His Devious Rule

Without forgetting Anya is a single mother, Janet didn't work up from her assumptions. She asked in curiosity, "What was your age when you got pregnant?"

Anya wasn't expecting such type of questions. She awkwardly responded, "Twenty."

Janet was eighteen when she was pregnant with Alvin, "Who raised your child?"

Anya realized Janet was trying to find the similarities with them. Although she had a lot of words to say to Janet, she held back and answered, "I am responsible for my baby."

Janet was surprised. She didn't have the courage to take care of a tiny baby with her whole life in her hands. "Did you find it difficult to manage?"

Anya promptly nodded, "It was difficult. I had to graduate, find a job, take care of him and handle the baby." She answered the question. Because something extra, her words might offend Janet. And she wasn't aware of Alvin and Janet's relationship.

Janet who was unawarely trying to see herself in Anya felt restless. Thus she asked, "Don't you think you would have been in a better position without your son's responsibility on your shoulder?"

Anya's brows faintly raised. She couldn't understand what Janet was trying to prove with her questions. "Nope. I love my life more after he is born."

If Zane wasn't born, she would have probably been working in a company, with the pressure of dating and settling. She wouldn't have achieved what she had now. And she was proud that she hung in there, without giving up.

Janet frowned at the response. Just two days with a little baby, she couldn't handle the baby or be calm. She was freaked out. She even regretted thinking she should have aborted.

Whereas they were contrasting. Unwilling to look down at herself, Janet ended up saying, "Probably you would have achieved better heights without him." She left Alvin with Casper, hence she was able to become the movie queen, so she assumed Anya could have lived a better life that way.

Anya breathed slowly and forced a smile. She didn't agree with Janet but her response might have aroused an argument, which wasn't necessary.

Janet watched Anya's awkward smile and felt a bit relieved. Not because Anya didn't reach the height of success but thinking as she chose the right path.

She checked the time and faintly smiled, "Get fresh. Let's have dinner."

Anya stood up as she nodded at the woman. As soon as she turned away, her expression turned complex. She caught Sophia's complex expression due to their conversation.

The woman who was always reserved with Anya flashed an endearing smile.

Anya: "…"

Sophia was happy for Zane to have a mother who didn't only raise him well but loved him so much.

————

After twenty minutes, Anya hoped Janet wasn't going to have the same kind of talk in front of her son. She might not be able to just answer the question and definitely hurt the pride of the lady.

There was a mini feast on the table for three due to Janet. Anya asked before serving Zane, "Baby, what would you like to eat?"

Janet served herself as she looked at the little man. She was expecting him to point at the French fries or fried food as her other kids always ate such kinds of food.

Zane casually said as he had too much spicy hotpot, "Momma, something light. I am not really hungry."

Anya served a mashed potato pancake with a slice of roasted meat. Then she served the same for herself with some salad.

Janet ate her green salad, watching the mother and son. Zane was too obedient in her opinion.

Zane was uncomfortable due to Janet's eyes. He quickly ate and looked at Anya, "Momma, I will go back to my room."

Anya nodded, "Don't sleep right away. Read some time or watch a TV show for a short time."

"Momma, may I play video games in the game room? Mr. Matthews said I can visit whenever I want." Zane requested as he wasn't in a mood to read.

"Alright. Mommy will come to fetch you."

"Thank you, Momma." He happily went out of Janet's sight.

It was a normal conversation between mother and son but Janet felt like Anya was controlling Zane, comparing them to her and her children. "How do you control him so well?"

Anya: "…"

Anya almost felt like she might be controlling Zane. Then she forced a smile, "Mrs. Wilson, it's called parenting."

Janet's face changed at her response. Recalling her children always going against her words, Anya's words felt like taunts. Does that mean she wasn't being a good parent?

Anya placed her spoon down understanding she offended the woman. It wasn't her intention but it was too late. However, it was irritating how Janet was trying to find faults in her.

Sighing silently, she faced Janet, "Mrs. Wilson, don't try to find yourself in me. You don't know me. So please don't think that I achieved nothing because I chose to take care of my baby. You have made your choice and I have made mine. We are different people with different personalities and perspectives. Let's keep it that way."

She stood up and looked at Sophia, "Aunt Sophia, I will be going upstairs. Could you please contact Alvin and update it to Mrs. Wilson?"

"Sure, Ms. Owen," Sophia responded, holding her tense nerves.

Hearing Anya, Janet realized she kept comparing herself with Anya while her motive to visit was entirely different.

So looking at Anya trying to leave, she stopped Anya, "Ms. Owen, we haven't completed our conversation."

Sophia didn't have a good feeling about it. So she interjected, "Mrs. Wilson, Ms. Owen went out of the city and returned. She must be tired."

Janet glanced at Sophia but didn't react. Anya pointed towards the hallway to go to the living hall. Sophia followed them at a distance, hoping Alvin to return soon or Linus to arrive.

"If you need support to look after your son, I will give you enough for his complete education." Janet thought single mothers seeking financial support were common.

Anya forced a smile, "No, thank you. I earn enough." Does she look so poor? She started to find it infuriating to speak with Janet.

Janet nodded, "So you are dating my son, solely because he wished to be with you."

Anya wasn't a fool, not to understand the intention behind Janet's words. "Also because I like him."

'Thud.'

Anya almost jumped hearing the noise, thinking of Alvin. But it was a maid who was cleaning. The maid repeatedly apologized before running away.

Janet didn't feel like Anya was lying. So she stood up to leave. However, she added, "Human mind is fickle. Likes and dislikes change like seasons. Being ordinary won't last you longer with an ambitious man. Keep him interested in you by achieving something, show yourself as capable for such a man."

Her eyes went from top to toe of Anya. She shook her head in disapproval of Anya's taste in fashion, "Grow your hair. Be more presentable." She sighed as she walked towards the exit.

'Ordinary?'

Simple, country bumpkin, tasteless… Anya had heard a lot of such words. Ordinary was the first time she received it. Anya felt like laughing. Nevertheless, she disliked how Janet wanted her to grow her hair, do make-up, and wear fancy clothes.

"Mrs. Wilson." Her polite voice was replaced with a confident tone.

Sophia: "…"

Although she didn't like the way Janet was behaving, she was edgy seeing Anya's demeanor change.