<b>Chapter </b><b>389</b>


    Back at Sunset Ridge Community, Jenna was already asleep.


    Sophia, however, was still awake, sitting on the couch and foldingundry fresh from the dryer.


    When she saw Sherilyn, she whispered, “Back already? Jenna’s asleep. I’ll finish up here and then join her.”


    “Sophia, thank you so much.”


    It wasn’t just politeness; it was heartfelt.


    Jenna wasn’t an average child; she needed special care at night. Although Sophia was paid for her work, it took someone truly kind to be as meticulous as she was.


    “You’re too kind<i>,</i><i>” </i>Sophia said with a smile, waving her hand dismissively. “I have a daughter too. Honestly, I understand; it’s not easy for you.


    Both being single mothers, Sophia could deeply empathize with Sherilyn.


    “It’ste. You should go wash up and get some rest.”


    “Alright.” Sherilyn got up and headed to the bathroom. “Sophia, I’ll stay with Jenna tonight. You take a break.”


    “Oh,” Sophia said with a smile and a nod. “That would be lovely.”


    Half an hourter, Sherilyn entered Jenna’s room.


    The little girl was all spread out on the bed like a little frog, her cute chubby mouth a bit open, snoring.


    “My little piggy,” Sherilyn chuckled, gently touching her daughter’s forehead. Jenna was warm, sweating lightly under a thin nket even with the heating on.


    Sherilyny down on the adjacent bed, her mind still active.


    There was no denying it; things had been getting steadily better since they moved back to


    Sunhaven.


    And now, she was pregnant again…


    “Jenna,” Sherilyn whispered, gently squeezing her daughter’s chubby little fist. “You’re the bravest, strongest little girl in the world. Just wait a bit longer; soon, you’ll be going <i>to </i>school. and making friends just like other kids.”


    Tears welled up in her eyes as she closed them.


    The next morning, the kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of breakfast.


    2


    Sherilyn carried Jenna out of their room and settled her on the couch, handing her a water


    bottle.


    “Good girl, have some water,” she said.


    Drinking water first thing in the morning was a habit she had instilled in Jenna.


    “Okay,” Jenna said obediently, clutching the bottle, her big eyes rolling around.


    “Mommy, it smells so good.”


    “Your nose is so sharp,” Sherilyn teased, tapping her daughter’s little nose. “There’s a cheesy baked sweet potato in the oven. Do you want some?”


    “Wow!” Jenna’s head bobbed eagerly. “Yes, please! Did you make it, Mommy?”


    “Yes, I did.”


    “Wow.” Jenna’s eyes sparkled like stars. “Mommy’s so busy but still made sweet potatoes for me. Thank you!”


    The little girl threw herself into Sherilyn’s arms, nting a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, Mommy.”


    “You’re wee.”


    A twinge of guilt washed over Sherilyn; she had been so busytely that she’d had little time for Jenna.


    But that was about to change. She had the day off and could spend it with Jenna.


    “Come on, let’s go have some yummy food.”


    Sherilyn carried Jenna to the dining room.


    Sophia had already taken the sweet potato out of the oven. Ity on the table, the golden. sweet potato and cheese perfectly melded together, topped with ayer of maple sugar that had caramelized in the oven.


    It looked delicious.


    Sherilyn cut a piece, ced it on Jenna’s special te, and handed her a small spoon. “There you <i>go</i>.”


    “Thank you, Mommy.”


    Jenna took the spoon like a pro, scooped up a bit, and held it to her lips without eating right away, blowing on it instead.


    She muttered, “Hot! Hot!”


    As soon as they drove out of the neighborhood, Sherilyn turned to Gilbert. “What do want? Spit it out.”


    you


    Gilbert, gripping the steering wheel with a smirk on his lips, said, “I’m taking you somewhere. You’re off today, right?”


    Sherilyn didn’t understand his tone. “What do you mean? Where are you taking me? What does my day off have to do with you? Have you forgotten we broke up?”


    They just broke upst night!


    Gilbert didn’t respond, acting as if he hadn’t heard her.


    Sherilyn grew anxious. “Where are you taking me?”


    She wasn’t about to go on a date with him!


    “What’s the rush?” Gilbert nced at her, casually saying, “You’ll know when we get there.”


    Sherilyn had a vague memory of it; it seemed to lead to Westwood Drive.


    Westwood Drive was practically a strip of high–end boutiques. Why was he taking her there?


    Upon arriving at Westwood Drive, the car stopped.


    Gilbert led Sherilyn into FOUR hours, a ce she recognized as the go–to boutique for the Johnson family’s wardrobe.


    As they approached, the boutique manager greeted them warmly.


    “Mr. Johnson, wee.”


    The manager smiled at Sherilyn. “Ms. Gomez, pleasure to see you.”


    Sherilyn raised an eyebrow. She was recognized?


    “Please,e in.”


    “Sure,” Gilbert nodded slightly, taking Sherilyn by the hand into the boutique.


    The manager knew Sherilyn was the star today.


    Earlier, Mr. Charles had called, mentioning the dissatisfaction with thest batch of women’s clothing sent to Ms. Gomez, and Mr. Johnson was not pleased!


    “Ms. Gomez.”


    The manager followed Sherilyn closely, apologizing with a sheepish grin.


    “Sorry thest batch of clothes didn’t hit the mark. What kind of style are you into? I can suggest some options that might be a better fit.


    “Huh?”


    Sherilyn raised an eyebrow, turning to Gilbert with a questioning look. What was this all


    about?


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