Chapter 17: I Have a Mouth Too
Mrs. Jennings was attempting to use the Jennings family’s influence to get Sonya out of the hospital, out of the community, and out of the city.
Sonya approached them.
“Sonya, get out! Don’t disturb my daughter–in–law’s pregnancy!” Mrs. Jennings said coldly. Sonya tilted her head and asked the property manager, “Is this also a Jennings property?” The manager, exasperated by Mrs. Jennings, replied, “Cloud Haven is developed by Ocean City Realty. The Jennings family has no investment.”
“So, does she have authority here?”
“We can’t evict someone without cause, even if you’re renting.”
Sonya nodded, using her fingerprint to enter her villa and closing the door in Mrs. Jennings face.
“A suggestion, Mrs. Jennings. To get rid of me, buy the entire villa complex. You’re wealthy, it shouldn’t be difficult.”
Sonya turned to go inside.
“Sonya! You’re living here because of my son! You’re shameless! My son’s getting married, and you’re still clinging to him!” Mrs. Jennings yelled.
Ignoring her, Sonya started planning her renovations.
The next morning, Mr. Givens took her to a home improvement store. She didn’t know much about renovations but wanted a comfortable, livable space.
She visited building supply and furniture stores, deciding
do it herself.
The structural work was done; she just needed to add some color. She could take her time with the soft furnishings.
She bought several buckets of eco–friendly paint.
“Ms. Ella, Mr. Sullivan has some designer friends. Should we ask them for help? English, French,
Mr. Givens asked as he helped Chinese style?” Mr.
helped her unload the paint.
ог
Sonya shook her head.“Simple is best. No specific style.”
“Should I contact some workers?”
“No, I’ll do it myself.”
“Can you do it alone?”
“I’m not sure, but I want to try.”
After Mr. Givens left, Sonya started cleaning, moving things out to avoid getting them dirty. She guessed Henry, like her, wasn’t a fan of complicated things.
Simple renovations would create a cozy atmosphere.
She decided not to use Henry’s card. It wasn’t about being high and mighty, but about avoiding debts or obligations in a potentially short–lived relationship.
She didn’t have much furniture. She covered the larger pieces with plastic sheets. It was dark when she finished. She’d paint tomorrow.
She didn’t want to cook, so she ate instant ramen at a table in the yard, thinking about renovating the yard–adding a flower bed, a gazebo..
Thinking about it, she’d lived in Julian’s mansion for eight years without ever considering
renovations
Her phone buzzed. It was Ashley, sending a video.
“Mrs. Jennings is unbelievable. She won’t let you go.
Sonya opened the video. Seraphina was at a brand event with Mrs. Jennings. A reporter asked Mrs. Jennings about Julian’s apology.
Mrs. Jennings sneered.“Men can’t settle down right away. They need to explore. With his status, many women throw themselves at him. He just picked someone he liked. Dating is just for fun, and the woman pays the price. But she’s a doctor; she’s smart, taking what she can. ‘Girlfriend? She’s fooling herself. If she really thinks so, let her return what she took from my son.”
Sonya knew the video would spread quickly, with harsh comments.
She’d already anticipated this. They refused to let her go.
A car
car pulled up. Julian got out, followed by Seraphina and Mrs. Jennings.
Sonya took a deep breath, walking toward them.
“Sonya, you… you live across from us?” Seraphina was surprised.
Sonya ignored her, glancing at Mrs. Jennings, then at Julian.
“My mother says you took a lot from you. Tell me, what did I take?”
Julian frowned.“Don’t start trouble.”
“Who’s starting trouble? We broke up cleanly, but your mother won’t leave me alone! Tell me what I took! Don’t act like I owe you something!” Sonya yelled.
“What right do you have to question my son? If it weren’t for him, you wouldn’t have lived in that villa for eight years!” Mrs. Jennings pointed at Sonya.
“I lived there, yes, but I paid for all the household expenses, covering the rent!” Sonya said. “You used my son’s connections to get into Cloud River Hospital!”
in on my own merit. And your son was feuding with his family. What help could he have given me?”
“I got
“Hah, I’m sure my son gave you expensive jewelry, clothes, bags!”
Sonya looked at Julian, her lips curling. “He did.”
Mrs. Jennings sneered.“See? I told you.”
Sonya walked to the trash can, retrieved a beer can, pulled off the tab, walked back to Julian, and tossed it to him.
“Your son proposed to me, giving me a beer tab. I threw it away then. Now, I’m returning it!” Mrs. Jennings, who had planned a barrage of insults, was speechless. Julian stared at Sonya, jaw clenched, eyes cold.
She stepped back, turning to Mrs. Jennings. “Stop saying I took advantage of my son. I have a mouth too. We can have a public debate.”
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Charder 17 1 Have a Mouth Too
“Aren’t you living in my son’s house?”
“I’m living in my fiancé’s house. It has nothing to do with your son!”
“What are you talking about? You’re getting married?”
“Yes, soon.”
Mrs. Jennings scoffed. “You’re delusional. Let’s see who’ll marry you. You’ll be embarrassed.”
“Just wait and see.”
Sonya turned to leave, but Seraphina stopped her.
you cook well.
“Sonya, we’re neighbors. Convenient. On the way back, I told Julian you’re unemployed and probably need a job. I need a housekeeper. You’re an OB–GYN, and Julian said You’re perfect.”
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