Chapter 23

“She doesn’t eat much, you see how skinny she is, but if she gains a little weight, her butt will get bigger and she’ll be able to have a son,” Alyssa continued to promote.

“Who told you that having a big butt means having a son?” Jerome was curious how a young child from kindergarten could say such a thing.

“I heard her tell Mrs. Xu that her daughter has a big butt, so she must be able to have a son.”

Jerome explained helplessly, “Having a son has nothing to do with women, it’s about whether the man has a Y chromosome. If he does, the baby will be a boy.”

Alyssa tilted her head and looked at Jerome, seeming to understand but not quite. “I have a lot of watercolor pens that I can give you. You can dye it any color you want, and you can even have twins.”

Jerome cleared his throat, he actually wanted to have twins with Angelia.

Well, Alyssa was smart and talkative, but she was still a child.

He took out a hundred-Dollarbill from his wallet and put it in front of Alyssa.

Alyssa didn’t take it and asked, “What do you want me to do with the money, dye your hair? “

“You said you only wanted ten dollars, buy one get one free, and send your mom away, right? I don’t have ten dollars, so I’ll give you a hundred dollars. You’ll be mine from now on. If anyone bullies you or your mom, you can call me.”

“Really?” Alyssa’s eyes widened.

“But your mom is a bit timid, so we can’t tell her for now, otherwise she’ll be scared away. Can you do it?” Jerome said softly.

Alyssa pursed her lips, nodded quickly, and climbed down from the chair with the money.

Jerome thought she was going to do something, but she just happily bounced around on the floor with the money.

Cute and adorable, like a little pet.

Angelia pushed the door open.

Alyssa exclaimed and hid the money behind her back, looking at Angelia warily.

Angelia frowned, “What are you hiding?”Alyssa thought for a moment and handed a hundred dollars to Angelia, saying “Mom, I earned a hundred dollars, here you go.”

Angelia looked apologetically at Jerome and said, “Alyssa framed you.”

“No, how did your cleaning go today? Let me see,” Jerome changed the subject.

“Oh, it was quite productive. I sorted through things and I’ll send you an email now,” Angelia said, pulling up a chair and sending the email to Jerome.

Jerome looked deeply at her. Was this the legendary situation where someone was sold and yet still counting someone else’s money?

Angelia sent the email to Jerome and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I went to your grandmother’s house today and she said to have Alyssa follow you. If you don’t have time, have the nanny come with you. She can live alone,” Jerome said, looking at Alyssa climbing onto the chair next to him with a small face.

“Sit on my side,” Angelia said, but Alyssa shook her head.

Angelia was thoroughly rejected and wanted to say something, but Jerome suggested, “What if I bring your grandmother up here with you?”

“Grandma won’t leave the village,” Angelia’s eyes dimmed for a moment. “Otherwise, I would have brought her here already.”

“Do you want Alyssa to stay with you?” Jerome asked.

“Huh?” Angelia was stunned. His tone seemed to suggest that as long as she wanted it, he could arrange it. She had thought about it too, and when she got her career on track, she would find a nanny and bring Alyssa with her.

As long as she saw Alyssa’s small face, no matter how tired she was, she wouldn’t feel so exhausted.

“Yes,” Alyssa spoke before Angelia could say anything. “Alyssa wants to stay with Mom and take care of her.”

Angelia smiled.Jerome glanced at Alyssa and said to Angelia, “Because of the nature of IT work, overtime is often required, and employees cannot take care of their families properly. I want to build a daycare center upstairs in the company and hire some professional teachers to take care of children aged 2 to 12. What do you think?”

“Can we really do that?” Angelia thought this was a great idea.

“It’s considered a company benefit and can increase the company’s market competitiveness. I’ll leave this to you to handle, and there’s no rush. We can start during the summer vacation,” Jerome said.

“Okay, I’ll post the recruitment information after work on Monday.”

“Can I be with Mommy now?” Alyssa asked innocently.

“Soon, after you finish your summer vacation,” Angelia replied.

Alyssa clapped her hands happily and said, “Daddy, you are the best daddy ever.”

Angelia blushed even more, as if they were really a family of three. But it was okay for Jerome to call Alyssa his goddaughter.

Hearing Alyssa’s words, Jerome thought of giving her a gift. “Alyssa, do you have any wishes?”

“I have a few wishes. Can you fulfill them all, Daddy?” Alyssa asked sincerely.

“Alyssa, don’t be naughty,” Angelia interjected.

Alyssa pouted, her eyes dimmed, and she lowered her shoulders. But she really didn’t say anything, especially obedient.

Jerome looked at her and had a strong feeling of wanting to fulfill her wishes. “Let her speak.”

Alyssa’s eyes lit up again. “I want to eat KFC.”

“Okay.”

“I want to take a plane.”

“Okay.”

“I want to go abroad.”

“Okay.”

“I want you and Mommy to have two more babies.”

“Okay.”

