Ch. 1071..1080

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1071-Corinne would hate to be one of those women whose whole world revolved around a man. Previously, she left Jeremy once because of the misunderstanding Anya caused, so she did not want to make the same mistake again.

She would wait for Jeremy to return and explain everything to her, but until then, she had to brace herself for the worse. As a matter of fact, she was proud of herself for being so clear-headed. After all, how could she expect her husband to be loyal when her own father was a dirtbag who betrayed her mother?

Also, she read many reputable social research reports that said the probability of men cheating on their pregnant wives was very high. Previously, she thought Jeremy was better than most men, or at least he was not the fickle type.

However, the recent incident made her believe all men, with no exception, were the same; they all liked to sow their seeds around.

“Okay, I’ll ask him when he returns,” said Corinne.

Seeing how listless Corinne looked, Tommy became worried she suspected Jeremy of something he did not do. In the end, however, he just said, “Yes, Ma’am.” After driving for two hours, they finally arrived at the Riveras’ summer villa.

Corinne exited the car and narrowed her eyes on the building in front of her.

The summer villa was truly a sight to behold. Emblazoned across the marble fixed on a gate was the word ‘Rivera’. It was obvious the architect had taken a page out of classical Greek or Roman architecture, making it seem like they had been transported back in time.

‘I can’t believe that evil woman Phoebe still gets to stay in such a nice place after committing so many crimes!’ thought Corinne.

Tommy walked up to the gate and rang the doorbell.

A kindly old man appeared on the monitor. “Who’s this?” “I work for Mister Jeremy Holden, and his wife has come to visit Miss Phoebe.

We have obtained Mister Cedric’s permission to do so.” Having received instructions from Cedric about the visit, the kindly old man nodded and said, “Please wait a moment.” Not long after, a servant came out to welcome them. “Miss Corinne, this way please.” The fact that the servant called her ‘Miss Corinne’ instead of ‘Missus Holden’ made it obvious he was none too happy about receiving a guest from the Holden family.

The servant brought Corinne and Tommy to the drawing room. A minute later, they were served tea and snacks.

“Miss Corinne, please wait here for a moment. Ma’am will be down soon after changing her clothes.” Corinne nodded and reached out to take a piece of snack.

“Ma’am, Mister Jeremy has given me strict instructions not to let you eat anything while you’re here,” said Tommy in a bid to stop her.

Corinne frowned, but she shrugged and pulled back her hand.

A few minutes later, Phoebe appeared in the drawing room. Even though she was approaching 50 years old, she did not look a day over 30 years old. She was dressed lavishly, so much so that it would be hard-pressed for anyone to think she was in any way affected by her unfavorable situation.

Phoebe glared at Corinne with hatred. “Fancy seeing you here, Miss Corinne,” she said sarcastically.

Corinne smiled at her. “Hello, Miss Phoebe. I trust that you’ve been well since I last saw you.” “You must be disappointed to see me looking so well,” said Phoebe with a smirk.

“Did you think I’d become a shell of my former self just because Anya is arrested? Well, you couldn’t have been more wrong. This is nothing compared to all the storms I’ve weathered before. Just wait—I’ll make a comeback in no time

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1072-Corinne smiled at Phoebe coolly. “Miss Phoebe, why are you so worked up? I haven’t even said anything.” Phoebe became even more irked at Corinne’s nonchalant attitude. She hated how her words had no effect on her.

“You might be cocky now, Corinne, but mark my words—you’re not going to last long with the Holdens either!” she said through gritted teeth. “Do you really think they’ll like a country bumpkin like you? I’m willing to bet Jeremy will soon be sick of you. Then, he’ll ask you to get as far as possible from him.” Corinne remained unfazed. “Thank you for your wise words, Miss Phoebe. But can we get to what I came to talk about now? I’m sure you’ve been told of my

reason for coming here. Joey is of no use to you now, and you seem to have no interest in raising him. Why don’t you let me take him away? That way, everyone gets a happy ending.” Phoebe widened her eyes in anger. “Dream on if you think I’m going to let you do that! He’s my grandson, and Anya got him fair and square! What right do you have to take him away?” “You’re right. I don’t have a right, but my husband does. He’s also Joey’s legal guardian. Miss Phoebe, why do you insist on keeping Joey by your side when he is of no more use to you? Not to mention, you don’t love him at all.” Phoebe scoffed. “It’s true that the child is of no more use to us, but don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing! You just wanted to prove how kind you are to the Holdens by bringing the child back. Well, that’s not going to happen, and there’s nothing you evil b*tch can do about it.” “Miss Phoebe! Please watch your words when speaking to Miss Corinne,” warned Tommy.

