The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 736

"Lavinia got her clothes wet while cooking, so I let her change into yours," Ellison explained, pulling Lavinia behind him. He glared at Marin. "She’s just borrowing them. Why are you throwing a fit?"

Penelope jumped in before Marin could respond. "Those are pajamas. They touch bare skin. What if she has some kind of disease? Having her wear them is just... gross."

"Who are you calling diseased? You're out of line!" Lavinia cried, instantly defensive.

"I’m just saying loungewear is highly personal. Anyone with a shred of common sense wouldn't wear someone else's."

"Ms. Laurier, you—"

"Mr. Jeffries, surely you wouldn't share your underwear with another man, would you?"

Silence filled the room.

Penelope scoffed. "If you do have that kind of kink, you're a freak."

"Honey, who did you bring home? Why is she being so nasty?" Ellison finally snapped, his patience snapping.

Marin's expression turned frigid. "Ms. Laurier is my friend. Show her some respect!"

"Did you hear what she just said?"

"Where was the lie?"

Ellison took several deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down. "Forget it. I don't want to fight with you today."

Lavinia tugged at Ellison's sleeve, putting on a fragile, apologetic act. "It’s my fault for not double-checking yesterday. It was a slip-up at work. Marin has every right to be mad at me."

"You just started working and lack experience. Mistakes are inevitable," Ellison comforted her.

"But Marin is so furious."

"Sob... Marin, I'm so sorry. Please don't fight with Ellison. It's all my fault," Lavinia started wailing, looking as pitiful and innocent as possible.

Penelope couldn't stand the manipulative performance. "This is an argument between a married couple. What does it have to do with you? If you want to cry so badly, go cry to your mother!"

Marin was thoroughly exhausted. She grabbed Penelope’s arm to leave, but Ellison caught her wrist.

He let out a heavy sigh. "Lavinia's former advisor asked me to look out for her. You know I owe the professor a lot, and I can't just disrespect him. The kid knows she messed up. Just let it go and forgive her this once."

"Wow, so she's just a kid now," Penelope clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "So, deep down, you actually see her as a daughter, Mr. Jeffries?"

"I didn't say—"

Penelope grabbed Marin. "Well, your daughter just apologized. As her mother, you should probably forgive her."