Angelia: “…”

Jerome: “…”

He realized what he had promised Alyssa and felt a bit uncomfortable. He looked at Angelia, who was blushing, and said, “I spoke too fast. Sorry about that.”

He didn’t explain, and she knew he spoke too fast. She knew it was a lie, but her heart was beating fast and her mouth was dry. She picked up the water glass and took a big sip of water.

The waiter knocked on the door and came in to serve the food.Angelia suddenly thought of something and looked at Alyssa, “You haven’t told me where your money comes from yet?”

“This.” Alyssa hesitated and glanced at Jerome.

“Don’t lie.” Angelia saw through her.

“I…”

“I gave it to her.” Jerome stepped in for Alyssa, “On the first day I recognized her as my daughter, I couldn’t not give her a gift, but it was sudden and I didn’t have a gift prepared, so I gave her a hundred dollars, all red and prosperous, live to a hundred years old.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Alyssa nodded in agreement.

“Didn’t you promise to fulfill her wishes?” Angelia asked.

Jerome looked at her, his voice softening, “Which wish are you referring to?”

He wanted to fulfill all of them, but the last one was not up to him to fulfill, someone else had promised it at the time.

Angelia suddenly remembered the last wish Alyssa had mentioned, which was to have two babies with Jerome.

She didn’t respond to him, avoiding his gaze and pouring watermelon juice for Alyssa.

“I actually think it would be best to have a little brother and a little sister, then I would have both.” Alyssa said in a childish voice.

Angelia’s hand shook, almost spilling the juice outside the cup.

Jerome looked deeply at Angelia, “That’s something for the future, let’s not talk about it now.”

The future?

Angelia blushed and whispered, “How is that something for the future?”

Jerome took the watermelon juice from her hand, poured it for her, and gently asked, “Is it something for now then?”

Angelia thought about it, and he seemed to be right, but it didn’t feel quite right.

Before she could think about it further, Alyssa clapped her hands happily and said, “Mommy, cake, such a beautiful cake.”

Angelia followed Alyssa’s gaze and saw three different types of cakes, one of which was made directly on a Barbie doll, making the cake look like a beautiful dress.

The waiter placed the Barbie doll in front of Alyssa on purpose.Alyssa held a spoon and said, “I don’t even want to eat it, Dad. Can I take it with me? I want to show it to my wife.”

“Sure.” Jerome looked at the waiter. “Please pack it up.”

“Okay.” The waiter took the Barbie doll cake and left.

“Dad, I think you’re better than Page Carter’s dad.” Alyssa said sincerely while holding the spoon.

“Page Carter’s dad?”

“The man who almost became my dad.” Alyssa explained.

Angelia: “…”

Jerome’s face changed a bit as he looked at Angelia. “Do you know about this?”

“I haven’t even met the guy. She just thinks Page Carter’s dad is good and asked if I would consider him. I never even thought about it.” Angelia explained awkwardly.

Jerome looked deeply at Alyssa and asked, “Why do you think he’s good?”

“He took Page Carter to eat at KFC, and they even flew on a plane and went abroad.” Alyssa said, taking a bite of cake and stuffing it into her mouth.

Now Jerome understood why Alyssa’s wishes were to eat at KFC, fly on a plane, and go abroad.

The man who sold himself and his mother for only ten dollars was indeed capable of such things.

After dinner, Jerome insisted on taking Alyssa to The White Apron to buy her clothes.

Angelia reluctantly followed.

She actually didn’t want it, feeling like she owed Jerome too much.

She didn’t like accepting things from others without reason.

But Jerome was now Alyssa’s godfather, and if she refused, it would be too ungrateful.

As soon as they walked into the children’s clothing store, the store manager warmly greeted them, “Sir, Madam, buying clothes for your daughter? What kind do you want?”

“Uh…” Angelia was about to say that she wasn’t, but then Alyssa sweetly said, “Dad, Mom, I like pink princess dresses.”

Angelia: “…”

At this point, she couldn’t explain herself anymore, even feeling strange to herself.

Jerome smiled and squatted down in front of Alyssa. “Take whatever you like, it doesn’t matter how much.”

“Jerome, you’re spoiling the child.” Angelia objected.”Girls are supposed to be raised in luxury, right?” Jerome stood up and rubbed Alyssa’s head with a tenderness he didn’t usually show. “The more you spoil her now, the less likely she’ll fall for a scumbag when she grows up and boys don’t spoil her.”

Angelica thought his words made sense, but… Neville used to spoil her a lot.

When she couldn’t finish her homework, he stayed up all night to help her. When she had a cold, he stayed by her bedside. When she had a performance, he took time off work to accompany her and surprise her. He prepared gifts for every holiday and told jokes to cheer her up whenever she felt sad or discouraged.

“If a scumbag shows his true colors from the beginning, no girl will like him. The scariest kind of scumbag is the one who uses tenderness and indulgence to make you fall in love with him, only to stab you in the back later.” Angelica said calmly, looking at Alyssa.

“Alyssa is still growing, and if we buy too much, she won’t be able to wear it soon. As long as she has enough clothes to wear, there’s no need to show off with these superficial things. Just choose one.” Angelica continued.

