Anna hurriedly straightened her clothes before opening the car door.
“Mom? Why are you here?” she asked, her heart pounding hard. Panic flickered through her—she was terrified Matilda might have seen what had just happened inside the car.
“I heard from the boutique manager that your foot was injured,” Matilda said worriedly, immediately reaching out to check Anna’s condition.
“I’m fine, Mom. The doctor said it’ll be better by tomorrow,” Anna reassured her gently. Matilda exhaled in relief.
“I’m sorry for leaving you at the boutique earlier,” Matilda murmured, guilt coloring her voice.
“It’s alright, Mom. It wasn’t your fault,” Anna replied softly, giving her a small smile. “Let’s go home.”
She opened the car door for Matilda. Once her stepmother was settled inside, Anna slipped back
