The Bound Between Us

Chapter 365

Cynthia’s words had planted a seed in Pattie’s fragile heart, making her feel even more insecure and worthless.

After Salma collected her phone and returned, Pattie had already stopped crying. More accurately, she had been scared into silence by Cynthia.

Salma was oblivious to Pattie’s distress. All the way home, Pattie was particularly quiet and obedient.

When they reached the gates of Harmony Meadows, Salma helped Pattie out of the car. “Take care on the road, Cynthia, Gianna. Be safe.”

“Alright.” Gianna gave a nod and started the car to leave.

Only Gianna and Cynthia were in the car now. Gianna said, “Mom, you shouldn’t say things like that. It won’t be good if Anastasia finds Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

out.”

“So what if she finds out? I was just teasing the girl. Who knew she’d be such a crybaby?” Cynthia retorted with a sarcastic tone. “I’m her aunt. What can Anastasia do to me? Does she really think marrying into a rich family gives her the right to act all high and mighty in front of me?”

Cynthia had warmed up to Anastasia after she had helped Gianna out a few times, but that was only because she believed Anastasia’s life was worse off than theirs. Now Anastasia was living a better life, so Cynthia naturally felt envious and wanted to make some snide remarks.

Gianna remained silent, which seemed to spur Cynthia on. “Why can’t you be more assertive? When will you finally divorce Joey? You’re already in your thirties. If Joey keeps holding you back, you’ll be

too old. At the same time, you are a divorcee. Who will want to marry you then?”

Echoing her concerns, Cynthia was sending anxiety to Gianna, who was already exasperated with Joey. “Mom, I can handle my own issues. I’m not thinking about remarriage.”

“What will you do then, if you don’t remarry?” Cynthia was exasperated. “Gianna, I’m telling you. You can’t play this single life game. Your father and I are still waiting for grandchildren. We’ve sold our house to help you start a coffee shop. We’re depending on you for our future.”

Gianna responded irritably, “Mom, look at my marriage with Joey, it’s a complete mess. I’ve lived for over thirty years and have achieved nothing. I’m unhappy in my marriage and don’t even have children…”

“Exactly! How did you end up like this? You’ve completely ruined your life. Did we force you to marry Joey? I told you from the beginning that Joey was unreliable. See, I am right.”

“When Joey got promoted to director, you wasn’t like this. You used to brag about what a great son-in- law Joey was. Now everyone thinks it’s my fault. If it wasn’t for you, my marriage wouldn’t be this terrible.”

Cynthia was taken aback. “Are you blaming me now, Gianna? Joey was your choice. I had nothing to do with it.”

“I blame you, yes.”

The two women’s words clashed into a heated argument in the car.

At a red light, Gianna suddenly hit the brakes. Cynthia, thrown forward by inertia, was snapped back by her seatbelt. Cynthia was frightened by the sudden stop. She wanted to scold Gianna, but when she saw Gianna gripping the steering wheel, her entire body radiating with rage, she swallowed her words.

The argument paused for a moment as they both calmed their emotions.

Once the light turned green, Gianna started the car again. Cynthia muttered from the passenger seat, “You are living a worse life than others. You should compete with them. Why are you showing your anger in front of me? Look at Anastasia. Not only did she marry well, she’s also pregnant…”

“Mother,” Gianna snapped, “Do you need to keep picking at my wounds? Can’t you just shut up for a while? I’d love to marry a man like Herman too, but I didn’t have that chance. Okay, my life is miserable. Are you happy now?”

Cynthia waved her hand dismissively. “Fine, I won’t say anything. You deal with your own issues from now on. I won’t interfere anymore, okay?”

With a mixture of anger and frustration, Gianna dropped Cynthia off at home. She didn’t even go inside before she drove off.

Without realizing it, Gianna had ended up at the entrance of the neighborhood where she and Joey’s marital home was. Ever since the divorce dispute, Gjanna had moved out.

Now, as darkness fell, a spark of determination flickered in Gianna’s eyes. She dialed Joey’s number. “I’m outside our apartment complex…”