Alyssa nodded, “Mom, I’ll only choose one. Even if it’s an old piece of clothing, I’ll still be the prettiest.”

Angelica smiled with relief, “Yes, you’re the prettiest.”

“The little baby looks like her parents, she must be beautiful.” The store owner smiled and followed Alyssa to get her clothes.

Jerome stood next to Angelica, feeling a warmth and excitement he had never felt before. “You’ve taught Alyssa very well.”

Angelica smiled, feeling that Alyssa was pretty good too. Looking at Jerome, even her eyes seemed to be shining like stars, radiating dazzling brilliance. “She’s my pride and the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”

“Decision?” Jerome didn’t understand at first, but then he thought about it and felt depressed.

Did her words mean that marrying Sammie was the right decision because of Alyssa?

“No matter whose child you have, you’ll teach them well.” Jerome said meaningfully.Angelia is happy and says that Alyssa is good, which makes her even happier than saying she is good.

She asks Jerome when his birthday is, and he looks at her with a glint in his eye and asks if she’s going to prepare a birthday gift for him.

Angelia doesn’t deny it and nods with a smile.

Jerome tells her that when his birthday comes, she must celebrate it with him in person and not just ignore him.

Angelia asks when his birthday is, and he tells her it’s September 10th, which is also Teacher’s Day.

He used to not look forward to his birthdays because of all the social obligations, but now he’s excited for it to come.

Alyssa comes out of the dressing room wearing a pink princess dress and asks Jerome if she can have it.

He buys it for her, and Angelia asks if they can get a discount, but the salesperson says it’s already on sale for $99.

Jerome is shocked by the price and tells Angelia it’s cheap.

Alyssa holds both of their hands and says how happy she is to have a dad and a mom.

Angelia has a strange feeling in her heart and briefly thinks that Alyssa would be lucky to have Jerome as her dad.

But she quickly regains her senses and realizes it’s just a passing thought.”Dad, what is that? Why are the toys hanging inside the glass? Can we take them?” Alyssa asked curiously as she looked at the amusement park in front of them.

“Do you want any of the toys inside?” Jerome asked softly.

Alyssa nodded, “Yes, I want them.”

“Alyssa, you already have enough toys,” Angelia reminded her.

“Then I don’t want them,” Alyssa immediately shook her head.

“It’s rare to bring children out to play, who knows when we will have the chance again,” Jerome said as he pulled Alyssa inside and walked to the front desk.

“Would you like to recharge, sir? We are currently offering a promotion of 500 recharge with an additional 300 and a free large toy of your choice,” the front desk warmly introduced.

“Okay,” Jerome replied and took out 500 from his wallet, handing it to the front desk. He asked Alyssa, “Which toy do you want? It’s free.”

“Mum, it’s free,” Alyssa looked at Angelia’s expression for approval.

Jerome had already recharged, so what could Angelia say? “Then choose one, thank you Jerome… Dad,” Alyssa smiled sweetly and said, “Thank you, Dad. I want the Barbie doll, the red one with the long skirt.”

“That one costs 10,000 tickets to exchange, the stuffed animal below is free,” the front desk reminded with a smile.

“Oh,” Alyssa was a little disappointed, “Then I’ll take the little piggy, it looks just like my mom.”

Angelia: “…”

Was she being targeted?

The front desk smiled and gave Alyssa the piggy, and gave the card to Jerome.

Jerome held Alyssa’s hand and said, “Do you still want the Barbie doll?”

“Yes,” Alyssa, after all, was a child who didn’t even think before answering.

“Okay,” Jerome replied.

Following them, she really didn’t expect that Jerome, who was usually rigid, cold, and serious, would be a spoiled child maniac. If he had his own child someday, he would probably spoil them to the heavens.

But, thinking that he would have his own child someday, her mood sank again.

Jerome took out 100 gold coins and came to a machine.Angelia doesn’t play this game and doesn’t understand it either. You just throw coins in and if you hit the lion’s head, coins will come out from the top. You can also get coins by pushing them out. If the coins fall outside, you will get a ticket.

Jerome took a glance and put a coin in, and the first one he planted was the lion’s head. The system turned and showed ten coins coming down from above. He pushed them out and three coins came out from the exit.

“Daddy, you’re so amazing,” Alyssa immediately squatted down and picked up the coins, putting them in a cup like a treasure.

Jerome continued to put in coins and planted two more. He waited for the system to turn and it landed on five o’clock. Alyssa was jumping and happy beside him. Only one coin came out and Alyssa immediately picked it up, still staring at the hole, hoping for more. Her lively expression was especially cute.

The more Jerome looked at her, the more she looked like Angelia, with her cheeks red and soft like apples. He used to be angry when he saw Angelia with a child, but now he thinks it’s pretty good.

Angelia saw that she couldn’t help much, “There’s a supermarket downstairs, I’ll go take a look and buy two bottles of water to bring back. Call me when you leave.”

