A Fresh Start novel Chapter 3

"Ms. Martin went upstairs to look at her room, so she didn't hear it. When she came down, she found out that Ms. Walker was arguing with that man, and Ms. Martin cried. We couldn't stop her. She ran off with him right away. Ms. Walker locked herself in her room all afternoon and only had some supplements just now..."

I leaned on the sofa, the intricate crystal chandelier blurring into tiny, hazy lights in my eyes.

"I didn't marry for the money..."

Charles sat beside me.

"Mom, everyone knows that." He paused, then added, "Dad believed in you."

I closed my eyes.

"Can you go and talk Gianna into coming back? I'm afraid something might happen to her out there."

His blue eyes stared steadily at me.

"Mom."

"You remember today is Gianna's return date, but do you also remember today is the day you were supposed to go for your check-up?"

I was stunned for a moment, then opened my phone's memo.

The first line read: My sweet baby is coming home (11 AM flight) (buy fresh shrimp, steak).

After that, there was a long list of company schedules.

I felt a bit guilty.

"I'm getting old and forgetful."

Charles lowered his eyes in resignation. "I remembered it. I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Perez for you. Let's go. I'll drive you there. Ella, please make sure dinner is light."

He was gentle in his manner, but his voice was firm and left no room for refusal.

I got into Charles's car.

He looked at my dazed expression through the rearview mirror, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Aren't you a bit too nervous?"

I sat up in anger and poked the back of his head.

"What do you mean? Gianna is pure. She's born in a wealthy family. She's been abroad for three years, and I've been worried sick for three years. Do you think I'm old-fashioned? I support free love! I never said she couldn't date! Even if it's a girl or a boy, as long as they're good, I wouldn't say much! But just looking at Luca makes me angry, it fills me with rage!"

He was being poked little by little by me, while his mouth kept agreeing with my words, "Okay, okay, then I'll go get a bag and some rope, and we'll dump him in the river. How does that sound?"

"No, there was also a star-shaped pillow. I saw how much you liked cleanliness, so I didn't dare take it out. I kept it hidden inside my jersey."

I raised my eyebrows in slight surprise.

In my memory, Charles at that time knew his boundaries and was very polite.

He had a maturity beyond his years.

He knew better than anyone that he was living under someone else's roof.

"Later, Gianna found out, and she helped me bring it home. It was funny, we were like thieves, sneaking that star pillow back into the house, moving it from the bedroom to the laundry room."

I was a bit lost in thought. Charles was smiling as he talked about the past, but there was an indescribable sadness in it.

"Gianna told me that everyone has the right to pursue what they like."

He paused in his steps.

"Of course, you've been very good to me too."

"But, many years ago, Gianna protected what I liked. Mom, can I speak on her behalf and ask you to let her try out what she likes?"