Chapter 90 Powerless
#Finished
Ever since Yuna could understand things, she’d always held a quiet respect–maybe even fear–for Shawn. This was particularly evident when he spoke with his stern face. Whenever that happened, Yuna would take his words to heart and store them away like sacred commandments.
“Yes, Daddy, I promise.” Yuna raised her hand solemnly “But can you ask Mommy to leave the room?”
Shawn’s brow creased. I didn’t wait for a word from hin–1 got up and walked straight out.
He reached out and grabbed my arm, but I pulled away with force.
Well, that just proved it again. I was just the delivery truck. They–father and daughter–were the real family.
Downstairs, Mona was making dinner. When she saw me, she offered a warm smile. “Mrs. Hartwell, just a few more minutes and dinner will be ready.”
“No rush. Take your time,” I replied with a soft smile.
Outside in the hallway, one of the maids was mopping Rain had blown in under the porch, leaving puddles on the wooden floor.
The rain had finally stopped.
I stepped out into the garden for some air; I needed some fresh air more than anything. Not long after, I felt Shawn behind me.
He said. “Don’t take it out on Yuna. She’s just a kid. You have to guide her, not fight her.
Tm not fighting her, I murmured, eyes fixed on the green leaves at my feet. She just doesn’t like me as her mother.
“That’s nonsense,” he said, his voice sharp with disbelief “What kid doesn’t love their mother?”
I turned to him, a trace of sarcasm curling on my lips. Then maybe you should find her a new mother. I’m sure Ms. Tackman would get along with her just fine.”
“Tiffany, do you even hear yourself right now?” Shawn’s face darkened like a storm cloud.
I raised a brow, voice cool. “Can you honestly swear to God you haven’t thought about it?”
Shawn choked on his words. That’s ridiculous,” he snapped.
And with that, he turned and went inside for dinner. I stayed out, breathing in the cool air; my mood strangely felt better.
I remembered the old days, when I knew full well he was wrapped up with Queena, and I still suppressed. myself, never even mentioning her name for fear it would end our marriage.
Now? That dreaded name rolls off my tongue with ease. I suppose that’s progress, in its own twisted way.
Shawn called Yuna down for dinner. She might have cried herself hungry, as she ate two servings of pasta and sneaked glances at me between bites to gauge my mood.
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Sat, Apr
Chapter 90 Powerless-
#Finished
I kept my expression neutral. Since I’d decided to stop caring about her, there was no point in pretending.
I’m full,” Yuma said, setting down her spoon. “Dad, Mom, I’m going upstairs to watch cartoons!”
She darted up the stairs without waiting for a reply, Shawn didn’t say another word to me, probably still mad about earlier. I was fine with the silence.
The night passed quietly.
But the next morning, Susanna showed up–with Hazel in tow.
Susanna hurriedly ascended the stairs. I was putting on makeup when she stormed into the room. pointing a finger right at me. “Do you call yourself a mother?” she scolded. “Yuna almost got lost yesterday! This can’t happen again–do you hear me? She’s my granddaughter; she’s precious. I don’t care how upset you are; you’re not to yell at her, and you sure as heck better not lay a hand on her again.
I didn’t need to ask–1 knew Yuna had called her grandma and spilled the whole thing. She’d probably even eavesdropped from outside the room, knowing full well that I’d never talk back to my mother–in–law. Yuna was clever like that. She knew exactly who had the authority to keep me in line.
“Suzanna,” I said calmly, “spoiling a child is just as harmful as ignoring them. She disappears now, and one day she’ll run away from home or get into worse trouble. Would you really be okay with that?”
Susanna froze. For a moment, the possibility seemed to hit her. “Even if you’re trying to teach her something,” she said, softening a little, “you could be gentler. She’s a girl, after all.”
“She complains to you every time I discipline her,” I said quietly, turning to face her. “How am I supposed to teach her anything if she keeps bringing in the cavalry every time? Occasionally. I felt powerless.”
Susanna looked at me and seemed to see something different for once–something worn–out and tired.
“Fine,” she sighed. “You and Shawn figure this out between yourselves. I’ll take Yuna to school today. Shawn said he wants to hire a full–time nanny. I’ll take care of it. I’ll find someone she likes.”
“Thank you,” I said softly.
We went downstairs together. Hazel was sitting on the couch, playing with Yuna, who was laughing like she didn’t have a care in the world.
But when she spotted me, her smile vanished. She turned her face away and poured.
Hazel saw the whole thing, hands on her hips. Tiffany, what did you do to her? You’re searing the poor girl. You’re like a mama bear on a rampage.”
“Hazel, that’s enough; you can’t accuse your sister–in–law like that.” Shawn cut in sharply. “You all should
head out.
Hazel quickly picked up Yuna’s backpack, and Susanna took the little girl’s hand in hers, swaying it gently, and said, “Say goodbye to your parents.