Phoebe crossed her arms haughtily. Since she and Corinne disliked each other, she felt there was no need to put up an act in front of the Holdens anymore.

“Why should I? She’s nothing but a country bumpkin who just happened to get lucky. So no, I won’t watch my words when speaking to her!” “Why you…” Tommy frowned. He could not stand Phoebe’s overbearing attitude. He was about to say something more when Corinne raised her hand to stop him.

Corinne paid no mind to Phoebe’s words. Her priority then was to get Joey out of there.

“What can I do to make you agree to let me take Joey away?” Phoebe lifted her chin arrogantly. “There’s nothing you can do that’ll make me agree to let you take my grandson away! You better not try me, Corinne. I’m going to hit my head against the wall if you dare to take him away!” Corinne had no intention to force Phoebe to give up Joey. In fact, she was hoping to talk some sense into her.

Phoebe might look like she was doing well on the outside, but inside, she was falling apart. She knew she had no bargaining chips left, hence why she clung to Joey.

‘She might kill herself if I forcibly take Joey away from here,’ thought Corinne.

‘And her dying would make this even trickier.’ Corinne did not truly care whether Phoebe lived or died. It was just that she did not want her dead just yet because she still had not found the evidence she needed to prove her mother’s innocence.

‘She’s the culprit behind my mother’s disappearance. If she dies, there’ll be no one left on earth who knows the whole story of what happened back then,’ thought Corinne.

Thus, she decided to back down for the moment.

“Fine. I promise I won’t take Joey away now. But since I’m here, at least let me see him for a while.” Phoebe rolled her eyes. “He’s taking a nap right now, so you can’t see him.” Corinne raised her eyebrow. “Miss Phoebe, need I remind you that it was Mister Cedric himself who permitted me to come here? I highly suggest you give a little if you still have hopes of ever going back to live at the city mansion. Seriously, you won’t do yourself any favor by making an enemy out of me.” Phoebe was a little taken aback by her words. After thinking it over, she realized Corinne had a point.

‘She’s right. This little b*tch wouldn’t have been able to step foot in this place if Dad hadn’t permitted her. She’s his savior, so he’ll just think more badly about me if words get back to him about how I won’t even let her see Joey.’

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1073-Corinne smiled at Phoebe coolly. “Miss Phoebe, why are you so worked up? I haven’t even said anything.” Phoebe became even more irked at Corinne’s nonchalant attitude. She hated how her words had no effect on her.

“You might be cocky now, Corinne, but mark my words—you’re not going to last long with the Holdens either!” she said through gritted teeth. “Do you really think they’ll like a country bumpkin like you? I’m willing to bet Jeremy will soon be sick of you. Then, he’ll ask you to get as far as possible from him.” Corinne remained unfazed. “Thank you for your wise words, Miss Phoebe. But can we get to what I came to talk about now? I’m sure you’ve been told of my

reason for coming here. Joey is of no use to you now, and you seem to have no interest in raising him. Why don’t you let me take him away? That way, everyone gets a happy ending.” Phoebe widened her eyes in anger. “Dream on if you think I’m going to let you do that! He’s my grandson, and Anya got him fair and square! What right do you have to take him away?” “You’re right. I don’t have a right, but my husband does. He’s also Joey’s legal guardian. Miss Phoebe, why do you insist on keeping Joey by your side when he is of no more use to you? Not to mention, you don’t love him at all.” Phoebe scoffed. “It’s true that the child is of no more use to us, but don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing! You just wanted to prove how kind you are to the Holdens by bringing the child back. Well, that’s not going to happen, and there’s nothing you evil b*tch can do about it.” “Miss Phoebe! Please watch your words when speaking to Miss Corinne,” warned Tommy.

