Chapter 170 The Child’s Note
Finished
I stared at the puzzle for what felt like an eternity–frozen in place. Finally, I carefully pushed it aside, the things cluttering my desk now insignificant.
Emotions can grip the soul, bending us in ways we can’t control.
If Yuna had given me this little gift in the past, I would’ve felt warmth, maybe even a smile that lasted all day.
But now, I fought to keep the emotions at bay. As I thought of all I’d done for her, a cold emptiness spread through me.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that Shawn had masterminded this. The gift, the timing–everything felt too calculated, too deliberate. It seemed like a way to revive something I had already let slip away.
Shawn had always been a master at this–at pulling the strings of emotions, manipulating them with ease.
But after dying once, I knew softness was a weakness. Hardening the heart? That was survival.
The office door creaked, a soft sound that made my attention flicker. Yuna’s head appeared cautiously through the gap.
She didn’t speak. She just watched, her eyes full of unspoken thoughts.
I acted like I didn’t see her, not a single glance, not a word.
She waited, her tiny figure standing in the doorway. When I didn’t respond, I saw the frustration building in her, a storm just waiting to break.
Finally, she closed the door, the quiet click a sign of her retreat.
Minutes later, she was back. This time, she didn’t sneak a glance. She stood there, twisting her fingers, her big, glossy eyes shining with a hurt I couldn’t ignore.
“Leave. Don’t disturb me while I’m working.” I said, the words colder than I intended.
“Waah!” Her cry ripped through the silence, loud enough to make my ears ring. She flung the door open and bolted out, her sobs echoing through the hall.
Moments later, Shawn walked in, holding her in his arms. Her face was a mess of tears and red blotches.
The two of them. Unbelievable. I was working, and here they were, putting all sorts of obstacles in my way.
When Shawn didn’t hear me invite him in, he simply pushed the door open and strolled in like he owned the place.
Tiffany, did you see the gift Yuna made for you?” he asked, his voice low and measured. “She worked all night to finish that puzzle.”
I glanced at the desk, my gaze briefly landing on the little wooden pieces. “I thought someone had just left it there by mistake. Jalmost threw it in the trash.”
The words hit like a spark, and Yuna’s tears flowed once more. She buried her face in Shawn’s large hand, her small body shaking with sobs.,
Shawn didn’t know what to do. He bent down and scooped her up, holding her tightly against him. “Yuna, stop crying. Your mother’s just busy. She has a lot of work. I’ll take you out to dinner tonight, okay?”
Yuna nodded, but when she looked at me, her eyes were distant, lost.
Shawn finally took Yuna away, and I reached for my glass of water, taking a sip. Maybe Yuna was starting to grow up a bit.
I thought back to how things used to be. Back then, she’d still be at home, yelling at me for no
reason.
Chapter 170 The Child’s Note
Finished
Now, I didn’t have to coax her into anything. No more coddling, no more making sure everyone was happy. I could just focus on my work and get things done.
Whoever had to deal with kids ended up the one falling apart. This time, Shawn could enjoy that privilege.
After work, my phone rang. It was Susanna, asking me to come over for dinner.
I figured she had been holding back–ready to finally give me a lecture.
I wasn’t worried. I arrived at the restaurant right on time. The moment I stepped into the private room, I was hit with the chaos of the scene. It looked like a marketplace. At least ten middle–aged women were scattered around, talking, laughing. They were all buzzing with energy. I scanned the room. Of course. It was full of Susanna’s friends–distant relatives, aunts, cousins the women who’d watched my marriage with Shawn unfold from the very start.
Uh–oh. They were here for me.
Was Susanna planning to give me a round of lectures?
Fine. Since I was already here, I wouldn’t leave and let them gossip behind my back.
I might as well face them. I’d sit through their criticism, listen, and respond as I saw fit.
I knew everyone. I greeted them one by one, making my way to sit quietly next to Susanna
Susanna smiled, pleased with my calm demeanor, and began speaking. “Tiffany, these women are your elders. They’ve been through a lot, and they know how to handle a big marriage. They all believe there’s nothing wrong with your marriage to
Shawn.”
One woman chimed in, “Yeah, Tiffany. Shawn’s not so bad. He doesn’t hit you, he doesn’t have any bad habits, and he brings in money. He’s a good man.”
I raised an eyebrow, locking eyes with her. “What about emotional abuse? Does that count?”
Susanna’s face went stiff, a flash of discomfort crossing her features. “Shawn wouldn’t do that.”
I let out a soft laugh. “Not to you, Susanna.”
The room fell silent, the air thick with tension. Susanna had no answer.
Another woman jumped in, launching into a story about someone else’s perfect marriage, offering advice on how I should learn to make my own marriage work.
I smiled sweetly at her and said, “If you think they’re happy, it just means you don’t know them well enough.”
The woman blinked, caught off guard, her words faltering. “Well, I mean, it’s my cousin’s daughter’s best friend’s sister…
Send Gifts
10
