Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 511

I ruffled her hair playfully and praised her, "You're quite smart. Just remember, next time don't jump to conclusions or interrogate me, especially not about snooping. I'd never indulge in such a bad habit. Unless it was absolutely necessary, I wouldn't dream of checking someone's phone, including yours. I respect your privacy."

"Alright, Mom, enough already. I admit I was wrong to doubt you." Monique collapsed into my arms.

I chuckled and patted her back, indulging in the moment before smiling and suggesting, "Okay then, go to bed."

Her little face beamed with a confident smile, "You too, Mom. Don't stay up too late."

Her words nearly brought me to tears, warming my heart and reminding me just how much she had grown, now taking care to remind me to look after myself.

My mind then wandered to my lost son, wishing he was here. How wonderful our lives would be if we were all together. But where could he be?

The next day.

I hadn't expected that stepping out of my front door would lead me straight into Irving and Nettie.

To say they were merely sightseeing on Oldtown Avenue would be an understatement. It felt like they were waiting for an accidental encounter with me.

The timing, the location, it was too much of a coincidence and frankly, quite contemptible.

"Ms. Wilburn. What a surprise." Irving feigned shock as he gestured towards my front door.

There I was, at my doorstep, so I reluctantly greeted them, "This is my home."

Irving's face lit up with feigned delight, "I'd heard rumors that your family were the esteemed landowners of Silverdale City and that your old home is renowned. Would it be too presumptuous to ask for a tour?"

His intention was clear, but I said calmly, "Since you have made it all the way here, why don't you come in for a spot of tea?"

His grin widened as he turned to Nettie and said, "Darling, say hello to Aaliyah. She was a dear friend of your mother's back in the day."

Then, turning back to me, he asked, "Ms. Wilburn, you don't mind if she calls you Aaliyah, do you?"

Glancing at Nettie, I nodded in response, "Of course not."

Nettie's greeting was lukewarm at best, "Ms. Wilburn," she said, her tone flat.

Internally, I chuckled. Her attitude indeed was far from the warm one I had expected.

But outwardly, I didn't let it bother me. I didn't particularly care for Nettie's opinion, not after seeing how she treated Janice and hearing about her coldness toward Janetta.

With a gesture, I opened the heavy gate and welcomed them in.

"Jaylan..." he stumbled over his words as if realizing he'd said too much, then looked at me with an awkward smile, "I apologize. I shouldn't have mentioned it."

"It's alright, go on," I assured him, unaffected, "After all, getting divorced doesn't necessarily make us enemies. You set the perfect example, tirelessly caring for your ex-wife and raising such an accomplished daughter. Admirable indeed."

As I finished, I caught Nettie giving me a sidelong glance. Our eyes met, and neither of us looked away, "And to raise such an outstanding daughter, Mr. Bradlee is truly commendable," I added, holding her gaze.

"Thank you. These are just my duties. Janetta was my wife through thick and thin. I owe her so much. And Nettie is my pride and joy. I would spare no effort for her," Irving replied with a facade of sincerity. I marveled at his audacity.

Leading them through the foyer into the living room, Irving was effusive with praise, while Nettie remained silent, though she seemed genuinely impressed. After all, our home must've seemed like a fantasy to someone of her generation, let alone she was raised abroad.

Upon reaching the main living area, Galen was leisurely browsing on his tablet. Hearing our approach, he looked up and stood with a warm smile, "Esteemed guests."

Irving hurried forward, feigning surprise, "Mr. Wilburn, forgive the intrusion. I never imagined that a casual stroll with my daughter would lead us to the doorstep of the Wilburn residence."

I scoffed inwardly at his act, he who had been lurking outside early in the morning, now pretending it was all a chance encounter.

Ignoring their pleasantries, I turned to Nettie, "Nettie, please feel free to sit anywhere. Or, if you'd like, I can give you a tour."

To my surprise, she took me up on the offer, "Really? I'd like that."