Phoebe crossed her arms haughtily. Since she and Corinne disliked each other, she felt there was no need to put up an act in front of the Holdens anymore.

“Why should I? She’s nothing but a country bumpkin who just happened to get lucky. So no, I won’t watch my words when speaking to her!” “Why you…” Tommy frowned. He could not stand Phoebe’s overbearing attitude. He was about to say something more when Corinne raised her hand to stop him.

Corinne paid no mind to Phoebe’s words. Her priority then was to get Joey out of there.

“What can I do to make you agree to let me take Joey away?” Phoebe lifted her chin arrogantly. “There’s nothing you can do that’ll make me agree to let you take my grandson away! You better not try me, Corinne. I’m going to hit my head against the wall if you dare to take him away!” Corinne had no intention to force Phoebe to give up Joey. In fact, she was hoping to talk some sense into her.

Phoebe might look like she was doing well on the outside, but inside, she was falling apart. She knew she had no bargaining chips left, hence why she clung to Joey.

‘She might kill herself if I forcibly take Joey away from here,’ thought Corinne.

‘And her dying would make this even trickier.’ Corinne did not truly care whether Phoebe lived or died. It was just that she did not want her dead just yet because she still had not found the evidence she needed to prove her mother’s innocence.

‘She’s the culprit behind my mother’s disappearance. If she dies, there’ll be no one left on earth who knows the whole story of what happened back then,’ thought Corinne.

Thus, she decided to back down for the moment.

“Fine. I promise I won’t take Joey away now. But since I’m here, at least let me see him for a while.” Phoebe rolled her eyes. “He’s taking a nap right now, so you can’t see him.” Corinne raised her eyebrow. “Miss Phoebe, need I remind you that it was Mister Cedric himself who permitted me to come here? I highly suggest you give a little if you still have hopes of ever going back to live at the city mansion. Seriously, you won’t do yourself any favor by making an enemy out of me.” Phoebe was a little taken aback by her words. After thinking it over, she realized Corinne had a point.

‘She’s right. This little b*tch wouldn’t have been able to step foot in this place if Dad hadn’t permitted her. She’s his savior, so he’ll just think more badly a

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1074-In the end, Phoebe said sulkily, “Wait here. I’ll go check if he’s woken up from his nap.” Corinne smiled, satisfied. “Okay. Thank you, Miss Phoebe.” After a while, Phoebe came back with Joey.

Joey looked fearfully around the room. His eyes immediately lit up when he saw Corinne, but they quickly dimmed again.

Even though growing up in the orphanage turned Joey into a sensitive and insecure child, Corinne still remembered the look of awe in his eyes when she first met him.

That was why it was especially jarring for her to realize Joey had become so fearful through his stay with Anya and Phoebe that he did not even dare to look others in the eye anymore. His whole body language screamed how he wished he was dead.

Corinne could not help but see herself in him.

She waved him over. “Come here, Joey.” Joey instinctively took a few steps back before turning up his head to look at Phoebe.

Phoebe thought there was no point in stopping Corinne from talking to Joey since she already brought him there, so she said sarcastically to Joey, “What are you standing there for? Go to her now!” Joey, being young, could not tell when a grown-up was sarcastic. He thought Phoebe meant what she said, so he cautiously made his way to Corinne.

Corinne stroked his bony cheeks. “Look at how scrawny you’ve become. Are you not eating well?” Joey’s first instinct was not to answer Corinne’s question but to look at Phoebe to see whether he was allowed to say anything.

Phoebe gave him a look, and Joey immediately knew that was his cue to keep his mouth shut. Scared, he shrank back a little and said nothing.

Corinne frowned when she saw the many bruises and wounds on Joey’s skin.

“How did you get all those bruises and cuts?” she asked him.

Joey looked down and shook his head.

Corinne knew he was too scared to speak, so she said gently, “There’s nothing to be scared of, little guy. You can tell me anything. No one can hurt you as long as I’m here.” Joey looked up at her anxiously. He opened his mouth to say something, but he immediately closed it and hung his head low when he heard Phoebe clearing her throat.