“Okay,” Jerome answered softly, looking at Angelia with tenderness. That look seemed to overflow with water. She had never seen Jerome look at her like that before, as if he could melt people. Her heart beating faster, she moved her gaze away before Jerome could see clearly, and turned around to go to the supermarket on the basement floor.

If she got divorced.

If Jerome didn’t have a noble background.

If Jerome was just an ordinary worker.

If that were the case, would she and Jerome… have a chance?

Unconsciously, she arrived at the basement floor and lowered her head to push the shopping cart.

“Hurry up, can’t you push the shopping cart faster?” a familiar voice urged her.

Angelia turned around and saw Lillian.Lillian also saw Angelia and became furious.

She directly slapped Angelia in the face.

Angelia dodged backwards and Lillian almost fell.

Lillian pointed at Angelia and cursed, “You slut, seducing my man and feeling good about it. How can you be so cheap?”

Angelia coldly looked at Lillian and said, “You know that what you did was also cheap.”

Lillian then accused Angelia of intentionally retaliating against her by seducing Neville and hurting her to fill the emptiness in her heart.

Angelia replied that if Neville truly loved Lillian, he would not let her get hurt.

She also said that love obtained through deceit would not last and that there would be consequences.

Lillian then cried and begged Angelia not to take Neville away from her, saying that she loved him so much and would do anything for him.

Angelia did not want to argue with her and walked away.

Lillian chased after her, pleading for her to give her a chance and not take Neville away from her.

Angelia responded coldly, reminding Lillian that she had drugged her in the past and asking if she had thought about their relationship as sisters at that time.

“I did not drug you, I swear, I swear on my life, I did not drug you, sister, you misunderstood, even if you pushed me down the stairs and caused me to lose the child I had with Neville, I never thought of retaliating against you, do not take Neville away from me, please.” Lillian cried out in despair.

Angelia sneered, if she had doubted Lillian’s acting before, she was now certain, “You should be given an Oscar, not just an actress, you could be a screenwriter too.” She turned around.

“Angelia. Are you trying to kill me?” Lillian shouted.

Angelia turned her back and waved her hand.

“May we never meet again in this lifetime.”

Lillian cried loudly, looking heartbroken.

Suddenly, a man wearing a mask appeared, his eyes full of malice, walking quickly towards Angelia, holding a bottle of red wine he had taken from the supermarket shelf…

Angelia was suddenly hugged by someone.

There was a loud bang, and the wine bottle shattered on her head, the red liquid flowing into Angelia’s neck.

Angelia turned back in surprise, blood flowing down Neville’s head.

He looked at her lovingly and asked gently, “Are you okay, Angelia?”

Angelia had a moment of confusion.

When she was still a teenager, Neville had pursued her for a long time, but she had always refused and intentionally avoided him.

Firstly, when she was in high school, he was already in college, four years older than her.

Secondly, she did not want anything to affect her studies.

Thirdly, she did not want to date early and worry her family.

During her senior year, after evening self-study, she came out of the school gate and was accosted by some bad students. Their leader insisted that she be his girlfriend, and Neville fought them, his head hit with a stick.

She was very moved and guilty at the time, afraid that he would die, so she agreed to date him.

The scene of that day was replayed, but she no longer had the same feelings as before.

Perhaps the past hurts were too deep, leaving scars on her heart.

She was a person who learned from her mistakes, and if she fell in one place, she would remember it and not want to fall there again. “I’m fine, thank you,” Angelia said, and with a heavy heart, she walked ahead.

Neville held her hand and pleaded, “Don’t go, I really know I was wrong.”

“Neville, you’re bleeding a lot. We need to go to the hospital,” Lillian said, worriedly rushing over.

Angelia now understood that Lillian had acted so deeply in love earlier because Neville was also in the supermarket.

She felt irritated being sandwiched between the two of them.

A pair of reporters rushed in from outside and surrounded the three of them.

One reporter asked Angelia, “Are you Lillian’s sister? Did you really steal her boyfriend? I heard that five years ago, you even pushed Lillian down the stairs, causing her to miscarry.”

“Please don’t ask any more questions. It’s all my fault. Please don’t trouble my sister. Neville is bleeding now, he needs to go to the hospital. Please let us through,” Lillian pleaded hysterically.

“Don’t you feel guilty for stealing your sister’s boyfriend? When did you and her boyfriend get together? Did you sleep together? When you slept together, did you think about your sister’s feelings?” the reporter continued to ask.

Angelia looked sharply at the reporter, pursing her lips. She didn’t want to mention anything about the past, and she didn’t want to respond to their false accusations. She walked ahead.

The reporters didn’t budge. “Why don’t you answer? If you don’t answer, does that mean you’re admitting to our accusations?” they asked.

Lillian pushed away the questioning reporter and shouted, “Stop asking. My sister was raped before.”

Angelia sneered.Five years ago, Lillian asked someone to force her and intentionally pulled her clothes in front of Neville’s parents.

Five years later, she still wants to repeat the same trick. A leopard can’t change its spots.

