Nevertheless, her mind wasnât at ease to think about her childrenâs matters right now! She shook her head dismissively at Ida. âNothing much. He might just be a little timid.â
Timid?
Adrian was never shy, even when he was just a baby. When did he become so bashful?
Ida looked at âAdrianâ with even more confusion. Something about the kid just didnât feel right.
Ellinor arched an eyebrow at her. âWhat brings you here all of a sudden? You didnât even give me a heads-upâ
Ida replied somewhat innocently. âDidnât I mention yesterday that I wanted to come over and see the kids? But I got held up at the last minute and couldnât make it. Boss, I did call you before I came over today, but you didnât pick up, so I just came over myself.â
Only then did Ellinor check her phone. Sure enough, Ida had called her twice, but she hadnât heard it.
Maybe she was just too distracted today.
âI took the kids to Joyful Kids Park, so I didnât hear the phone ring. Anyway, can you watch the kids for me? Iâm gonna go upstairs and change, then Iâll come down to join you guys.â
Ida nodded and watched as Ellinor headed upstairs.
At this moment, Veronica came over and whispered to Ida. âDonât you think thereâs something off about her today? She seems unusually down.â
Ida glanced at Veronica! âMaybe itâs all the stress from taking over your familyâs company. Sheâs probably just exhausted.â
Veronica shook her head. âNo, thatâs not it! Just a couple of days ago, she was all fired up about taking over the company. She was full of energy at work, too. I was at the office today, and she was just as lively as ever; she even held two big meetings. But in the afternoon, she left early because of some matters, and then she just changed.â
Ida furrowed her brows alertly. âLeft early because of something? Do you know what it was?â
Veronica shrugged. âI donât know. She hardly ever confides in me. Ever since my brother disappeared, sheâs been different. Sheâs not like the tough lady who used to dunk my head in the toilet bowl when she was pissed off. It seems like sheâs always unhappy.â
Belinda came over and gave Veronica a light slap on the head. âDuh! If your man suddenly disappeared without a trace, would you be happy? Ellinor really cares for my uncle. I feel sorry for her.
Sheâs like a snake shedding its skin, all for the sake of my uncle.â
Veronica clutched her head where Belinda had hit her. âI know, Iâm just worried about her. Honestly, my brother has been missing for years, and weâve all given up hope. I just wish she would let go a little too.
Otherwise, Iâm afraid sheâll fall into depression.â
Depression?
Yes, thatâs exactly what Ellinorâs state was like now. She was always in a daze, and her mood was constantly, fluctuating, often staring into space while lost in her thoughts. Except when she was busy at work. There, she seemed to be forcing a smile, which was really heartbreaking to see.
Ida noticed that Layla, the child in her arms, looked upset upon hearing their conversation. She furrowed her brows and quickly got the two girls to shut up.
âOkay, thatâs enough. Donât discuss these things in front of the kids. Itâll upset them if they hear it.â
Layla did look unhappy. She asked, âAunt Ida, were you guys just saying that Mommy is depressed? Is Mommy unhappy every day because Daddy is not coming back?â
Ida, Belinda, and Veronica all fell silent, unsure of how to explain this to the child.
âLayla, donât worry too much. Adults have their bad days too. Your mommy will be happy again after she rests.â
Layla pouted. âIâve noticed too that Mommy has been unhappy every day, especially recently. If Daddy is never coming back, could you guys introduce a nice man to Mommy to be our new dad? Maybe Mommy is just too lonely. She needs someone to accompany her, just like how Daddy used to be with her.â