Seeing this caused Corinne to frown.

“Miss Corinne, there’s no point in asking a kid who can barely reply to all those questions. Plus, he’s at the age where all he does is run around knocking into things, so it’s not surprising he’d get all those bruises and cuts. I guess boys will always be boys,” said Phoebe.

Corinne secretly balled her hands into fists. She wanted so badly to curse Anya and Phoebe for hurting Joey and taking out their anger on him.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1076-Corinne gazed at Jason for a while before giving him a superficial smile. “I couldn’t agree more. It’s so much of a coincidence that I can’t help but think this was planned.” Jason put his cheek on his hand and looked at Corinne flirtatiously. “You’re overthinking this. I really didn’t know you were going to be here.” “Is that so?” uttered Corinne curtly. She was not interested in what he was doing there, so she did not continue the conversation any further. Instead, she picked up her cup to drink the free coffee provided by the homestay.

However, Jason snatched the cup before it even got close to her lips.

Stunned, Corinne looked up at Jason unhappily. “What did you do that for?”

Jason took a sip from the cup of coffee he took from Corinne. “You’re pregnant.

You shouldn’t drink any coffee.” Corinne frowned. “It’s perfectly fine to have just a little!” Jason shook his head. “Nope, you can’t even have a little. Drink some water if you’re thirsty. Best to avoid tea and coffee if you can help it.” Corinne was speechless. ‘This jerk is as meddlesome as ever!’ However, her annoyance quickly morphed into sadness. ‘Jeremy should be the one reminding me not to drink anything with caffeine, yet he’s not here…’ At that moment, the waiter placed two local dishes on the table.

Corinne snapped out of her trance and picked up her utensils.

“May I join you?” asked Jason politely.

Corinne rolled her eyes at him. “If I say no, will you go away?” Jason smiled and shook his head. “Nope.” Corinne scoffed. “Then you might as well don’t ask.” To this, Jason simply picked up his fork to take a bite out of each dish.

Tommy came out from the kitchen after all the food had been served.

“Mister Jason, what are you doing here?” he asked with surprise when he saw him sitting across from Corinne.

“I’m here on holiday,” replied Jason with a smile.

“You came here to have a holiday?” repeated Tommy with disbelief.

Jason nodded. “I got bored of all the usual places, so I thought I’d come to experience what the locals have to offer. This holiday is a reward I gave myself for working really hard to the point of getting a burnout for the past few months.

Corinne and I were just talking about what a coincidence for us to meet each other here.” Tommy nodded suspiciously. “I see. It does sound much like a coincidence.” “By the way, I heard Jeremy is out of the country?” he asked nonchalantly while picking up the food from the plates.

“Yes. He’s currently taking care of business abroad,” replied Tommy.

Jason smiled. “I see. I was wondering why Corinne is here alone.” Tommy was speechless. ‘Why does it sound like he’s blaming Mister Jeremy for not being here with Ma’am?’

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1077-Corinne paid no mind to what Jason said. She continued eating as though nothing happened.

Jason was not really eating by then. He rested his cheek on his hand and gazed at her seductively until she finished eating.

“I see you’re not a picky eater at all, Corinne. The food here isn’t really that great, don’t you think?” “You can’t expect a homestay restaurant to taste like a three-star Michelin restaurant, can you?” replied Corinne indifferently.

“I’m just giving my objective opinion. The food is really not that great. How about I bring you to an authentic farm-to-table restaurant tomorrow? You’ll know what I

say is true then.” “Thanks, but no thanks,” said Corinne disinterestedly. “We won’t be interrupting your holiday now, Mister Jason. Tommy, go pay the bill.” Tommy nodded and went to the counter to pay the bill. However, not only did the waiter refuse to take his money, but he handed over some change to him.

“Mister Jason has paid for the food. This is the change.” Tommy frowned. He first looked at Jason before turning to Corinne with a questioning look. ‘What should I do now?’ Corinne heard what the waiter said. She gave Jason a side-eye before getting up and saying, “Thanks for the meal. I’ll let Jeremy know so he can buy you a meal when he’s back.” After that, she and Tommy left the homestay. She knew it would be a waste of time to offer to give the money back to Jason since he would never accept it, so she might as well let Jeremy handle it when he came back.