She took the journalist’s microphone and looked at Lillian, “Nonsense, twisting the truth, is it interesting?”

“What?” Lillian looked at Angelia in tears, “I didn’t, sister, you took Neville away, don’t falsely accuse me again, I won’t be able to live.”

“Whether it’s a false accusation or you’re acting, you know it very well. God is watching what you’re doing, and you’ll have your own retribution someday!” Angelia said, sweeping towards the journalist, “You wanted me to speak, right? She’s been acting all along, saying nothing but lies. That’s my answer. Move aside.”

“If I were lying, I wouldn’t be in such a bad state now,” Lillian shouted sharply, with sincere emotions. If Angelia weren’t involved, she would have believed her.

“I can prove that you’re lying. Back then, you fell down the stairs yourself. You wanted to threaten your sister and make your father kick her out,” Neville said, bleeding too much and feeling dizzy.

“You’re spitting blood, Neville. You can’t treat me like this. We’ve been together for five years. I’ve had three miscarriages for you. Now, you’re falsely accusing me with Angelia. Back then, you watched Angelia push me down the stairs, and you also testified for me in front of my father,” Lillian almost fainted from crying, holding Neville’s arm, “I love you, don’t leave me. If you don’t leave me, I’ll admit to everything. Everything was my fault, don’t leave me.”

Neville shook off Lillian’s hand, “I helped you make false testimony back then. I fell into your trap. Don’t act in front of me. I know your character very well.”

“Then why were you with me for five years?” Lillian said unsteadily.

Angelia’s phone rang, she took out her phone, and before she could see who was calling, Neville snatched her phone and looked at her angrily.Angelia went to get her phone, but she didn’t know who pushed Neville, causing the phone to fall to the ground.

The crowd began to push and shove each other.

Angered that she couldn’t find her phone, Angelia glared at Neville.

She pushed through the crowd, but they seemed to be deliberately blocking her way.

She saw a man wearing a mask and had a bad feeling.

She wanted to leave, but the people blocked her like a wall.

“Go die,” the masked man shouted as he stabbed at Angelia with a knife.

She couldn’t avoid it and thought of Alyssa’s smile and Jerome’s eyes before dying.

In an instant, Neville pulled Angelia to him and shielded her with his body.

The crowd scattered in fear of the murder.

The man with the mask realized he had stabbed the wrong person and ran away in a panic after looking at Lillian.

Neville’s body slipped, and Angelia instinctively caught him.

He smiled at her and said, “Actually, dying for you like this is not bad. It’s better than living every day without hope.”

Angelia had many thoughts in her mind as she looked at Neville.

Lillian rushed over and held Neville, begging him not to die.

Angelia watched Lillian’s emotions and realized that Neville’s words had touched her.

She stepped back, and Neville held her hand.

“Do you still not believe my feelings for you?” he asked.

Lillian became agitated and stepped back.

Neville frowned, swayed, and his shirt was stained with blood.

Angelia still held him, even though he was a stranger she met on the street.

She couldn’t just watch him die, especially since he was injured for her.

“Call 911 first, and you can deal with other things later,” Angelia reminded them.

Lillian was unhappy but still made the call.

They were on the ambulance.Neville looked at Angelia and asked, “You still have feelings for me, don’t you?”

She came because his injury was related to her, and even if she left, she would feel guilty.

But she didn’t want Neville to misunderstand or misinterpret her actions, so she said bluntly, “I appreciate you for saving me just now, and for helping me clarify things, but nobody stays in one place.

You’ve been gone for five years, and I’ve been gone for five years. We’re not heading in the same direction. Maybe you still like me, but I don’t like you anymore.”

“We can start over, I believe you will be moved by my sincerity,” Neville said unwillingly.

Angelia didn’t want to be entangled with Neville anymore and spoke even more directly. “We’ve known each other since we were little. You should know what kind of person I am. I have you in my heart, and no matter how good the conditions are, no matter how perfect they are, I can’t be interested in anyone else. My heart is small, it can only hold one person, and now there’s someone else living in it, and that person isn’t you.”

Neville became excited and held Angelia’s hand tightly. “Who, who is it, Sammie? What does he have that you like?”

Angelia wanted to pull her hand away, but Neville held it even tighter and shook his head, looking at her suspiciously. “No, it can’t be Sammie. You wouldn’t like someone like him. It’s Jerome! You like Jerome, don’t you?”

Angelia didn’t want to say.

Lillian couldn’t speak and looked at Angelia. Last time in the elevator, she seemed to have seen Jerome, but she wasn’t sure. Now it seems that she did see Jerome in the elevator last time.

“How could Jerome like you? He has so many young and beautiful women. You’re not good enough for him,” Lillian sneered.

Angelia’s eyes dimmed a bit and she looked at Lillian. “Liking him is my business. It’s his business if he doesn’t like me. He can dislike me or not be interested in me, but I have the right to like someone.”

