Alisha made her way back upstairs, running all the way.
Upon entering the closet, she opened her wardrobe and retrieved several dresses. Standing in front of the mirror, she gestured at each one, muttering to herself, "Which one should I choose?"
At that moment, Joyce followed in, saying, "They are all very beautiful. We're not going out today, just having dinner at home. So you can consider wearing something more comfortable."
"Alright." Finally, Alisha chose a soft, black-and-white dress with a doll-like skirt hem.
After putting it on, she took Joyce's hand and said, "Mom, let's go downstairs."
Joyce gently held her soft hand and said, "Alright."
This natural and heartwarming scene warmed Joyce's heart; this was how mother and daughter should be. With Joyce spending more time at home lately, she had been accompanying Alisha devotedly, and their relationship had become increasingly harmonious.
Unpleasant things that had happened in the past seemed as though they had never occurred, but that didn't mean they were forgotten.
One day, Alisha suddenly asked her, "Does the wound hurt?"
She was stunned for a moment, thinking Alisha was asking about the pain after the C-section. She laughed and told Alisha that she had given birth through natural delivery and had no wounds, and therefore, didn't feel any pain. Little did she know, Alisha shook her head, saying she was asking about the wound she had inflicted on her. She also apologized, saying she hadn't known any better at the time.
At that moment, she was shocked and felt emotionally complex. Alisha's ability to ask such a question indicated that she could face the past directly, rather than deliberately avoiding it. She hugged Alisha excitedly, shaking her head and telling her that she didn't hurt anymore.
Alisha, however, said she would practice shooting and protect her mom when she grew up.
She was even more moved, and they clung together tightly, not separating for a long time.
In this way, the previous estrangement between mother and daughter was completely dispelled.
By now, they had already become accustomed to each other.
When they went downstairs, they realized that Anderson had also returned to his room and changed into casual clothing. He had actually been wearing pajamas before.
Alisha widened her eyes and pointed at Anderson, saying, "You changed into different clothes, too, so you're contradicting me for wanting to change. Do you think I'm too much?"
Anderson pouted, saying, "It's precisely because you're changing that I feel too casual. I have no choice but to change along with you."
Alisha said, "..."
Joyce chuckled.
As they were speaking, the doorbell rang, and the security guard reported remotely.
Jacqueline and Shelly were already downstairs, ready to come upstairs.
Upon hearing the news, Cecelia went to open the door herself.
When the door opened, the first person Cecelia saw was Jacqueline, and she was startled because Jacqueline looked very different from what she remembered.
The Jacqueline from the past was elegant and meticulous, and very concerned about her appearance. Despite being older, she had worked hard to maintain her looks. She was a typical wealthy and noble lady. However, she looked very different today. She seemed much older, with wrinkles around her eyes, and she was not wearing makeup, dressed in casual clothes. Although her appearance had aged, she seemed much kinder and more approachable.
Jacqueline recognized Cecelia, and her lips trembled at first, followed by an excited opening, "Nian Zhen, it's really you. You haven't changed at all. I have a bad memory and almost didn't recognize you. I'm glad I did. Nian Zhen, we haven't seen each other in a long time."
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