After Tyla passed away, Samuel became so consumed by grief that be neglected her daughter. It was Carla who stayed by Tessa’s side-day and night-when she

had a bich trvE.

Overwhelmed by the loss of Tyla, Tessa lost het appetite and couldn’t bring herself to eat. It was also carla who kept her company, offering comfort and patiently masing ber to mat

It I hadn’t been for Carla, Tessa might not have made it threach

To Tessa, Carla was the family.

Although they hadn’t been in touch for the past three years, she still called carla during the holidays. Lest in thought, Tessa handed Carla a gif box. This is Haverford’s famous truffles. You should have it for a meal,”

Accepting the trifles, Cada smiled. “I’ll make it for you tonight, Ms. Tessa.”

Tessa shook her head. “No, it’s for you. I’ve had it plenty of times, so I brought some back for you to try.” Carla quiddy declined. “Oh, you really shouldn’t.”

However, Tessa insisted, gently placing the box of truffles into Carla’s arms. “Please take it. You’ve done so much for me over the years. It’s just a small token ofnoveldrama

Carla was deeply moved as her eyes welled up with tears. “Ms.

Tessa Trosa, you’re back?” A cheerful, childlike voice interrupted, and a little girl rushed over to hug Tessa.

ussed you so much! I’m so happy you’re finally back!” Seline wrapped her arms around Tessa’s leg, her eyes sparkling with joy as she gazed up at Tesss. seline, her half-sister, was only eight years old. Seline was always very attached to her, but Tessa had kept her distance.

Tessa didn’t like Seline’s mother, so naturally, she didn’t have much affection for her half-sister either. Children were innocent, and Seline was so pure and sweet, always wanting to be close to her. So, even though Tessa didn’t particularly like her, she couldn’t bring

Tessa glanced down at Seline, slang, “Why did

you come back from school so early?”

“Seline heard from Carle that you were coming back, and she couldn’t wait to see you, so we decided to come back early,” Marianne said with a smile as she walked

Tessa’s expression stiffened

Beton she can away from tome, it was clear that Tessa disliked her stepmother. For an entire year, she barely exchanged a word with Marianne. Teutated Manan not just because Samuel had betrayed Tyla by marrying her, but also because Marianne had been Tyla’s best friend.

To Tsui, Marianne was a manipulative woman who wouldn’t hesitate to steal her best friend’s husband. Samuel was a scumbag who was so desperate that he would even sleep with his ex-wife’s best friend. Afterher mother’s death, all this resentment slowly transformed Tessa from the sweet, well-behaved girl everyone once praised into a rebellious teenager full of

When Tessa didn’t respond, Marianne smiled and said, “Tessa, you must be tired. Go and rest. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

Beline shook Tessa’s hand with a playful smile “Tessa, come play in my room for a while, okay? I drew a picture. Want to see it? Tessa pulled her hand away with a cold expression. “No, I want to pest.”

“Oh, alright then line attacted her hand, pouting in disappointment

Maristar gently took selane’s hat. “Don’t disturb your sister. She needs her rest.”

Carla, standing nearby, felt a little awkward “Ms. Yates, M. Tessa, I’ll go out to buy groceries now.” Caller, Marianeled Selir away

Tessa closed the door, and the house fell into silence

When Senturi seturned home later that red, the family gathered around the dinner table.

Sansuri plane ed al Te

“Why didn’t you mention you were counting back home?

‘Tessa replied, “What difference would it have made it had? Whether I said it out, what would change?” Samuel toword “It’s breature years, and your temper still looser’t changed?”

Tessa gave a sarcastic unde. “It’s been the years, yet you and Ms como sill haven’t gotten a divorce?”