Chapter 3

Stella wore a beautiful dress, and her skin looked perfect.

On the other hand, I had dry hair, a pale face, and rough hands covered in calluses.

I suddenly felt very insecure and hid behind Mrs. Wilson.

But I could feel my real mother looking at me with disdain.

“Just settle in for now. Let me know if you need anything.”

After saying that, she took Stella’s hand and went upstairs.

After that, life in the Johnston family was rough for me.

I was practically invisible. Nobody cared about me.

They thought I was disrupting the family’s peace.

But I was her real daughter.

Why did she treat me like this?

I wondered about this for many years but could never figure it out.

I was tired of thinking about it and had come to accept it.

If I could not figure it out, then I would stop trying.

Not everything in life needed an answer.

The next day, I visited my adoptive mother in the hospital.

She was still in a coma.

I sat by her bed and held her hand.

I hoped to find some warmth, but her hand was cold.

“Mom, I’ve been so tired these past few years.”

I looked at her sleeping face and felt lost.

“When are you going to wake up? We could move to a different city together.

“I’ve thought about it. I saved up some money over the years. We could buy a small house, open a little flower shop, and live a safe and happy life. How does that sound?”

I wiped away my tears.

“As long as you wake up… I’ll do anything.”

Suddenly, my phone rang.

It was Stella.

“Quiana? Are you there?

“Jaxon won’t stop throwing up. What should I do?

“Shaun’s not home, and the nanny has no clue.”

Jaxon shouted in the background, “Mom, I don’t want her help! Dad said she’s not my mother anymore!”

Then, he started throwing up again.

I let out a bitter laugh. “Did you give him mango?”

“He just had a mango cake… Wait, is Jaxon allergic to mango?! Jaxon, why didn’t you tell me?!” Stella asked worriedly.

Jaxon said sadly, “Because you bought it for me. I wanted to enjoy it.”

His answer made Stella laugh. “Even if you like me, you can’t eat things you’re allergic to. Oh, silly boy!”

Hearing Jaxon’s response, I fell silent.

I remembered his birthday this year when he smashed the cake I made for him.

He said it was too ugly to be on the table.

“There’s allergy medicine in the second drawer of Jaxon’s bedside table. Give him that.

“Then, take him to the hospital to see Dr. Clark. He’s Jaxon’s uncle. Ask him to check on Jaxon.”

Stella took notes.

“Okay, thanks, Quiana. I’ll take him right away.”

“Wait!”

I hesitated and continued, “Shaun and I are divorced now, and Jaxon isn’t my son anymore.

“Don’t call me again.”

Before she could respond, I hung up.

Then, I blocked her and Shaun’s numbers.

Suddenly, everything felt quieter.

I felt sleepy.

I lay down next to my mother and fell asleep.

When I woke up, it was morning.

Shaun and I were going to meet at the courthouse today to finalize the divorce.

I grabbed my documents and headed to the courthouse. I waited outside for Shaun.

Soon, his car pulled up in front of me.

He got out angrily.