That morning, Calla was playing with Clover in the living room when she suddenly heard the door lock turn.Carol had just left for the supermarket to buy groceries not too long ago. How could she be back so soon?The next moment, the door opened, but the person who entered wasn't Carol.An elaborately dressed woman walked in, wearing a pink lace dress. She styled her hair in a bun and adorned herself with gold jewelry on her ears, neck, and wrists. She looked completely different from the sweet, innocent girl she once was. Now, she appeared every bit like a young married woman.Seeing Zoey, Calla was taken aback—she hadn't expected her sister to suddenly return.According to Carol, Zoey rarely came home these days, choosing to occasionally call instead. She was now staying at home every day to take care of her child. Harlan treated her well, and although she didn't work, they had hired a nanny to help with the baby.It had been almost a year since that unpleasant incident. Yet,
"Stop being unreasonable. I didn't mean it that way." Calla averted her gaze, shocked at how Zoey had become such a shrew. Seeing her like this today really broke her heart."That is indeed what you meant. You think you're some kind of savior, don't you? Without you, I'd be in the same boat as you, struggling with a kid and getting judged by everyone. If it weren't for you insisting that Harlan marry me, he wouldn't have taken responsibility. "So should I be grateful to you? Or are you jealous because you see that I'm living well now? Does it irk you so much to see me thriving while you're struggling?" Zoey's words were a direct assault on Calla's heart.Zoey's sudden outburst startled Clover, causing her to jump frightfully in Calla's arms. Clover began crying uncontrollably.Angry, Calla stood up from the couch with Clover in her arms and snapped, "I don't want to argue with you!" With that, she turned to go back to her room.But Zoey stepped forward, blocking the bedroom door.
Seeing Zoey poised to strike, Calla retreated a few steps in fear. She ended up pressed against a wooden flower stand.Calla looked up and saw the hateful glint in Zoey's eyes. She instinctively held Clover closer to her chest.At that moment, the front door opened, and a soft female voice came through."The vegetables are so fresh today, and the salmon looks especially good. Calla, I bought one for you to help with your milk supply. Speaking of which, why hasn't your milk supply increased?"The sound of her mother's voice was all it took to ease Calla's tension.She wasn't afraid of fighting, but she feared hurting Clover. Now that Carol was here, Calla knew her mother wouldn't let a fight between the sisters happen."Mom, you're home!" The next moment, Zoey turned to greet Carol."Oh, Zoey's here too?" Carol saw Zoey and smiled."Mom, I just got here. Cal said you were out grocery shopping," Zoey answered with a smile."Perfect timing, let's eat together. I bought plenty of
Seeing Calla, Carol said, "You fell asleep earlier, so we didn't wake you up for lunch. We left some food in the pot for you. Hurry and eat before Clover wakes up.""Okay." Calla nodded and then went to the kitchen to get her food.As Calla sat at the dining table to eat, she thought about what had just happened. It weighed down on her, but she couldn't talk to her mother about it, so she felt even more stifled.Calla was going through the motions, feeling like she was chewing on tasteless wax. It was at this moment when Carol sat down in front of her and earnestly said, "Calla, Zoey is your sister. Even if she said something you didn't like, she meant well. Don't be mad at her—and try not to hold a grudge."When she heard this, Calla looked up and asked, "Mom, what did Zoey say to you?"Carol hesitated for a moment, then admitted the truth. "Last time I called Zoey, I complained a bit about you. I think it got to her. "She admitted that she said some things to you today that
In the blink of an eye, it was Larissa's first birthday. Harlan had reserved a few tables at a five-star hotel, and Calla attended the celebration with Carol.Calla entrusted Clover to a neighbor lady. She planned to deliver the gift at the event and then quickly return. She was worried about Clover and wanted to avoid Harlan. She hoped to prevent any misunderstandings with Zoey. At this point, it seemed best to keep her distance.The small banquet hall had about ten tables, where most guests had already arrived.From afar, Calla saw Harlan and Zoey mingling among the guests. Zoey wore a beautiful pink gown, looking elegant and graceful. Conversely, Harlan wore a white shirt as per usual, maintaining his refined professor demeanor.Zoey was moving gracefully through the crowd, carrying a tray filled with gifts from friends and relatives."Zoey's over there," Carol said, pointing in Zoey's direction.Calla nodded and followed Carol's lead.At that moment, Harlan spotted Carol and
"Alright." Calla gave a perfunctory nod with a polite smile.At that moment, Zoey, clinging to Harlan's arm, warmly said, "Cal, you haven't visited our house since you returned. You must come over before you leave!"Hearing this, Calla knit her brows together. She thought to herself, "When did I say I was leaving? Clover is still so young, and staying at Mom's house gives us some support. I have no plans to leave."In the next instant, however, Calla realized that Zoey's words were meant for Harlan.Sure enough, Harlan frowned and asked Calla, "Are you going back to work in Greendale?"Calla didn't know how to respond for a moment.Carol heard it too and asked, "Calla, why are you going back to Greendale? You're alone with—"She stopped herself mid-sentence, glancing at Harlan, realizing she almost let something slip.After all, Calla's unmarried status as a mother wasn't exactly something to be proud of. Given the stigma attached to unmarried mothers, it would be quite embarra
Even though Calla was prepared for Zoey's behavior tonight, her eyes still reddened when she turned away."I hope you can keep your word!" Zoey shouted at Calla's receding figure.Hearing the voice behind her, Calla didn't look back. She held her head high and continued walking, but still shed tears despite her best efforts.Calla hurried home to take care of Clover, skipping lunch as she no longer had an appetite. Now, even the sight or mention of Zoey filled her with disgust.It was past 2:00 pm when Carol returned from the banquet."Calla, have you eaten? Zoey asked me to bring back a lot of food for you." Carol changed into her slippers at the door, holding a large bag full of food.Calla knew Zoey had put on an act in front of their mother again, pretending to care about her when she didn't. Zoey was capable of such hypocrisy."Mom, I've already eaten," Calla replied flatly."Then, I'll put this in the fridge. We can warm it up for dinner later. I brought back untouched fi
Although Calla hadn't been back home for long, Carol had already asked countless times about the father of her child. Whenever she heard this question, she got a headache and didn't know how to respond. She would never mention Mercer because it would be trouble if Carol went looking for him. That said, she couldn't just fabricate a father for the child, so Calla chose to keep her mouth shut."Alright, alright, I won't ask for now, but that doesn't mean I won't ask in the future. When you're ready to talk about it, you can tell me," Carol said helplessly.Right at that moment, there was a sudden knock at the door.Calla stood up and said, "I'll get the door.""I'll go. Who would come here at this hour?" Carol muttered as she turned and went to open the door.When Carol opened it, she saw Zoey standing there, dressed to the nines. Carol couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. "The banquet's over, right? Why did you come here? Where's Larissa?"Zoey's face was etched with frustra