Chapter 111
By the time Paisley got home, she was utterly exhausted. But as she opened the door, she forced herself to summon every ounce of energy and put on a radiant smile. “Rena, Mommy’s home”
“Mommy” Serena came running out of her bedroom in excitement, barefoot and ready to leap imo Paisley’s arms.
Paisley longed to scoop her daughter up and smother her with kisses, but having just come from the hospital, she didn’t want to bring any of its lingering germ near her child. “Stop right there, and don’t move,” she said gently
Serena pouted but obediently stopped in her tracks. “Mommy…”
“le a good girl, Rena. I will take a shower and change my clothes, then I’ll hug you” Paisley said softly.
Maria quickly stepped in and scooped Serena up. “Rena, let your mommy take a shower first”
While Paisley showered, Serena stayed right outside the bathroom, refusing to leave. She was like a little puppy guarding its owner, occasionally leiting out small whimpers as if asking how much longer it would take..
Paisley had no choice but to shower quickly. As soon as she stepped out, Serena threw herself into her arms. Picking up her daughter, Paisley planted two big kisses on Serena’s soft, rosy cheeks. All her fatigue and gloom melted away in that moment
“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Maria asked with a warm smile as she laid out a steaming breakfast. “Come cat quickly. You’ve been up all night. so get some rest after breakfast.”
“Okay” Paisley felt a wave of warmth fill her heart. This was exactly what she wanted–a cozy, lively home. Honestly, her wish had always been this simple
After breakfast, Maria urged Paisley to take a nap Serena, being an obedient chill, kept herself occupied with picture books while her mother slept.
WE When she grew tired of reading, she went off to play with Maria.
Paisley ended up sleeping until the afternoon. When she woke up, she found Maria teaching Serena how to read. That reminded ber–it was time to enroll Serena in a kindergarten
“Oh, by the way, I got a call yesterday from Ms. Johnson, Rena’s previous teacher, Maria said. She mentioned she’s now at a different kindergarten and asked if Rena had found a new school yet. If not, she said Rena could join her there.”
Serena’s eyes lit up at the mention of Sophia. “I want to go to Ms. Johnson’s school”
Paisley knew how much her daughter adored Sophia. “Alright, where’s the kindergarten located? I’ll take Rena there later to check it out. If everything looks good, we’ll enroll her there
Hearing that she’d get to see her beloved teacher again, Serena was overjoyed and clamored for Maria to help her change into her prettiest dress While Serena got dressed, Paisley took the chance to check her phone and work emails.
As expected, she received numerous missed calls, unread messages, and a backlog of work ernails. She sighed and decided to return Lucy’s call first.
“Ms. Sutton, are you coming to the studio today” Lucy asked.
nas best as you can, and if you can’t,
“Not today. I’m taking Rena to visit a kindergarten later. If it’s not urgent, put it on hold. If it’s pressing, handle it as then let me know,” Paisley said.
Lucy was competent, and Paisley trusted her judgment completely.
“Got it” Lucy replied, her voice suggesting she was multitasking–typing while talking. “Oh, there’s one thing that needs your confirmation. Ms. Flynn from Crown& Culture asked me to double–check. Are you sure you’re okay with submitting your oil painting for their charity auction? If so, Il proceed with the contract.”
Crown&Culture was a magazine dedicated to empowering women. The funds raised from this charity auction would be allocated specifically to support girls in impoverished remote areas.
Paisley had reviewed the proposal Janet sent and found it meaningful. Breaking her usual rule, she decided to contribute her painting to the cause. “Yes, go ahead”
“One more thing. Ms. Sutton. Will you attend the event! Ms. Flynn hopes you’ll be there and even suggested doing a feature interview with you for the next issue of the magazine,” Lucy added
“Let’s skip the interview, but I’ll attend the auction” Paisley was curious to see how much her painting would ultimately sell for
