chapter 178

Chapter 178

Liberty was downstairs, waiting for her sister.

She held her son while a diaper bag and a rucksack hung from each arm. Liberty scanned her surroundings, not noticing a new car driving by. In truth, she wasn’t looking for a four-wheeled vehicle since her sister often rode an e-bike.

Serenity pulled up in front of her sister and rolled down the window. “Liberty.”

Initially taken aback, Liberty quickly broke into a smile. “I thought you were riding your bike today.” While she knew that her brother-in-law had bought Serenity a car, she was aware that Serenity rarely used it. This was the first time Serenity had driven here in the new car.

Serenity exited the car and took the diaper bag from Liberty. She opened the back door and placed the diaper bag inside. “Is everything in there, Liberty? The formula is the most important thing.”

“It’s all there,” Liberty assured her.

Liberty handed her son to her sister. As Serenity carried Sonny, Liberty leaned in to kiss her son on the cheek, urging him, “Be a good boy for Aunt Ser, Sonny. Mommy will be back soon.”

Sonny, close to his aunt, didn’t fuss when she took him. He even waved goodbye to his mother.

Liberty felt a pang of sadness.

Her son was only two. She had intended to enroll him in kindergarten before rebuilding her career, but reality compelled her to seek a job sooner than planned.

“Liberty, is my brother-in-law back yet?”

It had been days since the couple’s fight.

Liberty replied with a hint of dejection, “No. He texted me asking for a refund on the living expenses since he hasn’t been eating at home. He wants me to return his portion.”

Each of Hank’s actions cut her deeply.

Liberty was left with nothing but anguish.

She was so blinded by…

to love such a man, marry him, and bear his child. However, less than three years into the marriage, he repaid her with disdain and abuse.

“Liberty, did you refund the money to him?”

After a short pause, Liberty replied, “I returned the money. Since he insists on splitting everything, I won’t keep what isn’t mine.”

Serenity pursed her lips, choosing to keep her opinions about her brother-in-law to herself. It was what it was. She asked with concern, “Do you have enough money, Liberty?”

Reaching into her bag, Serenity pulled out the two thousand dollars in hush money from Zachary and placed it in her sister’s palm. “Take this. Just let me know when you need more. Don’t feel pressured; consider it a loan.”

Liberty handed the money back to her sister. “I have some savings. I invested a portion of the money you’ve given me in the past. While it isn’t a lot, every bit helps. It should last until I find a job.”

She appreciated that Serenity had advised her to set aside half of the money for emergencies when she was supporting her financially. Otherwise, Liberty would be struggling now that her husband had cut her off.

Since Liberty didn’t want the money, Serenity tucked it back into her pocket and offered words of encouragement. As Liberty urged them to hurry, Serenity took her nephew and said, “Come to the shop for lunch later. I brought groceries to cook there.”

Zachary had forbidden her from ordering takeout and insisted on home-cooked meals. If Serenity skipped on making food, he would have meals delivered from the Wiltspoon Hotel.

The Wiltspoon Hotel was a seven-star establishment, where even a simple plate of greens cost more than a full lunch set at a fast-food restaurant. If Zachary had meals delivered to her shop, he would order a lot from the menu.

He was unaware of the cost. The man spent all his money without checking the price tag. He should be more cautious with his finances. What a waste! However, despite the money spent, Zachary’s actions made Serenity feel warm and cozy inside. “Alright. I’ll grab a quick meal at a restaurant if I’m far away, but I’ll have lunch at your shop if I’m close by,” she said. “Sure,” Serenity responded briefly before driving away with her nephew.