The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 214

"Yes. My mom used to love me so, so much. More than anyone else, even more than my dad ever did." Tiana had never realized this before—she just assumed any love her mom gave was simply what a mother was supposed to do.

No matter how much her mom loved her, she'd still push her away. She preferred her aunt, her grandmother, Miss Felly, and her dad.

But then, after a mild illness landed her in the hospital for a week—the first time her mom wasn't there to care for her—Tiana finally understood. Without her mother, she felt as small and helpless as a blade of grass. That was when she realized just how precious her mother's love truly was.

As much as Tiana adored the others in her life, none of them could ever love her as unconditionally as her mother did.

"If you know that now, think about how badly you used to treat your mom!" Sue challenged her. "Remember when you were in the hospital for that week? Your aunt never came to visit, and your beloved Miss Felly only called you—she didn't take care of you. Your grandmother looked after you, but complained about being tired all the time. That broke your heart, didn't it? But when you hurt your mom's feelings, imagine how much worse she felt."

Tiana looked up at Sue. "Sue, I know I was wrong."

"I believe you, but your mom's heart is shattered from all the pain you caused her. She needs time to heal. It might take months, maybe even years, but it definitely won't happen right away. All you can do is wait—wait until she's healed. Maybe then, she'll be able to love you again." Even Sue wasn't sure whether Winona would ever come back.

Sue thought to herself, If this were my own daughter, I'd probably want to wring her neck and vow never to forgive her for the rest of my life!

"Will my mom ever love me again?" Tiana asked, her voice trembling.

"I don't know," Sue answered honestly.

Tiana's tears fell in silent, heavy drops.

Maybe Sue just wanted to comfort her, or maybe she truly hoped Tiana would feel remorse, or maybe she genuinely wished Winona would come back—after all, Tiana was still just a child.

So Sue said, "There's a saying—you may not understand it yet—but only the one who tied the knot can untie it. What I mean is, you're the only medicine that can heal your mom's wounds. Whether or not she forgives you, you must always be kind to her. Always. One day, she'll want you back. Do you understand, sweetheart?"

Sue glanced at the document he handed her. It was an employment contract. She immediately set it down and said, "Mr. Nicholson, we agreed this was just temporary. I'm only here to look after the little princess for a while, and then I'll leave."

"Just read it first," Julian said.

Reluctantly, Sue picked up the contract and flipped through it.

She saw that the contract stated she could leave at any time, and could go to Winona whenever she wished. As long as she stayed here, her monthly salary would be fifty thousand dollars, and her main duty would be caring for and educating Tiana.

Fifty thousand a month—what housekeeper could turn down a salary like that? Sue blurted out, "Sir, with that kind of pay, I can't possibly refuse. I'll stay."

She paused, biting her lip, her voice thick with emotion. "Sir, if you'd given your wife this kind of money every month before—maybe things wouldn't have turned out this way…"