Chapter 2 A New Mother in Her Eyes
1041 Words
Julian froze.
"Serena, I..."
I did not give him a chance to explain. My tone was flat.
"I know you had business dinners. You must have picked up someone else's perfume."
Julian visibly relaxed and took the excuse I had handed him.
"Send it to the dry cleaner tomorrow."
With that, he turned and walked into the bathroom, leaving me with a carefree view of his back.
I got out of bed and picked up the shirt with two fingers, as if I were touching something filthy.
Then I pushed open the window.
The night wind poured in, scattering that sweet, cloying cherry blossom scent.
The shirt drifted down and landed on the lawn below.
If something was dirty, it should be thrown away.
Whether it was clothing or a person.
*****
Early the next morning, although my mother did not understand my sudden change, she thought of my recent condition and still accompanied me to a domestic staffing agency.
After three rounds of interviews, I finally chose two nannies I felt comfortable with.
That afternoon, I took my mother shopping and bought her quite a lot of things, shocking her so badly she nearly jumped in panic.
On the way home, my mother was still nagging me about my out-of-control spending.
"Mom, just accept them with peace of mind. This is your daughter's way of showing love."
My heart ached for my mother.
She was the most responsible person in the world, and the person who loved me most.
According to the memories from my previous life, she did not have many years left either.
I wanted to give her the very best.
I shifted the focus of my life away from my husband and daughter and back onto myself.
Because it was so different from my usual thoughtful care, of course they could feel it.
*****
After dinner, I made plans to watch a movie with my best friend, Josie Bennett.
Before I left, Julian even pretended to care about me, telling me to stay safe since I was going out so late.
I looked back at him.
That concern was ridiculous.
Because I knew he was not worried about me as a person.
He was worried that his wife was going out so late.
While I was out, Lila used one of her little tricks for manipulating her parents. She pretended to be sick so Julian would urge me to come home.
I ignored it.
By the time the movie ended, It was already 10:30 p.m.
In the parking lot, Josie hugged my arm, her eyes bright.
"You finally agreed to come out, Serena. I almost don't recognize you anymore."
I smiled but did not say anything.
I just wanted to feel what the night air smelled like when it did not carry the scent of the laundry room or the sweet smell of a child's body wash.
Now I knew.
Tonight, there was nothing in the wind.
But it was enough for me to breathe.
When I got home, the house was pitch-black except for a single floor lamp left on in the living room.
It created that deliberate atmosphere of someone waiting to pass judgment.
Lila rushed over and hugged my leg.
"Mom, you came home so late. Were you out cheating?"
My face darkened.
I asked sharply, "Who taught you to talk like that?"
Seeing the look on my face, Lila realized she had said something wrong and hurriedly called Julian out of the study.
He stood at the stairway, clearly waiting for me on purpose.
I looked at the father and daughter, a faint smile on my face that did not reach my eyes.
"What? Did you tattle again?"
After saying that, I walked around them and headed toward the master bedroom.
Julian followed behind me, his expression stern.
"Why have you been lecturing Lila all day? She has self-respect too."
I let out a soft "oh," then braced both hands on the vanity behind me.
I tilted back slightly, composed and proud.
"Then you must not have heard what she said."
"No matter what she said..."
"She said I came home so late because I was out cheating."
I let out a cold laugh and swept my gaze over Julian.
"Honey, I don't care what game the two of you are playing. But if I hear anyone try to define my life with such low, disgusting slander again, I'll make sure you understand what consequences are."
Julian's brows knitted sharply.
The word "cheating" had clearly struck a nerve.
His expression turned ugly.
After all, he already had someone outside this marriage.
"Lila is still young. She doesn't understand these things."
He was still making excuses for our daughter.
I held up my fingers, dulled from years of housework and stripped of their former glow.
"If she refuses discipline at such a young age, won't she tear the roof off this house when she grows up? If you dislike how I educate her, then you teach her from now on."
Seeing that I showed no sign of reflection and even pushed the responsibility away, Julian grew even angrier.
"Serena, do you even know what you're saying? She is your daughter. You have the responsibility and obligation to raise her properly."
I smiled, my voice as light as a sigh.
"Julian, do you even know how to spell responsibility?"
I looked at him and said each word clearly.
"If you think I'm not good enough, then we don't have to stay married."
Julian's pupils suddenly contracted.
He thought I knew nothing.
For the first time, a c***k appeared on his handsome face.
He slammed the door and left like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
I did not chase him.
I did not cry.
Reasoning with him?
That was for people who were still alive inside.
"I'm going to put Lila to sleep. I'll come back after."
I did not know how much time had passed before footsteps returned and the door was pushed open again.
I closed my eyes and heard him stop beside the bed.
He stood there for a long time.
In the darkness, I heard his phone ring in the living room.
I glanced at the time.
2:17 a.m.
- Writer
