A Fresh Start novel Chapter 2

I stood there, frozen.

My eyes clouded over in an instant.

I wasn't Gianna's biological mother. I met her father, Jayden Martin, when I was working hard in my career.

At that time, he had been widowed for four years. He had been raising his daughter alone for four years as well.

There were many rumors in the workplace, but Jayden remained clean.

He was indeed steady, calm, strong, and devoted.

We spent three years together. Over time, we developed feelings for each other and grew closer. It's hard to say who confessed first, but we ended up together.

Honestly, I was more afraid than anyone to become a stepmother. I was really scared I wouldn't do well and become the evil stepmother.

But luckily, that didn't happen.

Gianna slowly opened her heart to me.

I was willing to do my best to be a mother.

But now, the girl I treated as my own daughter said, "You married my dad for material things."

Luca squatted on the ground, trying to comfort Gianna, but I didn't hear a word. I just stood there, dazed.

Is that how it is?

Has she always seen me this way?

"Baby, don't cry. Mom doesn't like me, but we have a long time ahead of us. Let's take it one step at a time, okay?" He wiped her tears, held her chin, and coaxed, "Don't cry, okay? Be good."

No, I really can't.

I couldn't listen to a single word.

I turned around, went upstairs to my master bedroom, and yanked off my apron.

I had imagined countless ways our reunion after so long would go.

This was the last thing I expected.

Outside the door, Ella said nervously, "Ms. Walker, Ms. Martin has left with that man."

I took a deep breath. I trembled slightly.

"Ms. Walker, are you okay? How about coming downstairs for dinner?"

Ella urged me.

"No need. I'll take my time. You go ahead."

Just then, the phone rang.

"Gianna is back." I felt a bit tired in my voice. "She..."

Charles's voice noticeably became tense. "Mom, what happened? Is Gianna okay? Do I need to go to the airport to pick her up? You don't sound well."

Before I could speak, he had already made a decision.

"Please wait. I'll finish up work and come back right away."

Ella persuaded me to drink half a bowl of supplements.

Charles hurried back just before dusk.

The twilight deepened, turning one side a darker blue. He walked quickly in the remaining light, still in his suit, dust-covered from the day, yet his eyes remained clear and bright.

"Don't worry, I took care of everything at the company before I came." He gently helped me inside, then quickly grabbed the coat from the rack and draped it over my shoulder. "Mom, your health hasn't been great. Take your time to talk about things, don't stress yourself out."

I half-lay on the sofa, trying to regulate my breathing.

Ella called Charles aside and told him what happened during the day.

When he heard that Luca praised my white hands, his expression turned cold.

His blue eyes revealed a sharp intensity.

"He said that? Did Gianna hear it?"