Chapter 20
Chapter 20
was balled in a warm, inviting light, and there was Luna,
Joanna stumbled through the front door, the clock chiming midnight. The living room wat bundled upon the couch.
She wiped the rain from her skin and made her way over, lifting her daughter into her arms and carrying her upstairs.
In the nursery. Luns, still half.
Lasleep.
a, stired and siggled closer to Joanna, her voice propity. “Mon, you’re back
“I’m sorry, baby,” Joanna said apologetically, her clothes still damp from the rain. “I didn’t mean to make you worry” Luna, with her delicate health, couldn’t risk catching a cold, so Joanna quickly tucked her in under a light blanket.
“Where’s Grandma Has she left?” Joanna asked, feeling a pang of guilt at the thought of Luna being home alone,
Luna was materne for her age, but she was still just a kid, and being alone wasn’t safe. Their nanny, Anny, was usually there, but she was on leave for a few days due to personal matters.
“Grandma left after a fight with Dad,” Luma replied slowly, her mind replaying the events. “Dad left not long after”
Joanna’s lips pressed into a thin line as she pieced together what had likely happened, Grace had brought Luna home, only to find Susan and Jonah there, and she had sent them away.
Once Norbert found out he argued with Grace, and in the end, they both stormed off, leaving Luna behind.
Grace had never been keen on Luna being a girl, and Norbert’s feelings were better left unsaid. Thinking about Luna’s origins, Joanna swallowed the bitterness that welled up inside her.
“Mom, I’m five years old.” Luna’s voice was small but clear, her eyes sparkling like gems. “I’m grown up now, and I’m very good, I can be alone.”
At that, Joanna’s heart melted, and she placed a kiss on Luna’s forehead, saying, “Yes, I know. You’re the best–behaved and lovable child.”
Years ago, to keep Norbert out of trouble, Joanna had made a huge sacrifice and spent a night with “Mr. Ken.”
After that night, the now deceased “Mr. Ken” had not only helped Norbert get out of jail but had also left her with a ph–Luna, her daughter, the most precious person in her world,
Joanna couldn’t bear to tell Luna that her real father was already gone; it was too harsh a truth. Luckily, she loved Norbert deeply and married him, letting her daughter see him as her father.
Feeling under the weather after getting caught in the rain, Joanna took a shower, but when she woke up, her head was throbbing, a clear sign she’d
fallen ill.
Luna, who had been keeping watch over her, noticed her mom was awake and poured her a glass of water. “Mom, drink some water,” she said, her voice gentle.
Joanna sipped the water, her parched throat grateful for the relief, and then she checked the time, shocked to see it was noon. Panic set in as she thought about Luna missing school, but Luna reminded her it was Sunday, and she relaxed.
n.she s
Later, Joanna mustered the energy to make lunch for Luna, but with no appetite of her own,
soon drifted back to sleep.
Joanna woke up again in the evening, feeling groggy Rubbing her forehead, she picked up her phone. After some hesitation, she texted Kenneth. [Have you thought about my offer to support you?
Before she could get a reply from Kenneth, there was a noise downstairs that caught her attention.
In the center of the living room, Grace stood out like a sore thumb in her sleek red sheath dress, understated makeup, and heels that clicked with every
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step, like a member of high society
She carried herself with an elegance that belied her age, looking more like she was in her early thirties than her actual years.
r since Norbert had reconnected with Zane, his biological father, Grace had gone all in on her appearance, even opening a beauty salon, it got Joanna
thinking
Grace, once Zane’s kept woman, had quietly given birth to Norbert, and it seemed like the past might be repeating itself. But Zane was a family man, with a wife and a daughter, Linda, il Joanna’s memory served her right.
now she was considering
Joanna, on the other hand, had to face the music. Her marriage to Norbert was more of a title than a relationship, and now supporting Kenneth. Compared to Grace, she wasn’t any saint.
“Joanna, what’s the story? Didn’t I tell you to be home early? Where have you been, out and about after work? Grace said. Her face soured as the grilled
Joanna
Beside her, Norbert fixed his heavy, disgusted gaze on Joanna
Joanna, at the stairway, took in Norbert’s haggard look, the dark circles under his eyes signaling a sleepless streak. His worn state was likely from searching for her cousin Susan, and Joanna was curious if he’d found her.
With that thought, Joanna said halfheartedly, “I had an impromptu meeting yesterday, hashing out a partnership that can late into the night”
At that, Norbert seemed to recall something, his gaze turning as sharp as a blade. “You’re suspended, Who were you meeting? How did it turn into a bedroom rendezvous?”
“Norbert, that’s ridiculous. Joanna’s not like that” Grace interjected, coming to Joanna’s defense. As a seasoned woman, she was well aware of Joanna’s deep feelings for Norbert.
When Norbert first got out of prison, Joanna married him with a pregnant belly and helped him secure a spot in the Mayfield Group, where he established the Wesley Group with their backing
Because of this, even though Joanna had delivered a sickly daughter and hadn’t had a second child in five years, Grace had held back her frustration, not pushing Norbert to leave Joanna,
“Norbert, playing the game in the business world is one thing, but bringing other women home crosses the line. Don’t let it happen again,” Grace admonished Norbert, plossing over the Susan issu
Then she switched gears, saying, “The priority now is for you to prepare for a visit to the Wesley estate.”
“Your uncle has just come to his senses. You should pay your respects in the next few days. He’s the head of the Wesley family, and without his blessing, your father can’t openly welcome you back,” Grace explained.
“Now that he’s awake, I have to say you’re not just his nephew but his lucky star! Why else would he wake up after five years in a coma just as you and your father were reunited?” Grace added.
my uncle and a great man I’ve always looked up to. I’ll pay him a visit.”
Hearing this, Norbert said with a stern face, “I understand. He’s my
Confident in Norbert, Grace went on, “The next issue is about having a second child. With your status now, how can you be without a san?”
“I’ve been nagging for years, but I’m done talking Make time to go to the hospital with Joanna and get checked out. If there’s an issue, address it” Her words were aimed at Joanna, as she believed the issue couldn’t be with Norbert.
Well aware of the implication, Joanna responded with a light laugh, “You’re right, Mom. It’s way past the time we got checked to see who’s the o can’t have kids.”
Her stinging words made Norbert’s brow row. He stepped forward, gripping her wrist so tightly that it was as if he wanted to crush it. “Joanna, I’ve been too lenient with you!” with that, he forcibly dragged Joanna upstairs.
11:45 Sat, 31 May GU
Chapter 20
“Mom…” Sensing something amiss, Luna wanted to follow but was stopped by Grace.
“Your parents have things to handle. Don’t disturb them” Grace warned.
“Grandma, Mom’s sick.” Growing more anxious and clumsier, Luna began to show signs of an episode, her small body trembling.
Grace shook off her hand with a look of disgust on her face. “Take your medicine. You’re such a fail childi”
Upstairs in the bedroom, as soon as Norbert entered, he pushed Joanna against the door, demanding harshly, “What about the gigols from last night??”
Joanna winced from the pain in her back and lifted her eyelids slightly. “You’re asking me now? Don’t you think it’s too late?
“Joanna, you…” Norbert began to say.
“I’m lowly, I’m shameless. I’m a slut. Is that what you want to hear? is it enough?” Joanna retorted.
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