The Day My Daughter Celebrated Chapter 2

The article's popularity went completely to Stella's head.

No longer satisfied with online victories, she brought the war into my life.

She invited several of her "fans" over to the house.

These girls were around her age, looking at me with open hostility.

"So you're Stella's mom? You look so... traditional," one girl began.

Stella laughed smugly beside her.

"That's just how she is—spent her whole life revolving around the house. Lost herself completely."

Another girl chimed in, "You should learn from Stella, Mrs. Chen. Live for yourself. Women aren't breeding machines."

My hand trembled slightly as I poured tea.

"Stella says you always told her how hard it was to have her. That's wrong, Mrs. Chen."

"Life is the result of joy. It shouldn't be defined by suffering."

They took turns, like conducting a public trial.

And my daughter, the judge, was enjoying every moment.

I set down the tea tray and said calmly, "Girls, you're all right."

"But life is far more complex than the few lines you read online."

Stella's expression darkened.

"Mom, what are you implying? Are you lecturing my friends?"

"You think we're all wrong and only you're right?"

Her friends looked displeased.

I didn't want to embarrass her in front of so many people, so I chose silence.

But to them, my retreat was proof of my stubborn refusal to change.

After Stella saw her friends out, she returned with a cold face.

"Monica, I'm warning you—don't pull that elder superiority act in front of my friends."

"They're my supporters, my strength."

"You embarrassed me today."

I looked at her, suddenly feeling exhausted.

"Stella, Mom just hopes you—"

"You hope what?" She cut me off. "Hope I turn out like you, a submissive housewife?"

"Then find some man, have his kids, and use 'mother's suffering day' to guilt-trip my children forever?"

"Dream on."