?<strong>Chapter 195:</strong>


    Reba’s tion was fleeting. Joelle and Adrian’s child was alive—an unnerving realization that left her restless and agitated.


    “Mom, what about the girl? I don’t want to be a stepmother!”


    “It’s just a child. She’ll be easy to manage. Joelle can’t be with her every moment. We’ll find our chance when she’s away. The girl is only three, after all!”


    At that moment, Salome’s grin was twisted and unsettling, exactly what Reba had hoped for. “Mom, I’ve thought of something.”


    “What is it?”


    Reba’s thoughts drifted to Pa, who had been a thorn in her sidetely, and now Joelle’s return seemed toplicate matters further. Perhaps it was fate.


    The following day, Rafael left with the Romero family to attend Irene’s funeral. After some deliberation, Joelle decided it was best not to bring the children to the funeral, fearing too much attention. Fortunately, Gina was visiting that day, so she asked her to look after both kids.


    Early in the morning, Aurora yawned, rubbing her eyes as she stood on the bed. As Joelle dressed her, she instructed, “I need to go out today. Gina will look after you. Remember the rules we discussed?”


    Aurora nodded, her voice sweet yet raspy. “Don’t touch anything dangerous like sockets, fire, water, or tools. Don’t go out alone, and when we’re out, we shouldn’t be loud or run about—it disturbs others.”


    Joelle smiled warmly. “Exactly right, just as clever as your mom!”


    “Mom, aren’t we going to visit Great-Grandma?”


    “Not today. We’ll go another time.”


    “Okay.”


    In the next crib, Rnd stilly sprawled in a frog-like pose, fast asleep. Facing the dressing mirror, Joelle asked Aurora, “How would you like your hair today?”


    Imagining her daughter all dolled up had always been a dream for Joelle, who nowvished her maternal affection on Aurora, cherishing her lovely little girl. It was often said daughters should be pampered, a notion some believed pertained only to material things. But Joelle knew it epassed much more—it was about nurturing the mind as well.


    Both Joelle and Rafael paid special attention to Aurora’s education. During a drive, the car’s air conditioner failed, and without time for a repair, the heat turned Aurora’s and Rnd’s cheeks a rosy red. Just as Joelle was about to question Rafael about the air conditioner, Aurora’s cheerful remark made her pause. “Mom, it feels like we’re trekking through a desert!” Joelle silently hoped Aurora would maintain such optimism through life’s challenges.


    After breakfast, Gina arrived, holding the newly awakened Rnd. Joelle exined, “Rnd’s a bit wary of new faces, but he’s better when Aurora’s around.”


    Gina quickly befriended Aurora, while Rnd, just two, observed cautiously from a distance. When Gina offered her hand, he shyly turned away. Joelle sighed. “I’ll be back in two hours. Call me immediately if you need anything.”


    Gina reassured her, “Don’t worry, Joelle. I’ve handled kids before during my internship.”


    “Thanks, Gina. These little ones have boundless energy. Watch them closely, or they might just lift the roof off!”


    Gina chuckled. “Got it. Go ahead, Joelle. Don’t bete!”


    “Alright.”


    After a round of kisses for the children, Joelle departed for Irene’s funeral.


    As soon as she was gone, Rnd began to wail. “Did you wet yourself?” Gina wondered, checking for a diaper. His cries drowned out the noise from outside. The doorbell chimed.


    ncing from Gina to the door, Aurora hopped off the sofa and approached it cautiously. She remembered not to open the door for strangers. So, she asked, “Who’s there?”


    Recognizing Aurora’s voice, Pa connected the dots from a call she’d received about Adrian having a daughter and an ex-wife. Recalling her encounter the previous day, she assumed this must be the same child. Attempting to mend fences, she said, “I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m thedy from yesterday. I’vee to apologize.”


    Peeking through the slot, Aurora recognized the woman who had been unkind to her before. She didn’t like the woman.


    “Mom said not to open the door to strangers,” she responded firmly.


    Pa’s interest was piqued. “Is your mom not home right now?”


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