Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 69

What a coincidence, he showed up just as I did, must have been tipped off. But his timing couldn't be more perfect!

Jaylan strolled in, eyeing our predicament with a smile. "What's going on here?"

Before I could even speak, his mother took the initiative to play the victim. "It's all Aaliyah's fault. She didn't even greet us properly, just rushed to take Probert home. Look at her, all sick and wan. How can she take care of a child? I bet she even struggles to take care of herself."

She blamed me directly, dripping with disdain, ready to kick-start her tirade against me, a stark contrast to the sweet-faced charm she used when speaking with Marissa.

I simply kept my peace, observing the unfolding drama with a smile.

Hazel cast me a sidelong glance, her lips curling in a sneer. "Look at the way she's dressed. She looks like a beggar. She doesn't fit the Dawson family image one bit. Can we really trust her with the child? And besides, he's such a handful. Not like..."

Hazel abruptly cut herself off, casting another glance my way, then at Jaylan. She'd clearly caught herself before saying something she might regret.

I pressed, "Like what?"

Of course, I knew what she meant. She was implying that the child wasn't as well-behaved as Marissa. I clenched my fists, my gaze fixated on Jaylan.

Jaylan's eyes tightened slightly before he turned to his mother. "Mother, listen to yourself. Aaliyah has been sick for so long, but the moment she recovers, she's here to see the kid. She misses him, that's all. Let her take him, why are you making this such a big deal?"

I kept my easy smile, watching their little performance.

The image of the perfect husband and his heartwarming words moved me to tears.

Even Hazel was taken aback by her son's intentions, her eyes wide in surprise and confusion.

Jaylan then directed at his mother, "Mother, can you help Probert pack a few clothes? We'll take him home for a few days. If it doesn't work out, we can always bring him back!"

Hazel shot Jaylan a harsh look but before she could say anything, Jaylan stepped forward with a smile and put his arm around her, "Go on, don't worry. We have a nanny at home. It'll be fine."