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.

“unhealthy” foods, leading to endless

looked to me for support, and then murmured when I stayed silent, “Those will upset your stomach, sweetheart. You don’t want to

no again, isn’t she?” Yvonne curled into a defensive ball, her

what she wants,” I said,

when do we allow this?” Jared’s eyebrows shot up at my sudden

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 strict about

to my arm. “Mom, you should’ve done this ages ago. Then I wouldn’t have yelled at you. Dad, hurry up and

preferred dishes first before selecting the house specialties–the wine–paired steak, foie gras, and caviar. Fine dining was one area where he never

he excused himself

enthusiasm. “Mom,” she said between. bites, “my leg still hurts. Can I stay home a few more

she just wanted to skip school and lounge around. Watching her hopeful expression, I took a slow sip of wine and said flatly, “Take it up with your father. It’s fine by

nicer now. I love you!” Yvonne immediately curled into