Chapter 860: The Little Tagalong

In the blink of an eye, six years had passed. Joyce and Aveline were now ready to start first grade.

Aurora had originally planned for both children to attend school in Clothville. When they reached high school or college, she figured they could decide for themselves whether to stay in Clothville or move elsewhere. It made sense since her career was thriving in Clothville, and everything felt more convenient there.

But Joyce had grown used to life in New York and adamantly refused to return to Clothville.

These two children, though only six, were more mature than their peers, already capable of independent thought. Their personalities couldn't have been more different-one warm, one cool, with vastly opposing preferences.

"Mommy, I don't mind. I'm happy to go back to Clothville for school," Aveline said decisively. She had always preferred Clothville.

Joyce, on the other hand, pouted stubbornly. "Mommy, I'm doing just fine in New York. Grandma, Rebecca, and Isla are all here. I want to stay in New York for school."

Caught between the two, Aurora felt a headache coming on. One wanted to return to Clothville, the other wanted to stay in New York-it was a dilemma.

"Joyce," Aurora said patiently, "it's not that Mommy doesn't want you to stay in New York. It's just that both Daddy and I are building our lives in Clothville, and your sister is going back too. How can we leave you here on your own? What if we wait until high school? By then, you'll be more independent and can decide for yourself whether to study in New York. How about that?"

"How long until high school?" Joyce asked suspiciously.

"Nine years," Aurora replied.

Joyce shook her head furiously. "Mommy, no! I don't want to leave

they were young. They didn't want to force anything on them. Children were individuals, after all, and deserved respect

stubborn today?" Aurora asked her husband, frustration creeping into her

to sit down beside him.

Aveline immediately gathered around her, concern etched on their little faces. "Mommy, don't be upset. Don't be upset,"

the root of the problem, leaned toward Joyce. "Joyce, tell Mommy the truth. Why don't you want to go back to Clothville?" she asked gently. Joyce hesitated, then confessed the real reason. "Mommy, because Uncle Asher is in New York. I want to see Uncle Asher all the time. I don't want to be apart from him." Aurora sighed deeply. From the day Joyce was born, she had been attached to Asher. Over the years, Asher had spent more time caring for Joyce than

and summer breaks. He also travels sometimes and can visit you," Aurora

to see Uncle Asher every day, Mommy! At least three times a week!" Joyce clung to

off guard by her devotion. "Aurora, if Joyce insists on staying, I can take care of her. I've been looking after her all these years anyway-I'm used to it," he

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shook her head firmly. "You're 28 and still haven't found a wife. If you're

married and had children. But Asher? He hadn't even considered dating, let alone settling down. Aurora couldn't shake her guilt-if Joyce stayed with Asher, people might think she was his illegitimate child. Even if they knew she was Aurora's daughter, any potential partner would likely be put off by the situation. Aurora

aren't men in their thirties the most desirable? Besides,

to care, and honestly, he enjoyed Joyce's company. She brightened his life, adding joy and fun to his otherwise

so much for me already. I can't

Asher countered. "Didn't you transfer all the New York company shares to me? It's my company now-I'm just working hard for myself. You're the

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