Chapter 103
I glanced at my watch. "I'll leave in five minutes. And I'm driving myself."
"Mom, aren't you coming with us? Don't drive—you're already tired from work." Celestia suggested I go with them.
But I didn't want to go with Levi at all. If he hadn't brought our daughter, I wouldn't be going home with him today.
"It's not convenient to leave my car at the office."
I made up an excuse.
John's face lit up. "If you don't mind, I can drive it back for you. I don't have anything else to do anyway."
"She minds."
Nola rolled her eyes at him.
"Don't push it. Are you trying to invite yourself over for tea?" Nola warned him quietly not to overstep.
"Uncle John, you're so nice. You're welcome to come to my house."
Celestia really liked John—his personality was the kind kids were drawn to.
"You're the sweet one, unlike your Auntie Nola, who's always on my case."
John pulled a lollipop from his pocket. "This is for you, but don't eat too many, okay? Kids need to take care of their teeth."
"Thank you! Why don't you all come to my house now, and we can have dinner together?"
"Another time, Celestia. I haven't finished work yet."
Nola stepped forward and patted her head. "Celestia, you haven't been to my place in a long time either. Come with your mom on the weekend."
"Auntie Nola, is he your boyfriend?"
I had to admit, kids are pretty sharp—she picked up on their relationship that quickly.
"No."
"Celestia, you're so smart."
They spoke at the same time. John looked at Nola with disappointment—she'd refused to acknowledge their relationship several times now.
"Haha, you guys are so funny."
Celestia laughed happily, and the four of us laughed along.
"Alright, let's go home."
I picked up my bag. If we kept talking, it would be the end of the workday, and there'd be too many people around.
"Uncle John, bye! Auntie Nola, bye!"
Nola muttered under her breath, "That fast, and I've already dropped to second place."
John snickered. "That's because I'm irresistibly charming."
They all left, and the office suddenly went quiet. I felt empty inside. Compared to him ignoring me completely, did Levi coming to find me count as a change?
I wasn't sure if Levi had come on his own initiative or if Celestia had missed me and pushed him to come.
About five or six minutes later, I went downstairs. I looked around but didn't see Levi's car—they must have left first.
I drove very slowly the whole way, as if I could delay things one second at a time.
My heart felt heavy. I didn't know what the situation at home would be like. Levi should have handled it, right? Otherwise, I'd still be anxious.
I arrived at the familiar house and parked the car.
Indigo was already waiting for me at the door—they must have told her I'd be coming home today.
"Mrs. Morgan, where have you been these past few days? Are you okay?"
I smiled. "I'm fine. Being alone is quite freeing—eat till I'm full, sleep, then eat some more when I wake up."
"You don't look so good to me. Being away isn't like being at home—I bet you didn't eat or sleep well." Indigo treated me like a daughter.
"I was fine. Everything's been okay at home, too?"
Indigo forced a slight smile. "I'm not good at lying. The house is the same as always."
Hearing her say that, I had a sinking feeling. Were they still here?
"Have he and Celestia come back?"
"Yes."
"Where are they?"
Indigo pointed toward Levi's study, and I understood.
"Celestia went to her room. With Faye gone these past couple of days, she doesn't like coming out."
Thinking of my daughter having to stay in her room alone made my heart ache. Levi had to work, but he didn't spend time with his daughter even when he came home?
We talked as we walked to the living room. When I saw Cleo and Jessa sitting on the sofa like two mountains, my anger instantly flared up.
They still hadn't left!
Levi had come to bring me home, but still hadn't dealt with them? Didn't he say he'd find Cleo a new place? And didn't Jessa have her own home? What right did she have to stay in mine?
I only had one feeling—like a cuckoo taking over someone else's nest.
"Oh, you're back. I thought you'd never come back."
Cleo's opening words were sarcastic, instantly killing any good mood.
"Mrs. Morgan, why don't you go rest in your room? I'll call you when dinner's ready." Indigo was afraid I'd get angry with them, so she suggested I go to my room first.
"You go cook."
The anger in my heart was now like a huge stone pressing on my chest. I felt that if I didn't resolve this today, I wouldn't feel at ease for days.
"Now that you're back, just settle down. Don't make my brother act like he's lost his soul and give us attitude." Cleo was cracking sunflower seeds, very relaxed.
Jessa stood up. "Cleo, I really have to go home today. I won't intrude any longer."
Same as always—she never changed her script.
I was used to watching Jessa's act. If she really wanted to leave, she wouldn't have stayed until now. When her temper flared, she was even worse than Cleo—would she really stay because she was afraid of her?
"But we agreed to watch a movie together tonight. I already bought the projector. Don't leave."
Cleo tried to keep her—this scene repeated over and over.
I didn't want to watch this anymore. Since Cleo thought this was Levi's house, Levi should be the one to handle it.
Without saying a word, I went straight to the study to find Levi.
Through the glass, I could see him looking at documents. I didn't even knock before going in.
"You're back."
Levi stopped what he was doing and stood up.
I took a deep breath. "You asked me to come home just to see the two of them, right? Is this my home or not?"
"It is."
"Then why doesn't anything I say matter? I don't mind your sister staying, but what right does Jessa have to live here?"
Levi's hand was on his waist—he looked somewhat tired.
"I'll handle it right away."
"Right away, right away—you always say that."
I walked to his desk and gripped the edge. "Levi, if you think it's reasonable for Jessa to be here, then I can make room for you anytime."
"..."
He went silent again. He fell silent again. Was it really that hard for him to send Jessa away?
The anger in my heart was completely out of control. I swung my hand hard and knocked Levi's model ship to the floor. It shattered instantly.
He bent down, wanting to pick it up, but with me standing in front of him, he stood back up.
I turned around, feeling very sorry. I'd heard this was his favorite model.
"I'm sorry, I..."
I crouched down and started picking up the pieces one by one. I didn't know what expression Levi had behind me. I'd never lost control like this and destroyed something before.
Suddenly, a star caught my eye. I reached out and picked it up. Its five points were a bit worn, as if I'd seen it somewhere before...