Phone

Not long after, our food order arrived. Meanwhile, Derrick and Kendall had stopped arguing, but they were still inside the side unit together. What a disgusting, shameless pair.

I had lost my appetite. The memory of catching them having sex together in the unit before lingered in my mind.

Lorraine had been absent for a while too, probably off to see her kids. That woman’s laziness was beyond belief. Ruth’s house was a mess and neglected since I had moved out. She wouldn’t even take care of her own mother, despite being lucky enough to have one worrying about her all the time. Unlike me, who had grown up alone.

After keeping Ruth company while she ate, I planned to return to my apartment.

“Mom. Gillian and I are going home,” I said.

Ruth stayed silent, her eyes fixed on me. Sadness was written all over her aging face. Finally, tears started streaming from her wrinkled eyes.

“Sarah…” Ruth called my name in a hoarse voice.

“Yes, Mom?”

“Why are you still kind to me when I’ve treated you so poorly?” she asked, her voice shaking.

“Mom, you’re my only parent in this world.”

“Thank you, Sarah. For still considering me as your mother.” For the first time, Ruth spoke to me with a gentle tone. An unexpected happiness filled my heart.

I wanted to hug her, but I feared she might pull away, leaving me embarrassed. Right now, I longed for affection. No matter how strong I was, a part of me still craved love and attention.

“Good afternoon.”

A woman around Ruth’s age but more modernly dressed stood at the door, greeting us.

“Good afternoon!”

“Sonia!” Ruth exclaimed, recognizing the visitor.

The woman, whom Ruth called Sonia, turned to look at her. Her expression was unfriendly.

“Hey Ruth! I entrusted my daughter Kendall to you, and now your son has impregnated her?”

Ruth turned pale, trembling. This arrogant woman was Kendall’s mother. Like mother, like daughter indeed.

“Hey, be respectful when visiting. Don’t blame others. Investigate your daughter’s behavior first. She wouldn’t be pregnant if she wasn’t cheap!” I snapped.

“Who do you think you are? Watch your mouth!” Sonia retorted, pointing directly

at me.

“I’m sorry, Sonia…” Ruth’s voice trembled with fear.

“Mom, you don’t need to apologize. You’re not at fault. It’s that cheap girl who threw herself at Derrick. And the man who took advantage of her is equally despicable. They’re both to blame,” I asserted.

Sonia’s face turned red with rage.

“How dare you insult my daughter!” she shouted, raising her hand to slap me.

I swiftly caught the arm of the heavily made–up woman.

“What’s going on here?” Kendall emerged from the side unit, clinging to Derrick. He tried to pull away, but she clung tighter.

I felt even more disgusted seeing this unwed couple’s shameless display. Kendall seemed to be flaunting her intimacy with Derrick in front of everyone.

“Look at that! She’s not even married yet and acts like this. Isn’t that cheap?” I shouted deliberately. Derrick looked flustered. Kendall glared at me, her face reddening.

Sonia’s face was red. Her eyes widened, mouth agape, seeing her daughter

“What? Troy Peterson, the handsome young entrepreneur who’s gone viral, wants to meet me? Are you serious?” I asked in disbelief. This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

“Yes, Sarah. Now get ready and freshen up. Someone from the salon will be there soon with a dress and to give you a makeover. You need to look your best,

Bradley ended the call.

I rushed to the shower. Though I was still exhausted, all my fatigue vanished at the mention of Troy Peterson. He was the son of a conglomerate and a top–tier celebrity who was now focusing on his family’s business.

I had been a fan of his since college. The thought of meeting my idol made me smile with wild anticipation.