Once they were outside of the homestay, Corinne immediately smelled clean mountain air. She looked toward the horizon, which quickly brought to mind her childhood.

She had come here before with Mother Cathrina to collect mountain herbs.

Together, they walked past this very homestay many times before.

The difference was that the muddy mountain roads that were difficult to walk on had been turned into glossy black asphalt roads. Not to mention, the conditions in the village were much better than before.

It had been so many years since Corinne last returned. The village where she lived when she was a child was on the other side of the mountain. In the past, going back and forth required walking across the mountains, but with a road built, it needed only 15 minutes to make the same journey by car.

Being in that place suddenly made Corinne miss Mother Cathrina. She looked at the time and thought it was still early.

“Tommy, I want to go somewhere. Can you please drive me there?” Both of them got into the car. Before Tommy even started the engine, however, someone opened the back seat door and sat next to Corinne. From the rearview mirror, Tommy realized it was Jason.

As much as Tommy found it rude for Jason to do that, he knew he could not order him to get out because Jason was a good friend of Jeremy. Thus, he could only hope Corinne would say something to Jason about the intrusion.

Corinne looked sideways at Jason. “Can I help you?” Jason smiled at her. “Yeah. It’s so rare to bump into a familiar face here. I was hoping you won’t mind me joining you for a drive.” “As a matter of fact, I do mind,” said Corinne with a frown.

Any other person would have gotten out of the car in embarrassment, but Jason simply smiled even wider at her. “Oh, come on. Don’t be like this, Corinne. Why not see it as a thank you for me treating you to a meal? Also, I’m starting to get bored being by myself…” “Then why did you come alone?” Corinne asked with a frown.

Jason spread his hands helplessly. “It’s not like I wanted to come alone. Pity the single guy.” Corinne frowned. “Oh, please. As if no girls are lining up to be your girlfriend.

You only need to crook your finger, and they’ll be throwing themselves at you.

Not to mention, you could’ve brought the girl your parents have set you up with for some bonding time.”

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1078-Jason chuckled lightly. “I’m flattered you think so highly of me, Corinne, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m now here alone. So what do you say? Could I please join you for a drive?” Corinne was speechless. It was obvious Jason was not going to take no for an answer.

Tommy looked at Corinne through the rearview mirror. “Ma’am, should I…” Corinne did not want to waste her breath arguing with Jason anymore as the sun was about to set. Thus, she waved and said, “Forget it. Just drive.” Tommy frowned and nodded. ‘I need to report this to Mister Jeremy as soon as possible.’

The car drove along the winding mountain road. Corinne looked out at the breathtaking scenery outside the window, thinking how nice it would be to let the mountain air wash over her skin. Thus, she started rolling down her window.

Before she could even get far, however, Jason reached out and rolled it back up.

Corinne glared at him. “What do you think you’re doing?” “You’ll get a headache from the cold wind. Seriously, don’t forget you’re pregnant now. You take care of yourself better,” said Jason with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Mister Jason, has anyone ever told you how meddlesome you are?” Corinne asked with a frown.

Jason shook his head. “Nope. Because I don’t usually treat everybody like how I treat you,” he said with a smile.

At that moment, Corinne noticed how close Jason was sitting next to her.

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind. Now can you please move back to where you were sitting before? It’s inappropriate of you to sit so close to a married woman.” Jason shrugged nonchalantly before moving back to his seat.

Corinne turned back to look out of the window, but it was not even five seconds later when Jason’s voice was heard again.

“Corinne, I’m actually surprised Jeremy would allow you to come to a place like this alone when you’re pregnant.” Corinne was a little taken aback by Jason’s insinuation, but she did not say anything.

