Chapter 4My Son Shattered a 4S Store

"Garrett, I didn't mean it. I was saving that money for you to get married. How could I possibly do anything harmful to you?"

She wore that familiar look of feigned victimhood, eyes lowered as she dabbed at the few teardrops that barely formed.

In the past, Garrett would have been furious and tried to defend her.

But today, he just slouched on the sofa, glued to his phone, not even bothering to look at her.

The incessant noise from the game made Jenna's plump figure look even more awkward.

I tied on my apron, ready to cook, but Garrett stopped me.

"Let her do it. We can't afford to keep a freeloader."

From that moment on, Jenna and I swapped roles in this house.

It used to be me doing all the housework, and now it was me watching TV while she did the chores.

It used to be her and Garrett eating at the table; now, she was holding a plate in the kitchen while Garrett and I chatted and laughed at the table.

Jenna's eyes were filled with resentment as if I had stolen my place in Garrett's heart.

But I knew all of this was temporary.

Whoever benefited Garrett would have a place at that table.

In the past, I felt sad because Garrett wasn't close to me, and I'd try all kinds of ways to please him.

I used to dream of sitting at the table with Garrett, happily chatting about the day's events.

But now that I was really sitting there, I only felt bored.

I thought, "When did a little brat get to be the one in charge of this house?

Why should I have to live my life according to his whims?

I wasn't just a mother; I was myself, too."

I started to throw myself into overtime at work. I took every client file seriously, analyzing their needs, crafting plans, and then shamelessly making one call after another.

One day, my manager, Victoria Branson, walked by and gave me a disgusted look, scanning me from head to toe.

"Can you at least make yourself presentable? It's a sign of respect for the clients."

Looking at the woman with big waves in her hair and bright red lipstick, I felt tears well up.

In the last life, Victoria had lectured me like that too.

But when I was at my lowest, she slipped me tens of thousands of dollars.

"You shouldn't just live for your son. You need to live for yourself, too."

Those were the last words she'd said to me in my last life, but at the time, I still thought Garrett was my everything.

I was so happy to take that money and use it for the household, but all I got in return was being stuck in that village.

I really wanted to say thank you to her.

Seeing my eyes redden, she suddenly looked uncomfortable.

"Why are you crying? I didn't yell at you!

"Here, here, take it. Don't say I'm bullying you."

She shoved something into my hands. I knew it was a tube of lipstick.

It didn't take long before Jenna and Garrett made up.

Jenna had a talent for manipulating relationships, and I had expected this outcome.

But I didn't care.