Neville looked at Angelia.He thought that in five years, Angelia might fall in love again. Just the thought of her falling in love again kept him up at night. He couldn’t find her, and the only way he could cope was by working hard in the hopes of seeing her again. He had become a successful man, and he was competitive enough.

After listening, Lillian had a sudden realization and said to Neville, “No matter how good you are to Angelia, no matter how much you like her, she can’t like you back. Why waste your emotions?”

Neville became angry and asked, “Did you bring the reporter here?”

“How could I have brought them here? I bumped into Angelia at the supermarket. I don’t have time to call reporters. You’re really accusing me unfairly,” Lillian replied.

“All their questions were about Angelia. You even deliberately brought up the fact that she was raped. You’re too scary. I don’t know when you might betray me. I broke up with you not because of Angelia’s issue, but because we’re just not compatible,” Neville said.

“We weren’t incompatible when we were together. You always sympathized with me when I talked about my father mistreating me and favoring Angelia. But during our time together, I realized that my father always favored me and mistreated Angelia,” Lillian said, confused.

“You’re already with me. We were fine before. Don’t you want my father to value me? Why did everything suddenly change?” Lillian asked, not understanding.

“Suppress this news. They’re your people. They should listen to you. Otherwise, they’ll bear the consequences,” Neville warned.

Lillian’s chest heaved, and she became more agitated. She dropped her sweet and pitiful facade and angrily said, “Isn’t it clear what Angelia told you? She doesn’t like you anymore. She likes Jerome. Jerome is the world’s richest man. Can you compare to him? You still haven’t given up, but I’m the only one who truly cares about you. Stay with me.””If you really cared about me, you wouldn’t have slept with Mr. Mitchell,” said Lillian.

“I was drunk, I thought it was you,” Lillian explained excitedly, looking at Neville. “How did you know about this?”

Neville sneered, “Did you get drunk and spend the night with a certain popular actor in a hotel?”

“That was just the media making things up,” Lillian replied, her face turning pale.

“I have the video, do you remember the earrings I gave you? I told you to wear them all the time,” Neville said coldly.

Lillian realized what had happened and took off the earrings, throwing them on the ground. She had no excuses left and looked even more frightened than Neville.

“Deal with the reporters and don’t bother me again. I have more than just the two of you on video,” Neville said coldly. “You can get out of the car now.”

Lillian clenched her fists and glared at Angelia. “Are you happy now?”

Angelia calmly looked at Lillian. She had Neville, but still went after other men. It was something Lillian would do, and she deserved the consequences.

“You’re not important enough to affect my emotions,” Angelia said.

The car stopped and Lillian got out. Soon, Neville was rushed into the operating room.

Angelia sat in the waiting area, staring at the red light outside the operating room. She wondered how Jerome and Alyssa were doing. Jerome couldn’t find her and must be worried. Unfortunately, her phone was missing.

Now that Neville was in the operating room, there was nothing she could do. She had said everything she needed to say. It wasn’t that she was heartless, but that there shouldn’t have been any feelings involved.

She decided to go find Jerome and Alyssa. The elevator bell rang and Jerome walked out, his face dark and cold, as if a cold wind was blowing around him. Alyssa was with him.

Angelia was surprised. “Why are you here?”

Jerome was angry. “You don’t want me here? I can leave now.”

“That’s not what I meant. I was just about to come find you guys,” Angelia said.”Is that so?” Jerome said ominously as he entered the elevator again.

The phrase “is that so?” made Angelia’s heart sink. It seemed like he didn’t trust her.

At first, she didn’t understand what Jerome meant and stood still.

Jerome’s expression became even worse. “You’re not coming in yet? Weren’t you supposed to come find us? You lost your own child and left with your ex-boyfriend. Is that what a mother does?”

“It was unexpected,” Angelia entered the elevator and rubbed Alyssa’s head, explaining, “I ran into Lillian at the supermarket. She caused trouble, and a man with a mask was going to kill me, Neville…”

Angelia didn’t continue speaking, afraid that Jerome would misunderstand.

“He saved you, so you’re grateful and want to get back together with him?” Jerome became even angrier.

“I don’t want to get back together with him. He got hurt because of me. I can’t just not send him to the hospital,” Angelia said in a gentle voice.

“Did he take you to the hospital when you got hurt for him? No, he’s with Lillian. Okay, let’s not talk about that. If you want to bring him here, it’s because you’re grateful to him, so why didn’t you call back? At least let me know so I can pick you up. You turned off your phone, is that interesting? Or do you think I’ll stop you from getting back together with your ex-boyfriend? Are you that important to me, Angelia?” Jerome said angrily.

A strange emotion flowed through Angelia’s heart, suddenly becoming desolate. She knew she wasn’t that important to him.

“My phone wasn’t turned off. I lost it, and I haven’t found it yet,” she said, lowering her head.

Jerome sneered, “You’d rather sit here worrying and anxiously watching the operating room’s lights than think about how worried and anxious your child is about not being able to find you.

During his surgery, you could have bought a new phone, gone to the store to get a new SIM card, or come to the arcade to find us. But what did you do?”

