Chapter 5
Last time he ignored Estela’s advice, he ended up really sick.
Phoebe was sweet, and he did like her–but Estela had warned him that if he kept eating recklessly, he’d get seriously ill again, and Vance would be worried too.
He didn’t want to cause either of them stress. So as he ate, he held back, choosing more carefully.
Rowena, however, wasn’t as cautious. She ate too much- mixing cold and hot foods, creamy desserts, and sugary treats. By nightfall, she was doubled over in pain.
Curled up on her bed, she trembled from the stomach cramps. Her soft, pale face looked pitiful, flushed and tear- streaked.
When Vance heard Rowena wasn’t feeling well, he rushed home immediately.
Rowena tugged on his sleeve with teary eyes and a trembling voice.
“Daddy, did I get sick because I was bad? Did Mommy punish me with a stomachache? She said if I ate too many cupcakes again, a witch would curse me. I didn’t mean to. I want Mommy to come back and undo the spell.” she said.
More than anything, she missed how Estela would always make her warm soup whenever she was feeling sick.
Now, all she could do was cry, a mess of tears and runny nose.
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Beside them, Phoebe bit her lip, looking guilty. “Vance, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying close enough attention. I let Rowena eat too many sweets.”
Rowena quickly jumped to her defense, worried her father
might be upset with Phoebe. “Daddy, it’s not her fault! It’s because Mommy forgot to call me! She doesn’t care about me anymore.”
Josh blinked in confusion. Thankfully, he’d remembered what Estela said last time he got sick.
Even if Estela didn’t laugh and play like Phoebe, she always paid close attention when it came to their health.
Still, since Phoebe was always so kind, he couldn’t help but speak up for her too.
“Daddy. Mommy used to remind us a lot. Rowena’s still little- she just forgets things sometimes.”
“Understood,” Vance said, his tone a bit firmer now. “From now on, both of you need to follow the nutritionist’s instructions. No more sneaking snacks.”
He didn’t blame Phoebe for what happened. In fact, he found himself even more frustrated with Estela.
‘Isn’t this exactly what she is supposed to be doing? She used to handle all of Rowena’s meals and routines,‘ he thought.
But now that she couldn’t even be bothered to check in properly, Rowena had gotten sick. As far as he saw it, this was on her.
Estela had no idea Rowena had been sick.
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Chapter 5
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That Sunday, she still thought to check in and called the kids. over video chat.
She was their mother, after all. Even if the emotional bond wasn’t what it used to be, she still had a duty to them.
When the call came through, Rowena and Josh were busy helping Phoebe try on evening gowns.
In just a few days, Reggie would be discharged from the hospital.
Normally, that would mean Vance had no reason to stay in Zrefast and would head back to Trurgh to continue expanding the business.
But the idea of returning made the twins visibly glum.
They weren’t ready to see Estela again. And they definitely didn’t want to leave Phoebe.
Seeing their downcast faces, Phoebe smiled and gently ruffled their hair. “Hmm. let me guess. Why are my little prince and princess so upset?”
She paused dramatically. “Is it because we’re heading back to Trurgh? I thought you’d be excited to see your mom again.”
Rowena’s eyes welled with tears. She pouted and mumbled,
great about seeing Mom? We don’t want to leave
en nodded. He did miss Estela a little, but the thought of parting with Phoebe made him hesitate.
“Well then,” Phoebe said with a playful glint in her eye, “I have some good news.”
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Chapter 5
She let the suspense hang for a second, then smiled.
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“I’ve got work to do in Trurgh. I’ll be staying there for quite a while–so I’ll be coming with you!”
“Really?” Rowena lit up, cheering with joy. If Phoebe was coming to Trurgh too, then everything would be perfect.
Right at that moment, Estela’s video call came through.
The ringtone echoed a few times. Rowena stared at the screen, then deliberately let it ring out before hanging up.
Estela called again. And again.
Annoyed, Rowena finally blocked the number.
Phoebe chuckled and gave her a gentle poke on the forehead but didn’t scold her. “Rowena, why didn’t you answer your
mom’s call?”
“She didn’t call me the other day on purpose, and I got sick. She’s so mean–I don’t want to talk to her!” Rowena pouted.
Besides, they’d be going back to Trurgh soon. She’d see Estela then anyway.
And if Estela found out Phoebe was moving in, she’d definitely be upset.
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