Chapter 17: I Have a Mouth Too
Mrs. Jennings Won’t Give Up
Mrs. Jennings was determined to push Sonya out—
Out of the hospital.
Out of the community.
Out of the city.
But Sonya was done running.
She approached calmly.
Mrs. Jennings’ eyes narrowed.
“Sonya, get out! Don’t disturb my daughter-in-law’s pregnancy!”
Sonya ignored her and turned to the property manager.
“Is this a Jennings property?”
The exasperated manager shook his head.
“Cloud Haven is developed by Ocean City Realty. The Jennings family has no investment here.”
Sonya smiled.
“So, does she have any authority here?”
“We can’t evict someone without cause, even if they’re renting.”
With a small nod, Sonya used her fingerprint to unlock the villa door—
And shut it in Mrs. Jennings’ face.
Then, she called out—
“A suggestion, Mrs. Jennings—if you really want me gone, buy the entire villa complex. You’re wealthy, it shouldn’t be difficult.”
She turned away.
“Sonya! You’re living here because of my son! You’re shameless!”
“My son’s getting married, and you’re still clinging to him!”
Sonya didn’t even glance back.
She had more important things to do.
Starting Fresh
The next morning, Mr. Givens took her shopping for home improvement supplies.
She wasn’t an expert, but she wanted a comfortable, livable space.
At the home improvement store—
She chose eco-friendly paint, some tools, and a few small furniture pieces.
Mr. Givens hesitated.
“Ms. Ella, Mr. Sullivan has designer friends. Should we ask for help? English, French, Chinese-style?”
Sonya shook her head.
“Simple is best. No specific style.”
“Should I contact some workers?”
“No, I’ll do it myself.”
Mr. Givens frowned.
“Can you manage alone?”
Sonya smiled.
“I don’t know. But I want to try.”
After he left, she rolled up her sleeves.
She cleaned, moved things aside, and covered the furniture.
By nightfall, she was exhausted.
Tomorrow, she’d start painting.
She made instant ramen and ate in the yard.
As she sipped the warm broth, she thought—
Maybe I’ll add a flower bed.
A gazebo would be nice.
Funny.
She’d lived in Julian’s mansion for eight years—
But never once thought about making it feel like home.
Mrs. Jennings, Again
Her phone buzzed.
A message from Ashley.
“Mrs. Jennings is unbelievable. She won’t let you go.”
Attached was a video.
Sonya clicked play.
A press event.
Seraphina stood beside Mrs. Jennings, who faced a reporter.
“Mrs. Jennings, what do you think about Julian’s recent apology to Dr. Ella?”
Mrs. Jennings sneered.
“Men need to explore before settling down.”
“With his status, women throw themselves at him.”
“Dating is just fun. If the woman pays the price, that’s on her.”
“But she’s smart—she took everything she could.”
“Girlfriend? She was fooling herself.”
“If she really thinks she was his girlfriend, she should return what she took from my son.”
Sonya exhaled.
She had expected this.
They refused to let her go.
A car pulled up.
Julian stepped out.
Followed by Seraphina and Mrs. Jennings.
Sonya took a deep breath.
Then walked toward them.
Confrontation
Seraphina’s eyes widened.
“Sonya, you… you live across from us?”
Sonya ignored her.
Instead, she looked at Mrs. Jennings.
Then at Julian.
“Your mother says I took a lot from you.”
“Tell me—what did I take?”
Julian’s jaw tightened.
“Don’t start trouble.”
Sonya laughed coldly.
“Who’s starting trouble?”
“We broke up cleanly, but your mother won’t leave me alone!”
“Tell me what I took! Don’t act like I owe you something!”
Mrs. Jennings stepped in.
“If it weren’t for my son, you wouldn’t have lived in that villa for eight years!”
Sonya met her gaze.
“I lived there, yes.”
“But I paid for all the household expenses—including rent.”
Mrs. Jennings scoffed.
“You used my son’s connections to get into Cloud River Hospital!”
Sonya crossed her arms.
“I got in on my own merit.”
“Your son was feuding with his family—what help could he have given me?”
Mrs. Jennings’ face darkened.
“Hah, I’m sure my son gave you expensive jewelry, clothes, bags!”
Sonya turned to Julian.
She smirked.
“He did.”
Mrs. Jennings smirked back.
“See? I told you.”
But then—
Sonya walked to a trash can.
She pulled out a beer can.
Ripped off the tab.
Walked back to Julian—
And tossed it to him.
“Your son proposed to me with a beer tab.”
“I threw it away then.”
“Now, I’m returning it.”
Mrs. Jennings’ mouth opened—
Then closed.
Julian’s fists clenched.
Sonya turned to Mrs. Jennings.
“Stop saying I took advantage of your son.”
“I have a mouth too. We can have a public debate.”
Mrs. Jennings’ face burned with rage.
“Aren’t you living in my son’s house?”
Sonya tilted her head.
“I’m living in my fiancé’s house.”
“It has nothing to do with your son.”
The words hit hard.
Mrs. Jennings stiffened.
“What are you talking about? You’re getting married?”
Sonya smiled.
“Yes. Soon.”
Mrs. Jennings snorted.
“You’re delusional.”
“Let’s see who marries you. You’ll embarrass yourself.”
Sonya shrugged.
“Just wait and see.”
She turned to leave—
But Seraphina stepped forward.
“Sonya, we’re neighbors. How convenient.”
“On the way here, I told Julian you’re unemployed.”
“I need a housekeeper.”
“You’re an OB-GYN, and Julian says you cook well.”
“You’re perfect for the job.”
Sonya stopped.
Slowly, she turned—
And laughed.