Jerome’s words were clear, sharp, logical, and refuted her. She couldn’t say a word.She only sent Neville here so she could rest and figure out what to do.

She’s not a fairy, just an ordinary person among the masses.

Many times, she can’t make a quick decision, can’t schedule her time too tightly, and can’t guarantee that what she does will satisfy everyone.

He has already made up his mind about her, so any further explanation from her would appear particularly hypocritical.

She lowered her head, didn’t say anything else, feeling a bit aggrieved and sad, with a shivering look in her eyes.

The elevator opened, and Jerome walked out of it.

Angelia followed, subconsciously grabbing Alyssa’s hand, afraid she would get caught in the elevator.

Alyssa angrily shook off Angelia’s hand and followed Jerome.

Alyssa’s behavior really hurt her.

That was the most important person in her life, someone she wanted to protect and care for no matter how much effort it took.

In that moment, she didn’t understand.

She had raised Alyssa for four years, and Alyssa had just met Jerome, yet she could stand completely on Jerome’s side and isolate her.

She couldn’t take it and felt like a knife had been plunged into her heart.

She stood still, wanting some time and space to adjust to her imminent outburst and collapse.

But then she thought that Jerome wasn’t anyone to Alyssa, and she was still worried, so she followed them out.

Jerome’s car was right outside the door.

He was sitting in the driver’s seat.

Alyssa was sitting in the back seat, arms crossed, chin up, eyes looking up at the sky, appearing angry at Angelia and not wanting to talk to her.

Angelia got into the car and looked out the window.

Perhaps she was used to being abandoned.

When she was very young, her mother left her.

She had to be very careful and obedient every day in the Green family, even if she was bullied, she could only endure it.Because she was young and had no mother,

and did not want to worry her grandmother,

she thought that even if she was seen as weak and spineless,

she would work hard at her studies, go to college,

and work to support herself and her grandmother.

On the day she graduated from college,

she was also abandoned by her father.

At that time, she thought she had grown up and could support herself.

Since Angelia’s father did not want her and they made her suffer,

she decided to leave.

She had hands and wouldn’t starve.

Unfortunately, fate played a cruel joke on her again.

Her grandmother was seriously ill and lying in bed,

and this time she was truly abandoned.

If her grandmother passed away,

she would be the only one left in the world.

She was extremely desperate and sad,

and no matter what, she had to save her grandmother.

So she married Sammie.

She once told herself that she didn’t want to abandon her child like her mother did.

Even if life was difficult,

she wanted to give Alyssa enough motherly love and warmth.

This time, it was the first time that Alyssa had been angry with her,

which made her feel very cold.

But what could she do?

Children don’t understand, they only see the surface.

If others treat her badly, she can let it go.

Can she let it go when Alyssa treats her badly?

“Bad mommy,” Alyssa said again.

Angelia ignored her and remained silent,

still looking outside, the mist swirling in her eyes.

“Bad mommy, I don’t want you,” Alyssa pushed Angelia.

Her mind exploded,

she didn’t care if others hurt her,

but being hurt by the person she loved the most was really heart-wrenching.

She looked at Alyssa and asked, “Why are you angry with me?”

“Hmph,” Alyssa still had a stubborn look on her face.”You are so angry with me, saying that I am a bad mother and don’t want me. It seems like you don’t want to live with me anymore. That’s fine. After all, I am busy with work and can’t take care of you well. You can live a good life in the countryside with your wife.” Angelia said seriously.

Upon hearing this, Alyssa’s mouth tightened, and she burst into tears. Jerome couldn’t control his emotions upon hearing Alyssa cry out, “Angelia, is this fair? You abandoned her and still won’t let her be angry with you. She is not a toy, she is a human being with a heart and thoughts.”

It seemed like from Jerome’s perspective, Angelia treated Alyssa like a toy, even though she had raised her with such care. Angelia’s temper also erupted. “Yes, she has a heart, she has thoughts. I don’t have a heart, I don’t have thoughts. It was me who abandoned her to be with my ex-boyfriend, and I deliberately turned off my phone for fear of you guys ruining it. I really shouldn’t have come with you. Sammie is still in the operating room, please park the car.”

Jerome suddenly stopped the car and turned to her sharply, “What did you say?” Angelia smiled happily, her eyes fixed on him.

She wanted to remember his angry face, engrave it in her mind, and then drive him out of her heart bit by bit.

Since their relationship wasn’t too deep, it should be easy. “Jerome, what am I to you? Even if I’m with my ex-boyfriend, what does it have to do with you? You’re just my boss, aren’t you too involved?” Angelia said seriously.

Jerome asked, “Aren’t you married? Don’t you have a husband? Would you divorce him for your ex-boyfriend?”

“That’s my business. I don’t need to report to you. Alyssa, let’s go.” Angelia said, looking at Alyssa and taking her hand. Alyssa withdrew her hand, tears still in her eyes, looking at her with rejection. Angelia looked at Alyssa hurtfully, her heart aching, and her gaze slowly fell on Jerome’s face, but her eyes were clear, “Jerome, could you please send her back?”She pushed open the door, got off the car, and walked towards the road.

