Chapter 29

"Mommy, you won’t really leave us, will you?" David’s eyes were red as he clutched the hem of my dress with his small hand.

I knelt down and gently wiped his tears. "Silly boy, I’m just going to town to pick up a package. Why would I run away?"

Tommy toddled over, his voice sweet and hesitant. "But Aunt Robert said—"

"Do you really believe anything Aunt Robert says?" I cut him off firmly. "Think about it—have I been making all your favorite meals these past few days?"

Both boys nodded.

"Does that sound like someone who’s planning to leave?"

David suddenly threw himself into my arms, his little shoulders shaking. I rubbed his back, my heart aching, while silently cursing that gossip-mongering sister-in-law a thousand times over.

"Come on, let’s go to Grandma’s."

Along the way, we passed a few villagers who avoided my gaze. I deliberately raised my voice. "Some people just can’t stand to see others happy, always spreading lies. If I find out who’s been filling my children’s heads with nonsense—"

Before I could finish, the busybodies scurried away.

The old house was even more run-down than I remembered. Grace stood timidly by the door, her frail frame like a bean sprout.

"Auntie..." she whispered, though her eyes were fixed on the mooncake in my hand.

"Is Grandma home?"

"In the kitchen."

Mary emerged, her hands still dusted with flour. I handed her the mooncake. "Mom, this was sent from my family. Try it."

The old woman hesitated before accepting the heavy oil-paper package. "This is..."

"I should get going." I turned to leave with the boys, not wanting to linger.

Back home, I crouched to their level. "Tell me the truth—who said I was going to run away?"

David bit his lip. "Aunt Robert. She said... city wives always leave."

My teeth clenched in anger. That woman—I’d let her off too easily last time, and now she was pushing her luck!

"Remember, no matter what anyone says, you come to me first. Understand?"

They nodded solemnly.

By evening, raised voices carried from the old house.

"One mooncake, and she thinks she’s so generous!" Aunt Robert’s shrill tone carried far.

Mary’s voice boomed louder. "Then don’t eat it! She was kind enough to bring it, and all you do is gossip behind her back!"

I smirked and gathered the boys. "Come on, let’s make sweet and sour ribs."

Some mouths were best stuffed with good food. As for the idle chatter... well, time would tell.