"Of course, you can," I said.

Ruby couldn't believe it. "Really?"

"Really. I know you don't like my cooking. From now on, I'll just give you money, and you can buy whatever you want."

"Mom, you're the best!"

Ruby happily ran to her room and quickly ordered herself a large serving of fried chicken.

She devoured it, not even thinking to offer me a piece or ask if I wanted any.

In my past life, she was the same, taking everything I did for granted.

She even ended up questioning me, "Why do you control me? Isn't it because you're useless? If not, why don't you focus on yourself?"

She wasn't wrong.

Instead of putting all my hopes on my child, I should focus on improving myself.

With that in mind, I headed to work.

The company I worked for was a leader in the industry.

My designs were well-liked by my supervisor, but sales paid better. To earn more money, I asked to be transferred to sales.

My income did increase, but so did the daily pressure.

I wasn't cut out for sales, and Ruby was always interrupting me with her needs.

I started making mistakes because I couldn't focus on work, and it wasn't long before I got fired.

Afterward, I tried to find a job that allowed me to pick Ruby up from school, but it was nearly impossible. I ended up taking on odd jobs instead.

To make ends meet, I worked three jobs a day, completely worn out.

At some point, though, times changed.

Many of my former design colleagues seized the opportunities of the internet age, becoming famous. Some even launched their own brands.

While they were reaping the rewards of fame and fortune, I was driving a cab at midnight, just to save up for Ruby's ballet costumes.

Ruby gave up on me because I had given up on myself first.

In this life, I've learned that loving myself is more important than loving my daughter.

With that in mind, I arrived at the office.

My supervisor, Iris Cooper, saw me and asked coolly, "What are you doing here? Didn't we agree you'd start in the sales department next week?"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Cooper. I wasn't thinking clearly before. I've reconsidered, and I'd like to stay in my current position."

Iris was highly skilled and had always looked out for me.

She had warned me to stick to my work schedule and not be late or leave early to pick up Ruby. But I had let her down again and again.

Because of this, she didn't give me the chance to work on many projects.