Meanwhile, Mila scrolled through her phone, muttering, âThis is so sad. If I were ridiculed like that, I might have considered ending it all.â
Her manicurist responded, âTrue, Joelle looked too put together. You wouldnât guess she was mourning her son. Anyone else might have lost their mind.â
As Mila flipped through her phone, she absentmindedly ate some fruit with a fork. She then came across posts from her industry peers defending Joelle.
âOne thing I can say is that Joelle has always deeply cared for her children. Judging her solely by her attire isnât fair. It overlooks all her efforts.â
After one person spoke out, many others joined in. By late morning, a significant portion of their industry was supporting Joelle.
Mila scoffed at the wave of support.
She picked up her phone and made a call. âHello? I need you to hire some internet trolls.â
âWhat for?â
âItâs about Joelle. I need trolls.â
âReally? I heard Joelle is having a tough time. We shouldnât push her to the brink.â
âSheâs still out there dressing like that after her sonâs death. Donât underestimate how tough she is.â
âButââ
âIâll pay three times the usual rate.â Money talks.
The person hesitated initially, but finally agreed.
After Rylandâs funeral, Joelle developed a high fever and had to stay in bed for several days. Aurora, worried about her mother, was kept from visiting.
She had already lost her brother, and now her mother was ill too.
In the past, she would have sought Dunnâs guidance, but now he was unreachable.
One quiet evening, she entered the study alone. ââMr.Millerâ¦â
Adrian immediately stubbed out his cigarette and opened the window as he approached her. âWhy are you still awake?â
Visibly distressed, Aurora replied, âI want to see Mom.â
Adrian scooped her up onto his lap, apologizing, âIâm sorry for neglecting you these past few days.â
Aurora shook her head in understanding. âItâs okay. I know everyone is sad about Ryland. I miss him too.â She then pressed her face into Adrianâs shirt and began to sob loudly.
âAlright,â Adrian whispered, soothingly stroking her back. âLet it all out. When youâre ready, weâll go see your mom.â
In that moment, Aurora felt a strong urge to call him Dad. Her family was dwindling. Still, she held back. Her tears were real, just like her self-control.
Minutes later, Adrian took her to Joelleâs side.
.
.
.