The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

Chapter

17

[Do you have hobbies too?] Deborah asked as she returned the shopping bags on the couch before resuming her seat next to the blonde for dinner.

"Um... well, it's somewhat similar since I love collecting Lego figurines."

[The building blocks?]

"Yeah, I collect the character figurines, and Lego releases new collections every season," he said excitedly, taking out his phone to show her some photos.

[You must be quite passionate about this.] Deborah signed when she saw the endless stream of photos scrolling through Jayden's phone.

"Yeah, in fact, my mom used to scold me because I would spend all my allowances on that." Jayden laughed at the memory. "But thanks to these blocks, I got into construction and happily inherited the company to build real houses and not just blocks." [Of course, your family is in the building construction business.]

"Yeah, sort of. Sometimes we build buildings, and other times we buy old ones and renovate them."

[I see...]

"Speaking of building, as a kid, my parents once made me a special room for my toys where I once made a mega city," he said excitedly. "If you'd like, I can take you to see it next time." [I'd love that.]

Jayden smiled, happy they were having a pleasant time sharing their interests over dinner and desserts.

After dinner, they went out for a walk around to help Deborah get to know the neighborhood better; Jayden showed her the shops and public places nearby.

"And look, this place is like a small club-it has different facilities for practicing sports and other exercises

[Oh, is it like a gym?]NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

"Partly, as it also has equipped rooms for other activities."

[Like what?]

"The other day when Mom came here, she told me they had Italian classes, cooking classes, knitting, and music."

[I guess the events change depending on the interests of the community]

"Yeah, it's great to know people are taking an active part in feeling more at home.

here."

[I like how family-friendly this place is too. Deborah watched several children playing on the street.

"Miss, excuse me..." The two stopped walking as a little redhead approached them." Miss, why are you moving your hands like that?"

"She can't speak with her voice, so she does it through her hands."

"Oh... can I learn?" the excited child asked.

[Of course, do you want me to teach you?] Deborah was thrilled to hear those sweet words from the child.

"What did she say?" the child asked excitedly as he saw her move her hands and smile.

"She says she can teach you if you want," Jayden interpreted.

"Yes!" the child said, jumping with excitement.

"Michael, come here, and... oh, good evening," just then, a red-haired woman appeared as she approached the child.

"Good evening," Jayden returned her greeting.

[Good evening.] Deborah signed.

"Sorry for the interruption. My little one is very curious," the woman apologized.

"Don't worry, he didn't bother us. On the contrary, my friend is excited about the idea of teaching sign language to your little one," Jayden shared.

"That sounds great. By the way, I'm Charlotte and I'm the community

representative here." The mother introduced herself as she shook hands with both of them. "Actually, if you want, we can organize a group class so you can teach all the kids in the area."

[Oh, I'd like that.] Deborah was getting excited.

"She says she gladly accepts," Jayden said, amused.

"Excellent, and if I remember correctly, you're the new neighbors who moved in yesterday, right?" she asked, noticing that both young people silently nodded in response. "In that case, I'll come see you tomorrow after dropping Michael off at school to discuss the details for the classes."

Deborah nodded and smiled before saying goodnight to the mother and son.

"You look very happy," Jayden commented when they were alone again.

[I have never felt this happy to share my way of communication with someone else.]

"Well, welcome to reality, where not everyone is rude and ignorant," Jayden declared as they continued walking.

[You're right, thanks for this, Jayden.]

"You're welcome, Deborah," Jayden said, happy that this little chat had cheered. Deborah up.

After that, Jayden walked Deborah home, wished her goodnight, and left for his place.

smile was plastered across Deborah's face, remaining there as she washed the dishes. Once she was done, she sighed.

'It was definitely the best, and-'Just then, notifications from her phone interrupted her thoughts. She noticed that there were many, all from her family.

"If they're looking for me, it's because Roger didn't give them a loan or he had told them about the divorce.' Deborah was amused and decided to block those contacts. If she was to start over, she didn't want her family anywhere near her.

After blocking the messages, she locked the door to her bedroom and went to sleep, ignoring the huge family drama that was exploding from that one simple act of hers.

D

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