Maisie took a deep breath and said coldly, "I don't need it."

"Maisie—"

"I've got work to do. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up," she said before Cindy could respond, then disconnected the call.

However, in the quietness of the late hours that night, Maisie tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She recalled how, from childhood to now, Cindy's warmth toward her felt like an act of charity, sparing only a tiny bit of warmth for her when neither Owen nor Nicole needed it.

She remembered being bullied at school, with no one at home standing up for her. Her classmates mocked her for being a child who was not cared for. She was met with a torrent of scolding when she went home and told Cindy about it. Cindy only ever blamed her for being troublesome.

She also recalled the first time she got her period. She was frightened and ran to Cindy in tears. Instead of comfort, Cindy's immediate reaction was, "Disgusting! Wash your stained clothes yourself!"

Since then, she hadn't confided in Cindy about anything.

Maisie became timid, always trying to please everyone. When she met

gentle and submissive didn't bring her the

about it, tears streamed down her cheeks, dampening

more concern. She called Maisie every day, not mentioning money but chatting about trivial household

treating you well? Is he serious this time? He won't abandon you

Maisie responded

a victorious smile on Cindy's face. She knew that Maisie's biggest weakness was her soft heart and strong sentiments. If Maisie truly wanted to draw a line with her, would

to pick up the phone, it indicated

in a neighborhood with elderly ladies around Cindy's age.

about which vegetables paired well, how to store food to prevent spoilage, whose child had grown taller, whose daughter-in-law was pregnant, whose old man had hidden extra money, whose housewife

these gossiping elderly ladies were irritating, but this common, down-to-earth atmosphere made Maisie often feel envious

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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