I was worried they might point fingers at me, so I quickly put on a sweet smile.
âMom, donât you have work today? Why are you home at this hour?â
Her gaze was stern as she looked at me with disappointment.
âIf I wasnât worried about you causing trouble, I wouldnât be sitting in the living room all this time.
â
It was clear my mother had caught wind of the scandal at Andrewâs manor.
She was trying to prevent me from confronting that woman, Debra.
I wasnât pleased, but I didnât dare to talk back.
I just stood there, waiting for her to lecture me.
My mother scowled and asked sharply, âDo you want to go to Andrewâs manor?â
Realizing I couldnât keep it from her, I confessed, âYes.
â
Her expression hardened.
âShirley, what exactly are you planning to do?â
âMom, you must have heard about the incident at Andrewâs manor.
Iâve got the perfect chance to teach Debra a lesson.
How could I stay away? Iâm not just going to go there.
I want her to be utterly humiliated.
Iâll make sure sheâs thrown out of the manor!â
The thought alone fired me up.
I was eager to see Debra ousted and ensure she never crossed paths with Andrew again.
âIdiot!â Upon hearing that, my mother was livid.
She slammed her hand down on the table.
âYou are so short-sighted! Youâre completely tactless!â
I was so frightened that I shook and remained utterly silent.
Yet, I was convinced this was an unparalleled opportunity.
I couldnât think of a better way except that.
Thus, I bowed my head and asked softly, âMom, do you have a better plan?â
My mother looked upset.
Fearing her disappointment, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through
my mind as I scrambled to justify myself.
At that moment, Addy attempted to smooth things over.
âOf course, your mother has a better plan.
She cares about you and doesnât want you to suffer any injustices.
â
My eyes lit up.
I looked up eagerly and asked, âWhat is the plan? Please, tell me.
Iâll get on it right away!â
Seeing my impatience, Addy sighed and said, âWell, about that.
â
Just as she started to speak, my mother gave her a quick wink, cutting her off mid-sentence.
âMom, why canât you tell me?â
I was confused.
If she already had a plan, why hadnât she shared it with me?
My mother gave me a disdainful look and said, âThis is a time for you to grow.
You need to learn to stay composed.
â
How was I supposed to stay composed?
I was ready to confront Debra, but my mother was telling me to calm down.
I couldnât just stand by.
I huffed and turned away.
âMom, if you wonât tell me, Iâll figure it out myself.
â