Chapter 35

Seeing Bailey's determined expression, Tanya fell silent. After a long pause, she asked, "Bailey, is it because of... that boy, Stephen?" "Yes," Bailey replied without hesitation, her tone icy. After another moment of silence, Tanya tentatively asked, "When we get back home, can I meet him?" "No." Bailey shook her head. "Mom, he's the only friend I ever had. Are you going to drive him away too?" "But—" "Mom, Stephen is the best person in the whole world." Tanya fell silent again. She stood up and walked to the balcony, looking up at the stars shining brightly in the night sky. Glancing down, she saw a large artificial pond where fireflies flickered, mirroring the stars above. Tanya lit a slim cigarette, smoking it slowly with a grace that could make any man feel inadequate. "My precious daughter is all grown up," she mumbled with a bitter smile, extinguishing the cigarette before returning to the room. "Bailey, you can attend a local university, even go to the same school as t