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.

bans on these “unhealthy” foods, leading to endless

and then murmured when I stayed silent, “Those will upset your stomach, sweetheart. You don’t

Yvonne curled into a defensive ball, her small back turned to us. “It’s not

her have what she wants,” I said,

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

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 what you eat, Yvonne. Go ahead and order

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

ordered Yvonne’s preferred dishes first before selecting the house specialties–the wine–paired steak,

rang, he excused himself to take the call

“Mom,” she said between. bites, “my leg

to skip school and lounge around. Watching her hopeful expression, I took a slow sip of wine

you!” Yvonne immediately curled into my