Tommy, however, could not stand Jason anymore. Fearing Corinne would start thinking too much, he said, “I’m sorry, Mister Jason, but Miss Corinne is not here alone. Mister Jeremy instructed me to look after her for these few days. I’m to protect her safety at all costs.” Jason chuckled softly. “You’re right! I’ve nearly forgotten you’re here too, Tommy. But I still think it should be the husband who accompanies his wife wherever she goes. I mean, it’s just a fact that an employee can never replace the existence of a husband, right?” Tommy frowned. “Well, Mister Jeremy is attending to some very important matters as we speak. But I’m sure he’ll make it up to Miss Corinne once he’s back. There’s really nothing for you to worry about, Mister Jason.” Jason pursed his lips. “Of course, of course. Jeremy likes Corinne so much, so it’s not surprising he’ll treat her well. Forgive me for not keeping my big mouth shut.” Corinne never said a word from the beginning to the end.

… It took them 15 minutes to arrive at Athene Convent, where Corinne grew up.

She looked at the entrance plaque absent-mindedly before turning to Jason, saying, “Mister Jason, I’m going to drop by the convent for a while. I assume you won’t have any interest in following me inside, so you can either wait in the car or walk around.” Jason gazed at her intently while smiling nonchalantly. “Well, your assumption is wrong. I might as well go inside with you since I’m here

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1078-Corinne could not fathom how Jason could still smile so frivolously in such a solemn place.

“You can come in with me, but please behave. This isn’t a place playing jokes or games,” said Corinne sternly.

Jason immediately stopped smiling and nodded seriously. “Okay. You have my word.” After that, the two of them got out of the car.

Worried about leaving Corinne alone with Jason, Tommy quickly parked the car a little distance away before getting out to follow them into the convent too.

Corinne could smell the scent of sandalwood the moment she stepped into the convent. Though it was not a popular place for worshipers to come, there were still a few of them offering prayers up at the altar.

Corinne slowly walked inside and looked around. She noted that the place looked just as it was before. In other words, nothing had changed in all the years she had been gone. She stepped over the threshold to enter the main hall, and she then saw a middle-aged nun tending to a worshiper.

After confirming her diagnosis, the nun rapidly wrote down a herbal remedy and passed it to the worshiper. “Make a tincture out of the herbs listed here and take it three times a day. Try to avoid spicy or unhealthy food for the time being.” The worshiper quickly thanked the nun before leaving.

Corinne waited until the worshiper had left before walking over and sitting in front of the nun.

The nun was busy tidying up the bits and bobs on her desk that she did not look up when she asked, “How can I help you today, child?” Corinne took a deep breath before saying softly, “It’s me, Mother Cathrina.” Mother Cathrina’s hands stopped. She then looked up at Corinne in a daze.

Apart from a few extra wrinkles around her eyes, she still looked the same as ever.

Very quickly, she regained her composure. “Welcome back, child,” she said with a nod.

Corinne’s eyes immediately turned red. “Mother Cathrina, how have you been?

I’m so sorry for not coming sooner. So many things happened over the years that I couldn’t find the time to drop by.” Mother Cathrina shook her head softly. “No need to feel terrible, Corinne. It’s only natural for you to leave this place since you’re not ordained as a nun. It has always been my hope for you to live happily outside instead of worrying about us here.” Since Corinne lost her mother at a young age, she was especially appreciative of the mother figure role Mother Cathrina played during her years of growing up despite Mother Cathrina being a nun. While she did care for Corinne deeply, she still made sure to keep a firm boundary between the two of them to prevent Corinne from getting overly attached to her.

Corinne took a deep breath to compose herself; she did not want to end up sobbing in front of Mother Cathrina within minutes of being back. “Thank you.

For your understanding.” At that moment, two nuns walked in with a broom and spotted Corinne. One of them had stayed in Athene Convent for as long as Corinne could remember, so she immediately recognized her.

“Corinne? Is that you? Have you come back?” Corinne turned to look at her and she, too, recognized the old nun. “It’s been a while, Mother Kalista. I hope you’ve been well.” Mother Kalista reacted more emotionally than Mother Cathrina. She quickly strode over and took Corinne’s hands in hers. She then looked her up and down and said happily, “It’s really you, Corinne! My, how much you’ve grown! You’re even more beautiful than ever. I’m so glad to see you doing well.” Corinne smiled superficially before pulling her hand. She did not like Mother Kalista at all, but she had to show respect for her since her rank in the convent put her at the very top.

She remembered how Mother Kalista was not that willing to take her in when she was sent to the convent.

