A Fresh Start novel Chapter 6

Just now, Charles called me, but I didn't pick up.

He sent me a message saying he had already convinced Gianna to come home.

He suggested we have a good talk.

I agreed.

If an outsider could so easily interfere in the seven or eight years I've spent raising Gianna, I can't say I didn't have any issues myself.

Maybe I was too strict. Maybe I was too busy with work, neglecting her emotional needs.

Gianna sat on my bed.

She looked thinner, her long hair falling loose, and her eyes were red.

"Mom."

"That day, I acted impulsively… Charles already talked to me. I shouldn't have spoken to you that way."

My nose tingled with the urge to cry.

I hadn't responded yet when she quickly added, "But you really don't understand our love."

?

What?

"Just like when you and Dad had a ten-year age gap, didn't people gossip? You married him for love, so why should I care if Luca's background is good or bad? Why do I have to conform to societal prejudices about equal matches?"

I softened my tone, trying to reason with her, "Gianna, a suitable match isn't just about money. It's about experience, upbringing, and education. These shape your values. That's what truly defines a compatible match today. Do you think your life has improved since being with him?"

"That's right, Mom. You never knew, but I've liked him since I was a student." Gianna leaned back, her eyes filled with a longing and anticipation I had never seen before. "But back then, you and Dad pushed me to study hard and attend tutoring classes. I didn't have a chance to get close to him. I could only watch him from afar."

I couldn't believe it.

"Do you think it was wrong for us to ask you to focus on your studies before college entrance exams?"

"You think it wasn't wrong, so it must not be, right? I respected you both. Didn't I wait until I was an adult to be openly with him? We had such a hard time in our secret relationship. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry."

"You were with him before you were even an adult?" I asked sternly.

Gianna's expression turned unfamiliar, guarded.

"Mom, can you stop questioning me like I'm a criminal?

"When you do this, I feel suffocated. The whole house makes me feel suffocated!"