#Chapter 37: A Mother’s Scrutiny

Olivia The disdainful gaze and harsh comments of Nathan’s father, Colin, had always made me want to avoid him at all costs. But Nathan’s mother, Maria, was a different story. She never seemed to particularly go out of her way to be cruel toward me like Colin did, but I also knew that she never really liked me. She exuded rigidity and coldness, and left a lasting impression on me when I was a kid that still weighed heavily on my mind. Her imminent visit sent a shiver down my spine, but it seemed as though I had no choice now but to get dressed and wait for her. Sighing, I crumpled up Nathan’s handwritten note and tossed it in the wastebasket. I wanted to look presentable for Maria, so I showered quickly, then put on a nice, modest dress and pulled my hair back neatly. Just as I was finishing getting ready, I felt myself jump as I suddenly heard the sound of Maria’s fist rapping on the front door impatiently. I practically ran down the steps and flung