How Can I Trust?

"Hey! You can't be rough with a little child!" Agatha gave a fierce look at Vania while reaching for Layla's hand and telling her to stand behind her. Protecting the girl from Vania's rage, who was now giving her an angrier look. "You don't interfere! She is my daughter! I have the right to do anything to her!" Vania forcefully tried to pull Layla's hand. But the girl clung tightly to Agatha, making Vania even more irritated. Agatha, aware of the woman's gaze, immediately gently pushed Vania's shoulder to keep her away. "Can't you see she's scared? A mother should be more understanding than others. Please don't force it if Layla doesn't want to be with you." Vania snapped angrily. Her hands clenched, but she restrained herself, choosing instead to push Agatha's shoulder a bit forcefully. "Hey, don't preach to me! Can't you stop pretending to be wise, huh?! I'm her birth mother, just so you know! Who do you think you are to dare to act rude to me?!" Agatha held her body to prevent herself from staggering, while Layla's hand she gripped tightly. Agatha could feel the girl trembling in fear behind her. Meanwhile, the woman claiming to be Layla's biological mother still refused to give up and wanted to take Layla away with her. Agatha took a deep breath. Several people passing by there looked at them with unpleasant looks. Agatha truly didn't want to cause any trouble. She was self-aware that Vania's appearance indicated greater power. If she retaliated with anger, she might end up in more trouble. "Do you know your place now? Why are you silent? Fight me like you did earlier!" Vania hissed as she saw Agatha blankly staring at her. "It seems you misunderstand, I haven't fought back since earlier, but I'm giving you better guidance. If your response is rude like this, how can I trust that you are indeed Layla's mother?" Agatha replied calmly. Indeed, she wasn't sure the woman was Layla's birth mother even though she looked quite similar. Especially seeing her aggressive behavior. "What?! Do you think I'm lying? You lowly person! You must have used magic on my child to make her afraid of me! Just admit it!" Vania erupted fiercely. Layla, startled by her loud voice, welled up with tears in her eyes. But neither Vania nor Agatha noticed. Agatha took a long breath. If this woman really was Layla's biological mother, it seemed Agatha understood why Jayden told Layla that her mother had passed away. Apparently, the woman wasn't fit to be a mother. Clearly, she was not a suitable parent for Layla. "Sorry, but I still believe in God. And it seems better if you calm down, right? It's too crowded here, and you've become the center of attention. Aren't you ashamed to get angry like this?" Vania growled in anger. She didn't like the fake calmness of the woman in front of her. "I'm angry like this because of you! Who are you anyway? Why don't you hand the child over to me so this problem can be quickly resolved?" "You don't need to know who I am, but I certainly wouldn't frighten Layla if she were with you. I'm sure this child also doesn't want to go from me. It would be best if you backed down so Layla can calm down," Agatha insisted. Vania hissed. Impatiently, she approached Layla again and tried to touch her hand. But Layla quickly avoided and hugged Agatha's body tightly, causing Agatha to startle. Vania clenched her jaw as Layla looked at her with anger. "Please don't force her. I don't know if you are truly her mother, but this child is scared. You should understand that," pressed Agatha, who immediately grabbed Vania's wrist. This made Vania instantly struggle harshly. "Let me go!" Vania exclaimed. But she was surprised that her strength was weaker, and she could only stare fiercely at Agatha. Agatha returned the fierce look. She gave a sideways smile upon seeing Vania stop struggling. "As women, you should know how to make a child feel safe. Your behavior makes me doubt that Layla is really your daughter." "You've influenced my child! Yes, that's right! You've meddled in the affairs between a mother and child! You are really impolite! If my child's father sees you, he will definitely scold you!" Vania accused. Agatha felt annoyed by Vania's continued struggling and accusations of using magic on Layla. She wanted to respond with harsh words, but she realized they were in a public place and didn't want to cause a bigger scene. "Sorry, but I won't let go of you until you can control yourself. You shouldn't force a child like this," Agatha said calmly but firmly. Vania tried to free herself from Agatha's grip but couldn't. Layla still clung tightly to Agatha's body, feeling safe behind her. "You won't win against me! You're just a clueless young woman!" Vania said disdainfully. Agatha felt offended by Vania's words, but she tried to remain calm. "I don't want to argue with you. I just want Layla to feel safe and comfortable. Can't you understand that?" "Women have no manners! Just wait and see! I will make you pay for what you've done to me!" Vania threatened. Agatha took a long breath. She was starting to feel disturbed because many people were passing by and watching them. "You should calm down if you don't want to be the center of attention for longer." Vania kept trying to break free, but she finally gave up and left the place because she felt many people were watching her. Vania walked away angrily with some mumbled curses. Layla still hugged Agatha tightly, but Agatha felt relieved as the incident had come to an end. "It's okay, Layla. You're safe now," Agatha said, hugging Layla gently. Layla was still crying, but she felt relieved as Agatha was by her side. She couldn't imagine what would have happened if Agatha hadn't been there. Agatha felt sad seeing Layla cry, but she also felt proud of herself for being able to restrain herself and not respond with harsh actions. She knew that violence would not solve any problem. Suddenly, Agatha felt a tap on her shoulder from behind. She turned around and saw a man smiling at her. "Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation earlier. I want to tell you that you've acted very well," the man said. Agatha was surprised and slightly embarrassed as she didn't realize that someone had been listening to their conversation. However, she also felt happy that someone appreciated her actions. "Thank you, but I'm just doing my best for this little child," Agatha said humbly.