Chapter 2 Twins

Melissa had always been a firm figure in their household, so despite Albert’s reluctance, there was no way to stop Julianna from leaving with her. Julianna lived with Melissa for two months before Albert forced her to move in with her aunt, Helena. Julianna had to leave the city where she had lived for over 20 years and move to a small, unfamiliar town. Helena was a gentle woman who held a deep affection for Julianna. Even though she was upset when she learned of Julianna’s pregnancy, she still took meticulous care of her. “Your grandmother sent you a lot of food this morning, and we have oranges and bananas. Which one would you prefer?” Helena asked softly. Julianna noticed that Helena had aged during her stay. Although her smile remained, the wrinkles around her eyes seemed deeper than before. “I’d like some oranges,” Julianna said. Helena handed her a peeled orange, and the two sat by the living room window, gazing at the outside scenery. As months passed, Julianna gradually learned that someone she believed was treating her well had deceived her. Her stepsister, Brandy, had been secretly in love with Sean. Sean did not like Julianna that much, either. Julianna was forced to sleep with a stranger and became pregnant as part of their plan. She had considered Sean her future partner and Brandy her real sister. Brandy was not Albert’s biological daughter and joined the family after he married Judy. Their relationship was not harmonious, but Julianna had always been patient with Brandy to avoid creating awkward situations for their father. When she was younger, Helena had warned her that Julianna should be cautious around Brandy and Judy. However, Julianna had underestimated the two. Julianna never received much affection from her family. She had yearned for her family’s care and approval, but it had never happened. After the unfortunate incident, Julianna constantly questioned whether she had done something wrong. She had doubted and denied herself until she met Helena. Julianna gradually calmed down with her aunt’s companionship and reflected on her life over the past twenty-plus years. Those two decades had been marked by misery, illness, and pain. After her mother died young, she was left with her father, who remarried. After finding his new family, he excluded Julianna. She had always wished for more attention from the outside world, hoping those people would love her. However, as her pregnancy progressed and her belly grew, Julianna realized it was better to love herself first. Julianna poured all of her love into herself and the babies inside her. She was excited to become a mother once her twins were born, and she was determined to give them all the love she had never received. Julianna had been sitting for the entire afternoon and was getting tired. The doctor mentioned that her due date might be earlier than expected because she was carrying twins. Both Julianna and Helena were extremely nervous as they awaited the babies’ arrival. Julianna stood up to stretch her legs when liquid gushed out from beneath her, causing her heart to skip a beat. “Helena, it seems like my water broke,” she said with a trembling voice. Helena had some experience with children, so she knew what had happened. Thankfully, they had prepared everything, so they only needed to head to the hospital. Once they reached the hospital, Julianna’s face paled from the pain. The doctor and nurses quickly took her to the delivery room. Helena sat outside anxiously and prayed that her niece and the babies were safe. She waited for a long six hours until she heard cries from inside. Helena finally relaxed. Julianna, exhausted but relieved, was pushed out of the delivery room in a wheelchair. Two nurses followed, each holding one of the newborns. One nurse excitedly said to Helena, “It’s twins! The boy came out five minutes before the girl.” Having even one child can be difficult for some, but they were unexpectedly blessed with two. Helena stood at the door, stunned, before finally accepting this reality. … After the birth of her twins, Herman and Nancy, Julianna had higher expectations in life and became more gentle. Helena spoke to Melissa through the video call, saying, “Take a look. The twins are well, and Julianna also found a job she loves.” “Julianna’s jewelry designs are exquisite. She gave me a necklace last month, and many people have asked me where I got it.” “Yes, a company hired her as a designer and offered her a hefty salary. Their lives will only get better from here.” Julianna and Melissa lived far away, and they could not meet in person because of Melissa’s health issues. Melissa was finally at ease when she knew that Julianna was doing well. “This is all because of her stubborn father. He sent her far away just for the sake of his reputation. Thankfully, you’re there to accompany her.” Since Julianna was forced to leave her side, Melissa had grown increasingly disappointed in her son. Whenever she had a video call with Julianna, she would speak to Albert the following day to express her dissatisfaction. However, this time, Melissa had no intention of confronting Albert. “I’m also grateful to Julianna for keeping me company. Living in this small village can be quite lonely.” After the two children had eaten, they fell asleep next to Julianna.