Chapter 365


    Chapter 365


    Cynthia’s words had nted a seed in Pattie’s fragile heart, making her feel even more insecure and


    worthless.


    After Salma collected her phone and returned, Pattie had already stopped crying. More urately, she


    had been scared into silence by Cynthia.


    Salma was oblivious to Pattie’s distress. All the way home, Pattie was particrly quiet and obedient.


    When they reached the gates of Harmony Meadows, Salma helped Pattie out of the car. “Take care on


    the road, Cynthia, Gianna. Be safe.”


    “Alright.” Gianna gave a nod and started the car to leave.


    Only Gianna and Cynthia were in the car now. Gianna said, “Mom, you shouldn’t say things like that. It


    won’t be good if Anastasia finds


    out.”


    “So what if she finds out? I was just teasing the girl. Who knew she’d be such a crybaby?” Cynthia


    retorted with a sarcastic tone. “I’m her aunt. What can Anastasia do to me? Does she really think


    marrying into a rich family gives her the right to act all high and mighty in front of me?”


    Cynthia had warmed up to Anastasia after she had helped Gianna out a few times, but that was only


    because she believed Anastasia’s life was worse off than theirs. Now Anastasia was living a better life,


    so Cynthia naturally felt envious and wanted to make some snide remarks.


    Gianna remained silent, which seemed to spur Cynthia on. “Why can’t you be more assertive? When


    will you finally divorce Joey? You’re already in your thirties. If Joey keeps holding you back, you’ll be


    too old. At the same time, you are a divorcee. Who will want to marry you then?”


    Echoing her concerns, Cynthia was sending anxiety to Gianna, who was already exasperated with


    Joey. “Mom, I can handle my own issues. I’m not thinking about remarriage.”


    “What will you do then, if you don’t remarry?” Cynthia was exasperated. “Gianna, I’m telling you. You


    can’t y this single life game. Your father and I are still waiting for grandchildren. We’ve sold our


    house to help you start a coffee shop. We’re depending on you for our future.”


    Gianna responded irritably, “Mom, look at my marriage with Joey, it’s aplete mess. I’ve lived for


    over thirty years and have achieved nothing. I’m unhappy in my marriage and don’t even have


    children…”


    “Exactly! How did you end up like this? You’vepletely ruined your life. Did we force you to marry


    Joey? I told you from the beginning that Joey was unreliable. See, I am right.”


    “When Joey got promoted to director, you wasn’t like this. You used to brag about what a great son-in-


    law Joey was. Now everyone thinks it’s my fault. If it wasn’t for you, my marriage wouldn’t be this


    terrible.”


    Cynthia was taken aback. “Are you ming me now, Gianna? Joey was your choice. I had nothing to


    do with it.”


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    “I me you, yes.”


    The two women’s words shed into a heated argument in the car.


    At a red light, Gianna suddenly hit the brakes. Cynthia, thrown forward by inertia, was snapped back by


    her seatbelt. Cynthia was frightened by the sudden stop. She wanted to scold Gianna, but when she


    saw Gianna gripping the steering wheel, her entire body radiating with rage, she swallowed her words.


    The argument paused for a moment as they both calmed their emotions.


    Once the light turned green, Gianna started the car again. Cynthia muttered from the passenger seat,


    “You are living a worse life than others. You shouldpete with them. Why are you showing your


    anger in front of me? Look at Anastasia. Not only did she marry well, she’s also pregnant…”


    “Mother,” Gianna snapped, “Do you need to keep picking at my wounds? Can’t you just shut up for a


    while? I’d love to marry a man like Herman too, but I didn’t have that chance. Okay, my life is


    miserable. Are you happy now?”


    Cynthia waved her hand dismissively. “Fine, I won’t say anything. You deal with your own issues from


    now on. I won’t interfere anymore, okay?”


    With a mixture of anger and frustration, Gianna dropped Cynthia off at home. She didn’t even go inside


    before she drove off.


    Without realizing it, Gianna had ended up at the entrance of the neighborhood where she and Joey’s


    marital home was. Ever since the divorce dispute, Gjanna had moved out.


    Now, as darkness fell, a spark of determination flickered in Gianna’s eyes. She dialed Joey’s number.


    “I’m outside our apartmentplex…”