. At the time, the divorce happened so suddenly that even if I went back to my previous job, it would take a long time to start making money again. I had no resources to solve the immediate problem," I replied."Do you want to go back to your previous line of work?" Julian asked.Without even thinking, I shook my head. "Of course not. I have a job I enjoy more now, and it pays better. There's no reason to go back."Julian's smile widened.…When it was time for the lunch break, Joseph was already waiting in the café downstairs.Alice rushed over, and Joseph remarked sarcastically, "Look at you, all busy and important now. I waited for so long."Hearing that, Alice rolled her eyes at him. "Most companies have the same lunch hour. If you insist on coming this early, what do you expect me to do? Besides, I came straight here as soon as I got off work."Alice shot him a sideways glance. "That's already giving you enough respect. You'd better appreciate it."Joseph qui
"That's alright. I can treat you," Alice replied.As long as it meant making Avery suffer, spending a little money was no big deal.Even though Alice had started working and understood how hard it was to earn money, she could still afford something like this.Joseph swallowed and asked, "Can I order anything I want?"Alice recalled how Joseph used to spend money like water and worried that he'd order a massive amount of food, possibly exceeding her entire month's salary."As long as the total doesn't exceed 100 dollars, order whatever you want. If it's over that amount, I can't afford it. You'll have to pay for yourself."Alice figured it was better to be upfront to prevent Joseph from causing trouble later."You have a job now and even bonuses. Do you really have to be this stingy?" Joseph asked in annoyance.Without hesitation, Alice replied, "My salary isn't that high. You should be grateful I'm treating you at all. If you think I'm being too cheap, then forget it."100 dol
With that, she turned and walked out.Avery suddenly had a bad feeling about it. "What are you planning to do?"Alice turned back to look at Avery. "I don't need to tell you, do I? All you need to know is that since you came after me, I won't let you have it easy either."She straightened her back and walked away.Just as she reached the elevator, she saw Mark stepping out.She glanced up subtly.Mark gave a small nod. After silently reaching an agreement, Mark walked out of the elevator.Alice stepped in, taking the elevator to the top floor.Their project had just wrapped up, bringing in a huge profit. The other employees in the company, who had been idly coasting along, now saw how lucrative these projects could be. It far surpassed the company's usual earnings.One by one, they started to get tempted.Alice's direct supervisor had initially planned to take on another intense workload. But when they finally went to pick up a new project, they realized those same employees
Shayne lifted his head and stared at Maisy.Maisy felt that Shayne hitting Zach couldn't be brushed off so easily. Otherwise, people would think Zach was easy to bully and pile on him.Realizing this, she stepped forward and slapped Shayne hard. "That's payback for Zach. Now we're even."Shayne took a deep breath. "I've tolerated you again and again only because you're Aralyn's mother. Don't push your luck!"Maisy glared at Shayne coldly. "Hmph! She has nothing to do with you anymore, and neither do I. You don't need to consider anyone's feelings."With that, Maisy turned and walked away with ease.Shayne watched her departing figure, bitterness filling his heart.Maisy used to be fond of him.Every time he and Aralyn visited, Maisy would cook all his favorite dishes.Even Aralyn would get jealous and pout, saying, "Mom, you treat your son-in-law better than me now. I'm jealous!"Every time, Maisy would tap Aralyn's cheek gently and say, "You're a grown woman. Is this really
"If he makes a mistake, I will point it out. It's not your place to interfere. Do you understand?"Shayne was indeed in the wrong this time, and he felt a bit guilty. "I was afraid you were spoiling him too much."Maisy let out a cold laugh. "His father drives his mother away for the sake of a mistress, and in the end, even his father doesn't want him. He's so young, yet he's already gone through so much. It's justified that I spoil him."She only felt sorry for Zach. He had been through too much at such a young age. "Besides, being afraid that I'm spoiling him too much doesn't give you the right to lay your hand on him."Tell me, did you hit him because he did something wrong? If you can say what it was, and if he was truly in the wrong, I'd take your side no matter what."Shayne fell silent.Seeing his expression, Maisy immediately understood and became even more furious."He said he never contacted his mother," Shayne explained.Maisy was so speechless she almost laughed. "T
"Of course!" Zach answered without hesitation."All my classmates' parents are coming. Only mine are not. But since Noah and Ms. Harper are around the same age as Mom and Dad, the kids in my class might mistake them for my parents."That should make me feel a little better. And you're a family member, Granny. I won't be too different from the other kids."Maisy's heart ached at Zach's words. "Alright, don't worry. I'll be there."Getting Maisy's confirmation, Zach quickly jumped off his chair and took out his suit, handing it to Maisy. "This is the outfit I picked out earlier. I have to wear it! I look really good in it. Make sure to bring it in the afternoon, okay?"Maisy smiled at him lovingly. "Okay."Zach finally felt at ease. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and left.Maisy held onto the little suit and followed behind Zach.Zach looked at Maisy in confusion and asked, "Why are you coming too?"Maisy ruffled Zach's hair. "I'll send you to school and pick up some gr