Chapter 138

“We are too, Esmeralda. You can tell you’re a cultured person, unlike Trevin here, who is illiterate,” she said.

I was about to praise Trevin when he exclaimed, “Mom, you’re right! Esmeralda is really cultured. She went to apply for a documenter position at the construction site today and immediately passed. They asked her to start tomorrow.”

“Really?” Auntie’s eyes lit up as she looked at me. “In that case, Esmeralda’s cultural knowledge is truly impressive. Oh, if only I had a talented daughter like you.”

Their praise embarrassed me. Auntie’s gaze today also felt strange. I quickly changed the subject, looking at the dishes and smiling, “Auntie, your cooking is really good. These dishes look delicious.”

“Really?” Aunt quickly served me rice. “Then eat more if you like, and come to my place to eat anytime. It’s just an extra pair of forks.”

I smiled and responded politely, but inwardly resolved not to impose on them again. It was quite embarrassing.

Auntie warmly served me dishes and even gestured for Trevin to serve me as well. I quickly ate, burying my head in my bowl. Trevin smiled foolishly, and Auntie gave him a pointed look.

I ate in silence, sensing a strange atmosphere. Fortunately, I wasn’t nauseous today; vomiting at someone else’s table would have been unpleasant.

After finishing, I politely began clearing the table and dishes. Trevin was about to help when his aunt asked him to wash the fruit. I had to carry all the bowls to the kitchen myself.

The sink was rudimentary, and I searched for dishwashing liquid, but couldn’t find any. I turned to ask Auntie where it was, but found her standing at the kitchen entrance, watching me.

She rubbed her back and said, “Oh, I was so busy washing vegetables and cooking, my back is a little sore. Could you please help me with this bowl, Esmeralda? I’m really sorry.”

“It’s nothing, Auntie. You’ve worked hard cooking.” I helped her to a small stool and asked, “Auntie, where is the dishwashing liquid?”

“What do you want dishwashing detergent for? Those things are unhealthy and toxic.”

“So… how were those bowls washed?” I asked.

“Just wash it with plain water.”

“Ah? Wash with plain water? Can the grease be removed?” I asked in astonishment.

Aunt glanced at me, took my hand, and said, “Oh, Esmeralda, just by looking at you, I can tell you’ve never done any household chores. This won’t do, you know. No matter what, a woman should know how to do household chores.”

I listened quietly. Auntie was truly strange today. Seeing my silence, she continued, “Esmeralda, I am teaching you how to manage a household. You won’t blame Auntie for being naggy, will you?”

I smiled and said, “No.” I pulled my hand away. “Auntie, I’m going to wash the dishes.”

“Ah, go ahead, Esmeralda. You worked hard.”

After Trevin finished washing the fruit, he offered to help with the dishes, but his aunt called him away to pour her a glass of water.

I smiled faintly, unconcerned. Back in my room, I washed the grease from my hands with shower gel. I lay on the sofa, staring at my hands in a daze.

Earlier, while washing dishes at my aunt’s, the dishes were so greasy I almost dropped them. Auntie said I was like a spoiled princess who didn’t know anything. Though I smiled, I felt uncomfortable. Her words reminded me of what Reynaldo had said: “I don’t know how to do anything except eat.”

I sighed heavily, feeling sad as I stared at my hand. It seemed that in everyone’s eyes, I was useless and worthless. I patted my flat belly and sighed, “Oh baby, please don’t ever think your mommy is useless in the future.”

It was early, and I planned to call Quentin to tell him I’d found a job so he wouldn’t worry.