Colin smiled gently. "Yes, Mom, it's true. I've been keeping a close eye on them. Natalie is fine. Marshall and Mrs. Spencer Sr. went to get her out."
Wendy took a deep breath. With Marshall protecting Natalie, she could finally feel a little more at ease.
She looked around the small, two-bedroom apartment. After living in a villa for half her life, a place like this didn't feel as bad as she'd expected.
Its small size made it feel cozy. Now that it was just her and Colin, it was manageable.
As long as you were happy, your circumstances didn't matter.
Wendy sighed heavily.
Life is long. You never know who will be with you at the end until you get there.
It had taken her half a lifetime to understand that some paths must be walked with the heart.
She had already walked through a field of thorns. She was sure she could find happiness again.
"After the new year, your fourth brother will be back. He also dotes on Joanna. I don't know who he'll choose—your father and Joanna, or me."
Wendy had seen with her own eyes how all four of her sons adored Joanna.
The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to cry. She stood up to find something to do.
As she organized the clothes in the closet, she said quietly, "Colin, you should go. Come back after work. Don't let Joanna get suspicious."
A tear glistened in Wendy's eye, but a cold smile touched her lips. It was the end of the month. Joanna was in for a rude awakening.
Colin watched his mother's back, his heart aching for her. His mother was suffering, too. For most of her life, she had believed the happiest thing that ever happened to her was marrying his father.
Then she had them, her children. She used to tell everyone countless times how she had a loving husband and dutiful sons and daughter.
But even she was living a lie. None of them, her sons, were dutiful. All they did was ask for money every month.

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The readers' comments on the novel: Bye-bye Trash! Hello Queen!