Chapter 23 - Stepmother (1/2)

Luna hummed a tune while helping Amber fold her clothes and tidy her toys in a bag. Now that the girl was feeling better without a fever, she could now go home. But her cute face was ruined by a scowl. She didn't want to go home yet! She wanted to stay longer with Miss Luna.

”Are you ready to go home?” Luna asked Amber. Amber shook her head and pulled her favorite teddy bear in a tight hug. She looked upset and irritated, leaving Luna at a loss at what should she do with this child.

”Why? I thought you will be happy now that you're going home. Don't you miss your daddy? I'm sure he's missing you. He's probably waiting for you right now.”

Still, Amber refused to move from her seat. Luna folded her arms and leaned against the small headboard of Amber's bed.

”I will miss you,” Luna murmured to the little girl, which instantly got Amber's attention. She moved closer and sat on Luna's ŀȧp. She let her favorite ”Aunty Luna” stroke her head. Luna loved how Amber's dark locks curl on its ends. The little girl was pretty and almost doll-like with her flawless white skin and round expressive eyes. ”Will you miss me?”

Amber answered her question with a sob. The little girl wondered if she could ask her father to make Aunty Luna stay with her. Remembering her last fight with him, Amber doubted he would allow Aunty Luna to be with her.

”It's alright, Amber. Your Aunty Joanna can call me anytime. If you want to see me or if you miss me, give me a call, okay?”

At that moment, Joanna arrived and saw the two of them murmuring silently. Luna was telling Amber to listen well to Joanna, which surprised her when Amber easily agreed. There was no coaxing, no pleading to Amber when Luna was involved.

”Okay, I have to go now. Remember what I said. Be a good girl, and don't make problems for your daddy and Aunty Joanna, alright? My mommy is also waiting for me.”

Luna ran her fingers on Amber's soft locks before pinching both of her chubby cheeks. She then bid goodbye to Joanna and was about to leave when Joanna called her back.

Joanna took both of Luna's hands and held it tight.

”Miss Jiang. I can't thank you enough for helping me with Amber. Please, if ever you need help, don't hesitate to give me a call. I will do my best to ȧssist you.”