“You are lying to me, Mommy,” Emily said. “Don't worry. I will speak to him later. Right now, you should finish your meal.” Emily sobbed. “I don't want to eat again. I'm full now.” Jennifer knew it was all because of the incident that just happened. Why would Albert return at that moment? Not long ago, Emily was happy and full of life. The switch from happiness to sadness happened within a split second. When Emily couldn't get her to finish her meal, she took her to her room and cuddled her till she was asleep. Then, she slowly covered her and left the room. Albert had taken his bath and was already getting ready to sleep when Jennifer opened the door and walked in. He stole a glance at her and ignored her presence. He slid right under the bedspread and turned off the light from his bedside switch. Jennifer walked straight to him and turned the light back on. “What is the meaning of this?” He queried her. “Albert, we need to talk,” she said, her voice serious and unyielding.
Later that day, when it was nighttime, Jennifer was making dinner for her daughter, Emily. But the words of Stella kept on echoing in her head. She didn't want to believe it. However, there was no way to keep her curiosity down. “Hmmm,” she exhaled heavily and tiredly. “Focus, Jennifer. Focus.” She didn't know when Emily walked up to the entrance of the kitchen and stood there, watching her murmuring to herself. Emily didn't need any prophet to tell her that her mom was worried over something.“Mom, is everything okay?” The little angel asked, concern written all over her face. Jennifer was drawn out of her thoughts. She turned to Emily and smiled in a gorgeous manner as if all was well. “My angel, all is well. Why do you ask?""You were talking to yourself, and ... you don't look happy. Did something steal your pastries?""There's no problem. You should be in the living room,” she said, swiftly trying to divert the topic immediately. “I am hungry, Mummy,” Emily said innocently w
Jennifer's entire body tensed at her statement, and her lips trembled with rage. "Emily is not a cursed child," she snapped. "She’s a blessing." "A blessing?" She tilted her head mockingly. "A child that’s draining her father's' finances is a blessing? A child who keeps her family buried in hospital bills?" Jennifer clenched her jaw. "I’m not complaining." "But Albert is," Stella countered smoothly. "And he’s tired. Tired of the endless cycle of sickness, of waiting for a child who might never survive to adulthood. And let me tell you, sooner or later, he’ll give up completely. Then come for me and Ethan, after kicking both of you out." "Is that what you are thinking?" Jennifer asked. "It's not what I'm thinking, Jennifer, but what is going to happen. I don’t even know why he’s delaying." "He is not delaying, Stella. He doesn't just want you. Without Ethan in your life, he won't even come close to you." Jennifer stated. "I don't believe so." Stella replied. "Albert wants
That same day, Stella pulled up outside Jennifer’s small pastry shop. The sleek black car was shining under the afternoon sun. The car was bought by Albert, but Jennifer was not aware.She stepped out with calculated grace, adjusting her expensive handbag on her arm before glancing at the poor pastry shop with a smirk.She looked around briefly, taking in the neatly arranged pastries displayed behind the glass counter. The warm scent of freshly baked goods was lingering in the air. Then, with a scoff, she muttered under her breath, "So this is where she spends her miserable days."With a confident stride, Stella got closer to the shop. Jennifer was behind the counter, arranging a fresh batch of bread rolls, when she noticed Stella stepping in. The sight of her immediately set Jennifer’s nerves on edge. She knew she wasn't coming for good, that she came to cause trouble, but she forced herself to remain calm, ready to face her.Stella glanced around with an unimpressed expression. "Oh
"But I'm telling you the truth. My mom is late." She said amidst sobs. "I needed money. That's why I'm selling it." "Listen, I will buy it for two thousand dollars—nothing more. And that’s just because I’m being generous." Jennifer pressed her lips together, her pulse racing. "This bracelet is worth far more than two thousand dollars," she argued. "This is not fair." "I'm not forcing you. If you can’t sell it for two thousand dollars, you are free to go." He said, waving toward the door. "I don’t have time to debate this." Jennifer sat still for a moment while her mind raced with thoughts. She was being cheated. She wished there were other stores that buys used jewelry accessories. Her mind flashed to Emily's hopeful smile when she promised her she would be going back to school. Jennifer could still hear the words in her head. "Don’t be scared. I will find a way. You are going back to school tomorrow." At this moment, she has no choice. She had given Emily hope. She has
"Excuse me? How can you say that?" "Look at yourself. Someone like you can't afford an original bracelet. Either leave now, or I’ll call the police. You are trying to sell fake jewelry here, and I won’t tolerate it." Jennifer looked at herself. Her clothes were okay. Just that she doesn't look rich. Nobody will believe her by judging based on her look. The shop is for rich, important people. "Please," she said, trying to control her emotions. "I need money for my daughter’s school fees and medicine." Jennifer said, and the girl rolled her eyes. "Save your sob story. I won’t pity you. Now leave before I push you out myself." The girl said, and just then, the shop owner entered the store. He was an older man, dressed in an elegant suit that immediately set him apart from the workers. He paused when he saw the girl shouting at Jennifer. Telling her to leave. "What’s going on here?" he asked. His voice was calm