Chapter 511


    I ruffled her hair yfully and praised her, "You''re quite smart. Just remember, next time don''t jump to


    conclusions or interrogate me, especially not about snooping. I''d never indulge in such a bad habit.


    Unless it was absolutely necessary, I wouldn''t dream of checking someone''s phone, including yours. I


    respect your privacy."


    "Alright, Mom, enough already. I admit I was wrong to doubt you." Monique copsed into my arms.


    I chuckled and patted her back, indulging in the moment before smiling and suggesting, "Okay then, go


    to bed."


    Her little face beamed with a confident smile, "You too, Mom. Don''t stay up toote."


    Her words nearly brought me to tears, warming my heart and reminding me just how much she had


    grown, now taking care to remind me to look after myself.


    My mind then wandered to my lost son, wishing he was here. How wonderful our lives would be if we


    were all together. But where could he be?


    The next day.


    I hadn''t expected that stepping out of my front door would lead me straight into Irving and Nettie.


    To say they were merely sightseeing on Oldtown Avenue would be an understatement. It felt like they


    were waiting for an idental encounter with me.


    The timing, the location, it was too much of a coincidence and frankly, quite contemptible.


    "Ms. Wilburn. What a surprise." Irving feigned shock as he gestured towards my front door.


    There I was, at my doorstep, so I reluctantly greeted them, "This is my home."


    Irving''s face lit up with feigned delight, "I''d heard rumors that your family were the esteemed


    ask for a tour?"


    His intention was clear, but I said calmly, "Since you have made it all the way here, why don''t youe


    in for a spot of tea?"


    His grin widened as he turned to Nettie and said, "Darling, say hello to Aaliyah. She was a dear friend


    of your mother''s back in the day."


    Then, turning back to me, he asked, "Ms. Wilburn, you don''t mind if she calls you Aaliyah, do you?"


    ncing at Nettie, I nodded in response, "Of course not."


    Nettie''s greeting was lukewarm at best, "Ms. Wilburn," she said, her tone t.


    Internally, I chuckled. Her attitude indeed was far from the warm one I had expected.


    But outwardly, I didn''t let it bother me. I didn''t particrly care for Nettie''s opinion, not after seeing how


    she treated Janice and hearing about her coldness toward Jta.


    With a gesture, I opened the heavy gate and weed them in.


    "Jan…" he stumbled over his words as if realizing he''d said too much, then looked at me with an


    awkward smile, "I apologize. I shouldn''t have mentioned it."


    "It''s alright, go on," I assured him, unaffected, "After all, getting divorced doesn''t necessarily make us


    enemies. You set the perfect example, tirelessly caring for your ex-wife and raising such an


    aplished daughter. Admirable indeed."


    I marveled at his audacity.


    Upon reaching the main living area, Galen was leisurely browsing on his tablet. Hearing our approach,


    he looked up and stood with a warm smile, "Esteemed guests." Co?tent оf


    Irving hurried forward, feigning surprise, "Mr. Wilburn, forgive the intrusion. I never imagined that a


    casual stroll with my daughter would lead us to the doorstep of the Wilburn residence."


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    I scoffed inwardly at his act, he who had been lurking outside early in the morning, now pretending it


    was all a chance encounter.


    Ignoring their pleasantries, I turned to Nettie, "Nettie, please feel free to sit anywhere. Or, if you''d like, I


    can give you a tour."


    To my surprise, she took me up on the offer, "Really? I''d like that."