She Was Never Just a Pretty Face novel Chapter 275

Gardenia had just assumed it was a regular day.

Just like it used to be.

Luther would show up, and she would kick him out.

She refused to acknowledge a son-in-law like him. She didn't want him in her life, didn't want him calling her 'Mom,' and wanted absolutely nothing to do with his wealth and status. She despised him. She despised him with every fiber of her being for getting her Hilda killed.

For over two years, she had lived in absolute agony.

She had wanted to die, but she had her grandchildren to look after.

She couldn't give up.

Children growing up without a mother already had it hard enough.

When the couple got out of the car, they were practically shoving each other. It wasn't playful, flirty banter; he was being overpowering, and she was visibly furious. But the second Joyce stepped out and saw the older woman standing there, she immediately dropped her scowl and offered a polite greeting: "Ms. Gardenia."

After she said it, she felt suddenly anxious.

She was worried about intruding on the older woman and equally terrified of being yelled at.

The sky was dark, but the moonlight was brilliant and clear.

When Gardenia's eyes landed on her, it felt like a fever dream. She stared at the familiar height, the nearly identical face, and that gentle, serene smile. It was exactly like looking at a teenage Hilda. How could anyone in the world look so completely identical? And why on earth would Luther just casually bring her over to show off?

Lori leaned in and whispered in her ear—

"She goes by Joyce Croix now."

"She doesn't remember anything from the past."

"The little one is Jocelyn. On paper, she's registered as Damien's daughter."

Gardenia almost burst into tears.

But she forced herself to hold it together.

So that was it. That was it. It really was her Hilda.

Through her tear-filled eyes, she looked at Joyce. She choked on her words for a long moment before finally managing to maintain her composure. "I'm so glad you're here! So glad you're here. It's so good you've come."

Joyce didn't understand the depth of her words.

Luther took her hand and guided her toward Gardenia.

Gardenia nearly lost completely, tears threatening to spill down her face.

She turned her back to them. Luther stepped closer, his voice impossibly soft. "Mom. I brought her home."

Gardenia turned back and furiously slammed her fists against his chest.

—It was an agonizing mix of relief and profound hatred.

She had no idea what to do.

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