"There's no need to lie about that," I said flatly. "She's not a little kid anymore. She knows how things work."
"I'm trying to help you—" Julian's face fell when I brushed him off.
"Don't bother. Maybe every relationship has its own course—including the one between a mother and daughter. Just because I gave birth to her doesn't mean she owes me a lifetime of devotion." With that, I grabbed two slices of toast, picked up my bag, and walked out.
Julian stared at my back until my car was long gone. The moment I stopped trying to be the perfect wife and mother, I started standing up for myself. Little by little, I learned to protect my own peace instead of sacrificing it for everyone else.
Today was all about the renovation plans again. I had a good memory, I drew inspiration from some of