After all, the convent was not really flushed with donations, and it was not an orphanage either. Taking Corinne in would mean they would have to come up with the resources to feed one more mouth. In short, she would be nothing but a burden.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1080-It was only through Mother Cathrina’s insistence that Corinne was allowed to stay in the convent. After that, during all the years Corinne was living in the convent, Mother Kalista would always gripe about her existence to Mother Cathrina and, from time to time, would suggest sending her to the orphanage instead.

However, Mother Cathrina never wavered in her decision. She kept Corinne close by her side, causing the other nuns to resent her and take Mother Kalista’s side. Seeing Mother Cathrina getting ostracized because of her, Corinne did what she could to make her life easier. She took up most of the chores in the convent and ate as little as possible to burden anyone.

As time passed, the other nuns slowly accepted her. No longer did they threaten to send her to the orphanage. That was until, not caring about the other nuns’ objections, Mother Cathrina borrowed money from the convent’s fund to pay for Corinne’s education. Not surprisingly, the bullying started again after that.

Corinne witnessed it all, so she vowed to herself she would not spend a single penny from the convent after getting into high school. She pushed herself to win scholarships after scholarships, as well as to start a business while she was still in school. When her business started making money, she returned all the money Mother Cathrina borrowed from the convent to silence the other nuns.

From then on, Mother Kalista and the other nuns had a 180-degree change in attitude toward her. They became friendlier to her, but it only made Corinne dislike them even more for their hypocrisy.

‘They might be dressed in a nun’s clothing, but they surely don’t behave like one. In fact, the only person who really behaves like one in the whole convent is Mother Cathrina. She only cares about doing good instead of other worldly matters,’ thought Corinne.

Mother Kalista realized she must have been too sudden with Corinne when she saw her quickly withdrawing her hands. Thus, she smiled awkwardly and said, “Sorry if I frightened you, Corinne. I was just so happy to see you that I forgot you never liked other people touching you since you were young.” Corinne smiled. “It’s okay, Mother Kalista. How have you all been well these years?” Mother Kalista smiled at her. “Oh, we’ve been very well! We’ve used some of the money you sent us to repair several of the halls and statues in the convent while Sister Cathrina donated the rest of it to the needy villagers around the area.” Corinne could tell Mother Kalista was making an indirect complaint about Mother Cathrina to her. Though, it was nothing new to her since the nuns there —with Mother Cathrina being the exception—saw money as more important than many things.

Even after Corinne finished paying back the money Mother Cathrina borrowed to pay for her education, she did not stop giving to the convent. Nonetheless, she made sure only Mother Cathrina had the sole discretion as to how the extra money should be used as Corinne did not trust the other nuns. She believed there were not many honest people in the world, and this belief extended to the convent too.

Corinne frowned and turned to ask Mother Cathrina, “Why did you donate all the money to the villagers? I sent you money because I want you all to eat better.” Mother Cathrina stood up and said serenely, “We cannot be choosy about what we eat or use. Keeping the money will only bring trouble for the convent.” Corinne sighed helplessly.

“You’ve not only grown taller, Corinne, but thinner too!” said Mother Kalista.

“How are you doing in the big city? You must be rolling in cash, right?” Corinne gave her a faint smile. “Is that so? I must be losing weight due to the stress I’ve been feeling.” She deliberately ignored Mother Kalista’s question about money as she knew that was her way of hinting to her to donate more money to the convent. In fact, she had donated quite a large amount of money to the convent over the years, yet that did not seem to satisfy the nuns there at all.

‘I don’t get why they’re so obsessed about money. It’s not like they can go on a shopping spree…’ thought Corinne with a sigh.

At that moment, Mother Cathrina must have felt annoyed by Mother Kalista’s presence too because she said, “Sister Kalista, why don’t you go prepare some of Corinne’s favorite dishes for her? It’s not every day that she visits. As for the cleaning of the hall, I’ll help you do it later.” “Sure thing. I’ll go whip up something for her now,” said Mother Kalista with a bright smile. After that, she turned to Corinne and said, “I know you’re used to all the fancy food outside, but I hope you won’t be too put off by my cooking.”