Chapter 247: Pest attacks
Just as I expected, when I reached the door, I could hear their murmuring voices from inside.
I pushed the door open and found the two of them cuddled together on the Superman bed in the middle of the room.
Both of them looked up when they saw me.
"What are you two doing still awake at this time?"
"Mummy, I’m telling Aunt Anna a story."
"Really?" I mused as I walked over to the bed.
"Yeah. Wanna join?" Anna asked, looking up at me.
"Of course. Why not?"
I climbed onto the other side of the bed and lay down beside them as Aimy continued her storytelling.
It was a story about some farm animals Uncle Herbert often told her.
Her voice was soft and animated as she spoke, trying her best to imitate the different animals.
Her words weren’t always clear and her grammar wasn’t very strong yet, but neither Anna nor I minded.
We listened attentively anyway.
Soon, her voice began to fade.
Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier.
Then slowly, she started dozing off in the middle of her story.
A smile tugged at my lips as Anna and I exchanged knowing looks.
Whenever Aimy told stories, it always ended the same way.
She eventually fell asleep halfway through.
"She’s so adorable."
Anna’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.
She leaned down and kissed Aimy’s forehead before getting off the bed with a yawn.
"Don’t stay up too late. I can’t stand you being late again tomorrow."
My smile widened.
"Goodnight to you too, Anna."
She narrowed her eyes at me.
Then she left the room, quietly closing the door behind her.
My attention returned to Aimy.
The stuffed rabbit Anna bought earlier was trapped securely in her arms.
Her chest rose and fell softly.
Long lashes rested against her cheeks.
The moonlight spilling through the window illuminated her face.
And for a moment, I simply sat there watching her.
My heart felt full.
Two years ago, I was completely hopeless when I left everything behind.
I didn’t know what the future would look like.
I didn’t know whether I was making the right decision.
But I knew that I couldn’t risk my baby’s well-being.
I knew I needed to keep moving forward, for her sake at least.
Now, looking at Aimy sleeping peacefully, I finally felt certain.
No matter how difficult the journey had been...
She was worth it.
Every sacrifice.
Every tear.
Every lonely night.
Every difficult decision.
I gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"I love you, baby."
Aimy stirred slightly in her sleep.
Then she mumbled something that made me freeze.
"Love you too, Mummy..."
A small smile appeared on my face.
My eyes stung unexpectedly.
I leaned down and kissed her forehead.
Then quietly got up and turned off the lamp.
Leaving the room with the warmest feeling in my chest.
I returned to my room, freshened up, and worked for a while before finally going to bed.
The next morning, I woke up to a small figure crawling onto my bed.
"Mummy, I’m awake."
I sat up and immediately found myself looking at the little girl sitting beside me.
A smile spread across my face.
I stretched out my arms and pulled her into my embrace.
"Good morning, baby," I whispered near her ear.
Then I climbed out of bed with her still in my arms.
"Did you sleep well?"
She nodded immediately, her eyes fixed on me.
"Alright, let’s go get you ready for the day."
"Mummy, will you let me shower in your bathroom?"
I blinked.
"Why, baby? You have your own bathroom in your room."
She pouted slightly.
"I want to shower in yours today."
I couldn’t help smiling.
"Alright."
I kissed her cheek before setting her down on the couch.
"Let me go get your things first."
She nodded obediently and waited while I left the room.
A short while later, I returned carrying her toiletries and a change of clothes.
We showered together, and after helping her get dressed, I got myself ready while she waited patiently in the room.
Once we were done, I took her hand and led her downstairs.
When we arrived, everyone was already gathered in the dining room.
Anna was just coming out of the hallway, probably on her way upstairs to check on us.
The moment she saw Aimy, she returned to her seat and pulled out the chair beside her.
"Good morning, Uncle. Good morning, Aunt."
I greeted everyone as we entered.
They responded warmly.
"Did you sleep well, my child?" Aunt Veronica asked.
I nodded with a smile.
Then I looked down at Aimy.
"Won’t you greet your grandparents today, Aimy?"
She looked up while trying to push the curls away from her face.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, my love," Uncle Herbert replied warmly.
The others greeted her as well.
"Today I’m feeding you myself, Aimy," Anna announced proudly as she placed pancakes onto her plate.
I watched as Aimy obediently allowed herself to be fed while I began filling my own plate.
Halfway through breakfast, Aunt Veronica looked at Uncle Herbert.
"How was the meeting with the farmers last night?"
Immediately, everyone’s attention shifted toward him.
Uncle Herbert cleared his throat before speaking.
"As you all know, we’ve been dealing with pest attacks on the cotton farms for the past few months."
His expression grew serious.
"The farmers have suffered significant losses because of it."
"The company has been providing support wherever possible, but unfortunately, it still isn’t enough."
He paused briefly.
"They’re asking for additional assistance, but the company is facing losses as well. Our resources are becoming stretched."
Aunt Veronica sighed.
"What do you plan to do?"
For a moment, Uncle Herbert remained silent.
Then he answered honestly.
"I’m still evaluating our options."
"I’ve arranged a meeting with the executives and shareholders to discuss possible solutions."
Aunt Veronica nodded.
"I hope we find one soon."
"So do I."
Uncle Herbert pushed his chair back and stood.
"I should get going."
"Alright. Goodbye, honey," Aunt Margaret said to her husband with a smile.
After he left, the dining room fell quiet once again.
Everyone returned to their breakfast.
I glanced up and met Anna’s eyes.
We exchanged a brief look before returning our attention to our plates.
This situation might become critical for the entire town.
But at the same time, it was also the perfect opportunity to propose a partnership.
Now we had even more reasons to seek outside support.
After breakfast, the three of us said goodbye to Aunt Margaret and Aimy.
Then Anna, Aunt Veronica, and I left for the company in the same car.