Alyssa burst into tears when she saw her mother had really left.

Angelia entered a small alley and didn’t know where to go.

She saw a Verizon Wireless store.

Verizon Wireless told her that she needed to go to Verizon Wireless to handle the original card, but she could temporarily stop the number.

Angelia had them temporarily stop the number and went to Verizon Wireless to get a new phone card.

She went to a phone store and originally wanted to buy a phone for 2888, but she only had 530 in her wallet and couldn’t afford it.

She could only buy a phone that came with a recharge.

She went to another Verizon Wireless store, recharged 400, with a minimum monthly consumption of 68, opened unlimited traffic for two years, and received a free phone.

She put the card into the phone, didn’t turn it on, and went to the nearby mall to stroll.

She walked from the first floor to the second floor, from the second floor to the third floor, and all the way to the door of the cinema.

She bought a ticket for the latest movie and sat in the sofa area waiting.

A long time ago, she understood a truth.

When your thoughts are trapped in sadness, grief, helplessness, and other negative emotions, you can distract yourself by watching TV, movies, playing games, reading, working, etc.

When your thoughts are dispersed, you won’t feel as sad, as sorrowful, or as helpless.

However, understanding the truth is one thing, actually doing it is difficult.

She didn’t want to think anymore.

The more she thought about it, the more her heart ached.

The ticket check had begun, and Angelia went in and found a seat.

There were not many people watching the movie.

It was a nonsensical comedy.

Perhaps to highlight the comedy effect, the plot was too exaggerated, and the actors’ performances were too exaggerated, making it feel fake.

But there was one plot that deeply touched Angelia.The woman is married, has children, and her husband is a developer who cheats on her with various women, including a young and beautiful girl he keeps outside. The woman knows all of this, but stays with him for the sake of her life and children. However, she is pursued by a handsome CEO and falls into a trap. In the end, she finds out that the CEO was sent by her husband to catch her in the act, and she is left with nothing.

The CEO says to her, “What makes you think you can have my love? There are plenty of younger and prettier women out there, and you still have a husband and children. Don’t be naive and think you’re still a young girl. You may be innocent, but you are not ignorant.”

Although it is a comedy, she ends up crying while watching it. She wonders what she has that makes someone like her, and realizes that she has nothing. She needs to focus on her life, work hard, and improve herself. She leaves the cinema feeling calm, and remembers that she has plans for the evening.

She receives several calls from her grandmother, a stranger, and Tyler, a friend of a friend she is supposed to meet that night.

She calls Tyler and explains that she lost her phone, bought a new one, and asks where he is.

He tells her he is at The White Apron on the fifth floor of the Sibida building.

She tells him she will come over, and while she is waiting for a taxi, she calls her grandmother back.

Her daughter Alyssa’s voice comes through the phone, apologizing for her behavior and begging for forgiveness.

Angelia listens to her daughter’s voice and realizes that as a mother, she cannot stay angry at her child, even if she did something wrong.

However, there is one thing she needs to clarify with Alyssa, “Alyssa, I know you like Jerome, but Jerome cannot be your father. In the future, it’s best not to get too close to him. He will be going to France in a month and won’t be coming back much. Don’t worry too much about him.”

Alyssa was silent for a moment, “Will Mom let me live with you? Compared to Jerome, I like Mom more. I was angry today because I thought Mom didn’t want me anymore.” Alyssa’s eyes turned red again and she was about to cry.

“Mom won’t abandon you. I really lost my phone. I just sent Neville to the hospital when you guys arrived. I have to go now, I still have work tonight. Listen to Grandma at home and be good.” Angelia finished speaking and hung up the phone, got in the car and told the driver, “The White Apron.”

Tyler wasn’t alone, he brought another man with him. It was a coincidence that Angelia knew him. “You, Terrell,” Angelia immediately said the man’s name.

Terrell was happy to see Angelia, “Long time no see, Angelia.” Tyler was shocked and patted Terrell’s shoulder, “You guys know each other?”

“We were classmates in high school. Angelia was our school’s beauty and scholar,” Terrell said.

“Is that a joke? There were many girls prettier than me,” Angelia pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Our school had a beauty contest, which I organized. You won first place. You didn’t even know, I put your photo up,” Terrell said.

“Is that so?” She really didn’t know.

“I was pursuing you at the time, but you didn’t know, did you? Your phone was off, and I even recharged it with 500 Dollar, but you didn’t even acknowledge me,” Terrell said helplessly.

“Ah?” Angelia shook her head and explained, “When I was in high school, Lillian took my phone away, and I didn’t have a phone. I didn’t even know you recharged it for me.”

“By the way, Angelia, did your mom come to see you at school? Did you meet her?” Terrell asked. “My mom?” Angelia looked at Terrell in confusion, her eyes filled with emotions. Her mother had left her when she was young and had never appeared again. She thought her mother…might be dead.”