“Yep. With Mom’s natural beauty and these products, she’ll look even more beautiful,” Skylar said with a smile.
“You’re right, Skye. Mom’s worked so hard for us all these years. Now that we’re grown up and can care for ourselves, she should get to live the life she wants and be happy,” Harvey replied.
Harvey already had plans for the future—once he started working and earning money, he would buy various skincare products, clothes, and bags for Janine. Whatever other mothers had, Janine would have too.
Both Skylar and Harvey went downstairs to collect the rest of the things.
“You’ve really grown up!” Skylar said, patting Harvey on the shoulder with a sense of pride. “Look at you, my little brother— not only are you a top student, but you’re also strong enough to carry all these things upstairs without breaking a sweat. So impressive!”
“I’ll be heading to university soon, so of course, I’ve grown up. Skye, if you ever need anything, you can come to me. If anyone bullies you, I’ll take down two people at once,” Harvey boasted, flexing his muscles.
Even though his studies were demanding, he always made time for exercise. Both his brothers were in great shape, and Harvey couldn’t afford to let his family down.
Skylar chuckled. “Well then, keep working out. I believe in you!”
“I’ll go help Mom,” she added, heading toward the kitchen.
Seeing Janine bustling around in the kitchen, Skylar felt a pang of distress. “Mom, let me finish the remaining dishes. Go to the living room and try on the clothes and shoes I bought for you.”
“Why are you buying things for me again? At my age, I don’t care much about appearance. Whatever I wear looks the same. You should pamper yourself instead,” Janine chided, knowing how dutiful Skylar was, but also feeling guilty for the expense.
“It’s normal for a daughter to buy clothes for her mother. I’m sure you want to look good at your age, too. Go try them on quickly. I’ll handle the rest,” Skylar insisted, gently pushing Janine out of the kitchen.
Reluctantly, Janine agreed and went to the living room. When she saw the large pile of clothes, shoes, and skincare products, she was taken aback. “Did you buy all of this?”
“Skye is right, Mom. You should treat yourself better sometimes. When I start earning money, I’ll also buy things for you. Go try them on!” Harvey urged, hoping his mom wouldn’t feel too guilty.
Janine hesitated. She knew Skylar didn’t earn money easily, and these things must have cost quite a bit. However, seeing the hopeful expressions on her children’s faces, she couldn’t say no. She took the clothes to her bedroom.
Less than two minutes later, Janine emerged.
Harvey’s jaw dropped when he saw her. “Mom, people will think you’re my sister if they see us together!” he exclaimed.
“You cheeky boy, stop teasing me,” Janine laughed, shaking her head. She had checked herself out in the mirror before coming out, and she felt like she had just shaved ten years off her age.
“Skye, do you think I look good?” Janine asked, standing in the doorway of the kitchen.
Skylar turned and her eyes widened. “Mom, you look absolutely stunning and so elegant! We look like sisters!”
Skylar wasn’t exaggerating. Janine looked much younger. Despite having several children, she had managed to keep her figure in shape, eat healthily, and maintain a glowing complexion. She didn’t look like a woman approaching fifty at all.
Janine had married Finn when she was eighteen and became a young mother. Then, when Finn had had his accident, his body was never found, and Janine had managed the household alone all these years.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Harvey, thinking it was Steven and Charles, opened it. But when he saw who it was, his smile froze instantly.
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