Chapter 22
The scene before Estelle suffocated her as it a stone had lodged itself in her chest. In the five years she had been married to Julian, he had never once taken Tobias to the kindergarten with her.
Estelle had asked before, but Julian had always refused, using work as an excuse.
It wasn’t that he was too busy but that he just didn’t want to.
Tobias looked half–asleep, still yawning. He had stayed up late again and had not slept well last night. But the moment be heard Susan’s voice, he spotted Estelle standing not far away.
Susan smiled down at him softly. “You see, Tobias? I told you, Ms. Summer isn’t really mad at you. Look, she came here so early just to see you,”
A flicker of satisfaction flashed across Tobias‘ eyes after hearing those words.
He looked at Estelle, “Don’t think you can manipulate me,” he said coolly.
“I’ll never fall for your tricks. If you don’t apologize to Ms. Susie, I won’t forgive you.”
Susan turned to Julian and smiled. “Jules, it looks like Zach’s idea wasn’t so bad, after all.”:
Julian gave a faint hum of agreement. Then, he turned to Estelle, “Susan hasn’t had much of an appetite lately. Go home and prepare a medicinal meal for her.” Estelle gave him a strange look Parting her lips, she uttered two simple words, “You’re insane.”
Susan immediately stepped in, playing the peacemaker. “Ms. Summer, stop being so stubborn with jules. If there’s an issue, why don’t we all sit down and talk (through it calmly? You haven’t worked in years and have no Income. You’re used to a comfortable life, so moving out must be so hard on you.
Susan pleaded, “Ms. Summer, why don’t you just apologize to Jules? Tobias is still young. He shouldn’t be dragged into adult matters, don’t you think?” The implication was obvious. She was making it sound like Estelle was the one using the child as leverage.
Julian’s cold gaze fell on Estelle. “Apologize to Susan now, and I’ll let the past go.
Tobias frowned, his expression filled with frustration. “Morn, I’m not some tool for you to fight for attention.”
Estelle looked at the tune of them standing together, united in their judgment of her. She almost laughed out loud.
If a stranger walled by right now, they’d probably think that they were the real family and that she was some outside trying to stir up trouble.
Susan, with her ever–so–sincere concern, spoke as if she were Estelle’s closest friend. “Ms. Summer, it’s best to know when to stop.”
Estelle let out a low chuckle, her tone icy. “know when to stop? You freeze my card and come up to me demanding an apology. That’s what you call a good deal? ti It’s such a good deal, why don’t you take it, Ms. Lynch?”
Susan opened her mouth but had no words to offer in return.
Just then, Tobias suddenly stepped in front of Susan, his arms st
stretched out protectively. His face was filled with determination as he took on a protective stance Stop bullying Ma Sustel”
Estelle froze
Tobias had been awning over Susan for some time now, but this was the first time he had so openly stood against her.
No. That was wrong. The only reason this hadn’t happened before was because she had always given in first
She looked at Tobias‘ face. His eyes were filled with hostility, and it was aimed at her.
Estelle stumbled, almost losing her balance.
i out as if to support Estelle.
Susan’s eyes glearned with maller. She stepped forward suddenly, teaching out as if to “Ms Suneter, be careful! All
Susan stumbled backward as it she had been shoved. She fell directly toward the street. Right at that moment, a cat sped pait, just as Susan was about to hit the pavement and get by the car, Julian lunged forward.
He caught her just in time and pulled her into las arms
Susan Trembled with tear, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Jules, L. Talmost never got to see you again.
Tears rolled down her cheeks.She looked so delicate and vulnerable, muking for an utterly heartbreaking sigh
Chapter 23
