Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 68

I rose to my feet, clutching Probert's small hand in mine, with no intention of letting go.

At this moment, Hazel had regained her composure, staring at me with displeasure. "Aaliyah, you are still ill and yet you are gallivanting around, looking like a mess. You've let yourself go!"

Her words hit me like a shard of ice, piercing my heart and sending a shiver throughout my body.

I looked like a mess?

The irony was not lost on me. I would love to care about my appearance, but wasn't that all thanks to the Dawsons? Taking my money, all while wanting to leech off my hard work. Once they've had their fill, they're ready to kick me to the curb.

Sure, Marissa was all prim and proper, but that was all thanks to my money that she used to spruce herself up. And now they had the audacity to berate me for my appearance.

Wasn't it not long ago when Hazel was a struggling mother, her house adorned with hanging laundry and her face worn from worry over her children's well-being?

Now, draped in pearls and gold, she puts on airs of a wealthy woman. After only a brief taste of the good life, she's already looking down on me.

One day, I'll make sure she remembers what it was like before.

Gritting my teeth, I collected myself and sat down on the sofa, still holding onto Probert. I met Hazel's gaze and responded calmly, "Mother, there are good days and bad days with illness. I have to get out to get some fresh air."

I ran a hand through my short hair, "I had to cut it due to hair loss from the illness. I guess I do need to care more about my appearance. After all, even you can't stand to look at me."

Hazel's disdain was evident. Her attitude towards me was a stark contrast to how she treated Marissa.

"Yes, I need to recover, but that won't stop me from taking care of Probert. Your health is also important, mother. Nobody can predict when illness will strike. And since everyone at the company is worried about me, I should look after my own child. Otherwise, it's not fair." I stood up, "I won't be eating here. I'll take Probert out for a bite, and have a chat with him."

"And what's that supposed to mean? He's been here since he was a child, and now you want to take him away just because you showed up? Are you saying I've been mistreating him? If your condition worsens, we'll have to bring him back. Who's he supposed to listen to?" Hazel snapped back, her words harsh and unforgiving.

"He'll listen to whoever is right!" My tone hardened, "You've done nothing wrong, mother. That's how children grow. I'll be careful this time, I won't let myself fall ill again."

"And how am I supposed to explain this to Jaylan?" She stood up, blocking my path.

"Mother! I'm just taking him home for a few days, there's nothing to explain. If it's Jaylan's decision, then I'll call him and ask for his approval." I showed no sign of backing down.

Just as I was about to dial Jaylan's number, to my surprise, Jaylan entered the room.