“That’s true. Aurora didn’t speak in the past and used to only stare at people. I thought that she was mentally retarded before she was five years old.”At this point, Laura changed the topic of conversation. “Rory has been very guarded since a young age. How come she actually told you about this?”Deirdre said smilingly, “It’s because I just attended the birthday party you threw a year ago, Ms. Smith. Rory is already six, and I was very curious, which is why I asked. Rory then told me about it.”Laura nodded and assumed a sad demeanor once again. Deirdre asked curiously, “Was Rory born mute, or was it something else?”Laura answered, “She was born mute. That is why I say she’s fortunate that, to everyone’s surprise, she managed to speak again.”Deirdre smiled but was having trouble forcing herself. “How did Cillian feel at the time? I believe that a person like him wouldn’t be fond of having a mute daughter. Isn’t that right?”“You’re right. Cillian was never fond of Aurora an
"Mr. Brighthall!"Brendan's pupils trembled as he listened to Deirdre gradually distancing herself from him. His heart ached so much that it seemed to be tearing apart."No, Deirdre, that's not how it is… I didn't come to see you because I'm afraid that my mental condition may harm you and our child. I wanted to wait until my mental condition became more stable…""What level of stability are you waiting for? Do you think that because I hate you and am completely disappointed in you, you can choose not to care and explain yourself only when you have completely healed? Brendan Brighthall, are you too confident in your own charm or too confident in my tolerance?" Deirdre sneered.Brendan was at a loss for words."What a joke. Only I'm treated as a fool while you can date and sleep with her just because of your mental issue!" Deirdre went on."Deirdre, you can blame me for lying, but you can never question my feelings for you! I really don't know what happened that day…I can't recall
"Since you trust Mr. Brighthall, why did you—"Fionn stopped before he could finish his sentence. He looked at Deirdre with mixed emotions.He knew Deirdre must have her reasons she refused to leave."You can go back now and advise Brendan not to come again," Deirdre said.Fionn wanted to say something more, but eventually, he sighed and left.When Laura returned to the house again, Deirdre had already gone back to her room and didn't come out at all, not even in the evening."Where's Ms. McKinnon?" Declan asked while untying his tie. He had just come back from work."Mr. Brighthall came today, and he probably came to apologize to Ms. McKinnon after he had enough fun. But Ms. McKinnon doesn't believe him, and he made her feel bad. She said she's not hungry and won't eat," Laura replied while helping Declan take off his suit jacket."How can that be?" Declan took out his phone and went to the balcony to call Brendan.After learning the whole story, Brendan dropped his pride for
"Your mother only talks behind people's backs. No wonder she can only work as a waitress in a restaurant." Aurora sneered."What nonsense are you talking about!" The girl was stunned."What does it matter if they're too busy with work to come to pick me up? As long as I like it, they can buy me an amusement park without any problem."Your parents have worked hard their whole lives and can barely make ends meet. Their earnings aren't even enough to afford my expenses for a month. That's why they can come to pick you up."With the energy you have to make fun of others, why don't you go home and do some house chores for your parents? Who knows? They might be happy and give you some pocket money to buy a couple of lollipops to show off?" Aurora sneered.The group of children had mixed expressions on their faces. Just then, the classroom's door was knocked on, and the teacher said, "What are you all doing here? Your parents are waiting for you at the gate. Go quickly."The group of ch
"Really?" Deirdre didn't need to look to know that Aurora's eyes must be sparkling with excitement and anticipation."Of course. But I'll need you to lead the way. You know I can't see well, and I'm unfamiliar with this area. Do you know where the restaurant is located?" Deirdre chuckled."Yes, I know, I know! I'll lead you there!" Aurora replied in a light and cheerful tone.She was eager but also mindful of Deirdre's eyesight, carefully leading her along the way. When they arrived at the restaurant, it was crowded as it was near the school. They had to wait in line for over 20 minutes."Shall we go back first? It's too crowded, and there are no seats." Aurora began to hesitate."Let's just wait a little longer," Deirdre replied. She didn't want to disappoint Aurora. However, with the dense crowd and Deirdre's poor eyesight, it might be dangerous for her. Just then, a running child knocked over someone with a tray of food, and the food flew toward Deirdre."Watch out!"Alon
"Exactly!" Brendan followed suit and said, "Deirdre, take Rory to the seat while I get you the food. I promise I'll leave after you finish your meal.""Aunt…""Deirdre."Deirdre was frustrated with the duo. She didn't even have the chance to refuse and could only agree. "Leave after I finish eating.""Sure." Brendan smirked.Aurora took Deirdre to a table near the window excitedly. While waiting for the waiter to clean up the table, she said, "Aunt, is that really my uncle? Is he the father of my cousin in your womb?"Deirdre noticed Aurora had been used to calling her aunt, but she didn't correct her. She only told Aurora, "He's indeed the child's father. But I have some issues with him and can't forgive him yet. So, if you want me to pick you up from school, please don't stand on his side, okay?""Is it because of other women?" Aurora seemed to be pondering.Deirdre suddenly looked up. She was surprised that a six-year-old child like Aurora could hit the nail on the head.Au
Brendan unpacked the takeout and personally handed Deirdre her cutlery.The aroma wafting from the dishes he ordered was exactly what she loved to eat. Deirdre hesitated for a moment, wanting to refuse but found herself unable to do so.She lowered her head to eat her food while Aurora indulged herself in the fried food, and Brendan sat next to Deirdre, admiring her as she ate.After Aurora was full and let out a burp, she looked at Brendan and Deirdre and couldn't help to ask, "Uncle, are you not hungry?""Hungry," Brendan replied with just a single word while maintaining his gaze on Deirdre."Then, why aren't you eating but only staring at my aunt? Are you waiting for her to finish her food so that you can eat her instead?""Ahem!"Deirdre suddenly choked and coughed.The kid could really say the darndest things."Rory, your idea seems pretty good," Brendan teased as he rubbed Deirdre's back.Deirdre turned and glared at Brendan.Aurora blinked and suddenly burst into te
"Uncle!" Aurora tiptoed and waved hard.Brendan came over and handed the things in his hands to Aurora. "Bought your favorite snacks."Aurora happily took it. When she saw the pastry, she cast Brendan a meaningful look. She then stuffed it into Deirdre's arms and said, "Aunt, this is from my uncle!"Following that, she quickly got into the car.Deirdre took it over with a bewildered look. She sniffed the aroma and found out that it was her favorite snack.She hesitated for a while, wanting to give it back, but Brenda said, "Share it with Rory. Even if you return it to me, I'll just throw it away."Deirdre withdrew her outstretched hand. Her lips moved, but she didn't say anything and got into the car.The car started and was driven away. Brendan watched until it disappeared from his sight. Then, he went back into his car and lit a cigarette.The phone on the passenger seat suddenly rang, and Brendan answered. Emily's urgent voice came through. "Mr. Brighthall! Where have you