“We can’t just let this slide!” Teresa’s tone was firm. “You always defend Isabel, but Mike’s really upset this time. He loved that notebook! Even if Isabel didn’t mean to, she still needs to apologize.”

“She’s barely over a year old. She can’t even talk yet. How is she supposed to apologize?” Evelyn shot Teresa an exasperated look. “It’s just a notebook. Buy him a new one.”

“You can’t buy it anymore,” Michael wiped his tears, his voice full of frustration. “It had Mr. Lime’s autograph on it.”

“Mr. Lime? What kind of name is that?” Evelyn asked, clearly baffled.

“That’s not the point!” Teresa snapped. “The point is, Mike loved that notebook, and now Isabel’s ruined it. You need to set an example. If you keep siding with Isabel like this, Mike and I are moving out.”

“It’s not a big deal. Can you stop making such a fuss?”

Teresa wasn’t overreacting. They had been in Fernlandia for less than ten days, but she couldn’t feel any love from Evelyn toward her or Michael. All Evelyn did was shower Isabel with affection and frequently call Jennifer to check on her. Some people are just like that—always worrying about those far away while neglecting those right beside them.

“It was a mistake for us to come here. We shouldn’t have moved in with you and Isabel,” Teresa said firmly, gripping Michael’s hand tightly. Her gaze was resolute, filled with determination. “We’ll be moving out soon.”

Evelyn stared at Teresa like she was out of her mind. She thought, ‘Is all this really necessary? It’s just a notebook Isabel tore, and it wasn’t even intentional.’

Teresa knew all too well the pain of having a mother who played favorites. She refused to let Michael experience that same hurt, and more than anything, she wanted him to know he had someone who would always stand by him.

“You’ve only been here a few days, and now you’re talking about leaving? Where would you even go? And what am I supposed to tell your sister? Fine, it’s my fault, okay? I’ll buy you a new one!” Evelyn said, exasperated.

“Don’t bother, Ms. Davis,” Teresa said coldly.

“You’re going to drive me to my grave!” Evelyn clutched her chest. “Even when I apologize, it’s not enough. It’s just a notebook, for crying out loud! And now you’re ready to pack up and leave? Where did you even get this temper from?”

“Because I’ve had enough!” Teresa shot back, her voice trembling with emotion. “You’ve always put Isabel first, treating her like she’s some fragile doll. Then there’s Hannah. And me? I’ve always been at the bottom of your list!”

Teresa loved Evelyn deeply, though she doubted Evelyn ever realized it. As a child, she had clung to the hope that Evelyn would leave Philip and take her away. But instead, she was left behind like an unwanted burden.

That was why, after having her own child, Teresa swore she’d never let him feel that same loneliness. No matter how hard life got, she’d keep him by her side. She couldn’t trust anyone else.

Moving in with Evelyn had been a mistake. Time and again, she was reminded of Evelyn’s blatant favoritism toward Isabel. It was like staring into a mirror of her own childhood. Evelyn never once thought of Teresa.

Even though Evelyn made money and gave Teresa financial support, the love she missed out on as a child could never be replaced. Evelyn always claimed she didn’t understand Teresa’s feelings, but that was because she could never grasp the pain Teresa had endured.

Teresa’s eyes reddened slightly, though a hint of relief flickered in her gaze. “I don’t care where I live or how much I have to endure. But now that I’m a mother, I can’t let my child suffer again because of arguments with your daughter.”

Evelyn shot Teresa a sharp glare. “How have I ever wronged Mike? You make it sound like I’m some kind of villain. It’s just a notebook! Why do you always have to make such a big deal out of everything? Fine, I’ll apologize. Happy now?”

“Mike, Grandma was wrong, okay?” Evelyn said, her tone laced with impatience. “Grandma’s apologizing.” She then turned to Teresa with a huff. “There, is that good enough for you?”

Teresa remained silent.

Evelyn’s temper flared up quickly but fizzled out just as fast. She didn’t think much of the argument and went to bed early, hugging Isabel tightly as she drifted off, her snores rumbling softly in the quiet night.

After dinner, Teresa brought out glue and double-sided tape, sitting down with Michael to repair the notebook. Michael tilted his head up and looked at Teresa with wide, uncertain eyes. “Mom, I know Grandma doesn’t like me.” Teresa looked at him, her eyes filled with warmth and a hint of heartache. She gently stroked his hair. “No, sweetheart. You’re so handsome and adorable. How could Grandma not love you?”

“But Grandma never smiles at me,” Michael said, his eyes brimming with tears. “Mom, do you think I’m embarrassing?”

Teresa froze, caught off guard. “Why would you think that, honey?” she asked softly.

“You don’t let me call you Mom when Mr. Lime is around. Is it because you think I’m embarrassing? Did you think I’d embarrass you so you had to take me away?” Michael’s voice trembled.

Teresa was stunned into silence again.

Michael buried his face under the blanket, his small body shaking as he sobbed. It seemed like he’d been holding onto these feelings for a long time. Evelyn blaming him today had finally pushed him to the breaking point.

Teresa quickly pulled him into her arms, fumbling to wipe away his tears. “Mike, listen. I’d never thought you were embarrassing. If anything, I was scared you’d think I was embarrassing. Having a mom like me might make you feel ashamed.”

Michael finally lifted his tear-streaked face, his clear eyes shimmering with emotion. “No way! You’re my beautiful mommy!” he said with a sniffle.