Chapter 151 The Obstruction of Adalia's Adoption
Arya found herself at odds with Maggie's decision to adopt Adalia, fearing the disruption it might bring to Maggie and Fiorello's newly wedded life. Their marriage was still in its infancy, only a few months old.Understanding Arya's concerns, Maggie tried to explain, "Mom, you know how busy Fiorello and I are. There won't be anyone to look after Adalia in the future. She'll need someone to take her to school, to pick her up. We simply don't have the time. Mom, you're the only one who can help us."Arya, upon hearing this, turned her gaze to Adalia and questioned Maggie, "What do you mean? Will Adalia be living here in the future?"Maggie and Fiorello were still young, their own children yet to come. The adoption of another's child would undoubtedly add to their burdens. With Adalia present, Maggie chose not to continue the conversation. Instead, she sliced a piece of beef for Adalia, urging her to eat more. Adalia, a sensitive child, had overheard Arya's words and understood that she was seen as a burden. She remained silent, obediently eating her meal.Once finished, Adalia took it upon herself to clean up, washing the plate with a diligence that was heartwarming. Maggie, however, wouldn't allow her to shoulder such tasks. "Adalia, go to the living room and watch TV. I'll take care of this."Adalia complied, releasing her hold on the dishes and retreating to the living room to watch TV quietly.Arya watched Adalia leave, then gathered the remaining plates and took them to the kitchen. In a hushed voice, she asked Maggie, "How do you plan to handle that child's situation?""I've discussed it with Fiorello. If Adalia's relatives agree, we'll adopt her," Maggie replied with a smile. "Fiorello doesn't have parents, we both have jobs, so Mom, you might have to help with taking Adalia to school and picking her up.""But she's someone else's child," Arya pointed out. "It's one thing to have her stay for a day or two, but adoption? Have you considered the costs of raising a child? You'll have your own children in the future, too. There are so many things to cater for a child, food, education and more. Besides, doesn't she have parents? I don't agree to the adoption."Arya's concerns were practical, stemming from her love for Maggie and Fiorello.Maggie looked at Adalia, quietly watching TV in the living room, and said, "Adalia's parents may not be her biological parents. She was probably adopted by them. That couple now has their own children and often mistreat Adalia. Look at all the bruises on her body, she's over four years old and hasn't even started school. If we waste more time, her whole life will be ruined.""Why don't you seek help from the government or an orphanage? There are many ways to help her. Why do you want to adopt her?" Arya tried to reason. "Adalia is likable and pitiful, but we need to consider reality. What will you do in the future if you have your own children? Do you know how much it costs for a child's education in a year?"Arya had sent away Maggie's biological daughter years ago to ensure Maggie's happiness. Now that Maggie wanted to adopt a stranger's child, Arya was resolute in her disagreement.Arya's words left Maggie uncertain of how to respond.
"Mom, adopting a child isn't as serious as you think...""Fiorello works hard to earn money. He leaves in the morning and can only come back at night. This is Cyberland, the cost of living is high. When you're pregnant, you can't work, and Fiorello will have to bear all the pressure."Arya tapped Maggie's forehead with her hand. "My silly daughter, you're too soft-hearted. Listen to me, you can't adopt Adalia. Help her find a better family, there's no need to raise her yourself."Knowing she couldn't convince Arya, Maggie conceded, "Okay, Mom, let's not talk about this issue for now.""Don't change the subject. Isn't Isabella always childless? I'll ask Isabella if she's willing to adopt her later."Maggie quickly retorted, "Mom, what are you thinking? Isabella's personality, how suitable is she for raising a child."Arya countered, "Isabella has better conditions than you, and she can't bear children. Let her adopt, wouldn't that be good for both of you? You can still see Adalia often in the future.""Mom..."Before Maggie could finish, she was interrupted by Adalia's voice from behind."Aunt Maggie, it's raining."Only then did Maggie remember the clothes hanging outside. "Mom, wash the plates, I'll go get the clothes."Maggie shot Arya a look, signaling her not to speak thoughtlessly in front of Adalia. Adalia was too sensitive, and her self-esteem was easily bruised.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
