Cordelia tucked Xyla behind her and looked at Janine in alertness. She tried to say as calmly as possible, “Madam,
my mother doesn’t feel well. Please don’t talk to her like that!”
Janine looked surprised. “What’s wrong with her?”
“It’s not my place to disclose it.” Cordelia wrapped an arm around Xyla’s shaking shoulders. “I’m going to send her
back now!”
“Wait…”
Janine failed to hold them back as Cordelia quickly took Xyla out of the gallery.
Janine’s assistant asked her softly, “Madam Baker, do you need me to check them out?”
“What’s there to look into?” Janine gave him the side eye. “Could I not know her when we grew up together?”
Her assistant shut up and quietly backed away.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJanine looked at Cordelia and Xyla’s fading backs in deep thought. She then looked down and realized that the scarf
Xyla had bought had fallen to the floor in their hurry just now.
She picked it up and smiled.
“So old, and you still like the same thing! Sigh, did you think you were still a princess?
“Not too reliable as one, but… the princess you gave birth to is pretty decent!”
…
Cordelia took Xyla back home and frantically rummaged through the medical box once she entered the door.
Xyla knew what she was looking for and waved for her to come over with a chuckle. “Cordelia, forget it… I don’t
need to take any meds.”
Cordelia froze and looked at her in worry.
“I’m fine now, even without the meds.” Xyla was a little tired. “I’m just a bit tired. I’ll be okay after a nap. Go draft
your article. Finish up your work as soon as you can!”
“Mom, are you sure you’re fine?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll… stay around here then.” Cordelia carried her laptop there. “Have your nap. I’ll write up my article. I’ll be able
to help you in time if anything does happen!”
“Okay.” Xyla smiled kindly and patted Cordelia’s head lovingly.
She was lucky she had her daughter all these years. She was the one who had been holding up this fragile family.
Xyla closed her eyes, but it was not a sound sleep.
Ricos Bridge, the snow-capped mountains in Sweltzar, the fireflies in Southeast Aciatic… These scenes flashed
before her eyes, and she soon saw a young Janine. They were still in school uniforms as they cheered at the bottom
of the Elps, motivated each other in the national library, and shone in various academic competitions…
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Say, what kind of man will you marry in the future?”
“I don’t know. Our families will get that sorted anyway.”
“Haven’t you thought of resisting? I’m going to marry a man I love. I’m ready to give up everything for him!”
“You’re too naïve! Men aren’t dependable. We’ve got to rely on ourselves in the end!”
“Janine, be my child’s godmother when I have one, okay?”
“Mm… Why don’t you have a daughter? I’ll have a son. Isn’t it better if we become a family!?”
“It’s a deal!”
Xyla grabbed the blanket, her tears drenching her lashes.
“Xyla! That man isn’t worthy of your love! He only wants the Irwins. You’re being used! He’s lying to you! Wake up!”
“Stay out of my business! Janine, we’re no longer friends!”
“Janine…” Xyla murmured inaudibly, “The Irwins took advantage of him, actually. He isn’t wrong…”
“Mom!” Cordelia had been wiping Xyla’s sweat. “What are you talking about? Where do you feel ill?”