Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 28

I avoided mother–daughter bonding whenever possible. But when forced, I endured it.

Jared drove us himself while his driver collected Yvonne.

My memories from before were fading, and this life wasn’t following the same script. I had no idea what would happen next -but whatever it was, I refused to be walked over again.

Jared had chosen an upscale Falansia bistro. When we arrived, Yvonne was sprawled across the sofa, her young face already bearing the cynical expression that didn’t belong on a child.

“You’re late,” Yvonne said by way of greeting, her voice dripping with teenage disdain.

“We hit some traffic,” Jared offered quietly. “Order whatever you’d like, sweetheart.”

“I want chocolate, ice cream, and all the greasy fried food,” Yvonne demanded, proving once again that forbidden treats were always the most tempting.

kept strict bans on these “unhealthy” foods, leading to endless tantrums as Yvonne fought for

“Those will upset your stomach, sweetheart. You don’t want to end up at the

her small back turned to us. “It’s not

what she wants,” I said, sinking into the chair

do we allow this?” Jared’s eyebrows

how upset she is. Children have so few choices. We adults get to pick every meal, while they eat what we decide. From now on, I won’t be so

she scrambled over to cling to my arm. “Mom, you should’ve done this ages ago. Then I wouldn’t have yelled at

ordered Yvonne’s preferred dishes first before selecting the house specialties–the wine–paired steak, foie gras, and caviar. Fine

rang, he excused himself to take the

she immediately dug in with childish enthusiasm. “Mom,” she said between. bites, “my leg still hurts. Can I

her hopeful expression, I took a slow

you!”