Chapter 143 Swamped with Work and Dealing with Jacob
"Mommy—" Little Violet Devereux wrapped her arms around her mother's neck, trying to be as close to her as possible.
But she still struggled with her words, only managing a series of coos and babbles.
"What's wrong, my Nicole? Missing mommy?" Violet Devereux couldn't decipher Nicole's whines and sighs.
With affection, she kissed Nicole's soft cheek and asked gently.
Nicole nodded, wishing she could tell her mother, "Mommy, I miss you." But unlike her brother, who was quick to speak, she was still learning.
She could only say "mommy" and "auntie."
Nothing more.
She felt inadequate, unable to chat with her mother as her brother could, comforting her. Like a little dummy, she kept on babbling.
Nicole felt it was unfair. Why couldn't she be as clever?
"If you miss mommy, here I am," Violet Devereux chuckled, looking at Nicole's adorable face. It dawned on her that her daughter was just yearning for her mother's love.
Scooping her into her arms, they settled on the couch. Violet said, "From now on, I'll try to come home earlier to spend time with you and your brother, okay?"
Nicole, pacified by her mother's promise, obediently nodded.
Then Violet Devereux began the nursing routine with her two little ones.
While feeding them, Aunt Grace came over and spoke, "I've prepared formula for them twice today, and they took it well. You should consider reducing nursing sessions."
Violet nodded in agreement; she indeed was looking to wean them off.
Otherwise, between long work hours and social obligations, she couldn't properly nurse her babies.
"When you're ready to stop, I'll get you some buckwheat tea. It should help," Aunt Grace continued.
"Auntie, thank you," Violet Devereux said, deeply grateful for Aunt Grace's unwavering support.
Had her mother not passed away, she wouldn't have become Aunt Grace's responsibility.
Aunt Grace enjoyed a comfortable life with her pension.
Now, she was taking care of Violet and her two babies.
Violet felt a profound sense of guilt and vowed that once she found success and made enough money, she'd make sure Aunt Grace lived a good life.
*
The next morning welcomed the break of dawn.
Violet Devereux rose on time, while her two little treasures continued sleeping peacefully beside her.
She tiptoed to freshen up, then headed to the living room for breakfast.
Aunt Grace set down a breakfast of fresh doughnuts, stuffed buns, and tea eggs, saying, "Violet, come eat while it's hot."
"Auntie, how come you bought so much today?" Violet Devereux sat down and picked up a hard-boiled egg to start peeling.
Their usual breakfast was pretty much a few donuts and soy milk.
It was rare for them to buy both hash browns and boiled eggs.
Violet had to wonder if her aunt had hit the jackpot or something.
Her aunt sat down with her, smiling. "Did you forget what day it is today?"
Violet blinked, her mind a bit fuzzy with the recent frenzy at work and the ongoing drama with Brady Hall. She couldn't recall. "What day is it?"
"Your own birthday!"
Oh, she had indeed forgotten. Violet smacked her forehead. "I've been so swamped lately; I even forgot my own birthday."
"How about we go out for dinner tonight?" her aunt suggested. "My treat."
"No, I can't let you pay," Violet insisted, feeling a twinge of guilt at the thought of spending her aunt's pension on her birthday celebration. "How about I take care of it? I've been meaning to ask Emily out to dinner; maybe we can do it together?"
"Look, I'm not going to let you pay. Save your money, honey. I can take care of us," Violet added quickly.
Unable to argue with Violet's insistence on paying, her aunt relented with a smile. "That'd be nice. Emily's been such a good friend to us, the kind worth keeping around."
"Mhm."
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