Maxine was left speechless for a moment . She suddenly realized that Jessica might actually know everything . She knew her mom didn't die by drowning , as it seemed , but there was something else going on . But how could she tell such a young kid about the harsh and brutal truth ? Thinking of Ivanna's death , Maxine hugged Jessica tighter . " Jessica , you're still so young . There are many things I don't want you to know right now . But trust me , when you grow up , I'll tell you everything . As for now … " Maxine's lips trembled as she swallowed the rest of her words . ' As for now , you just need to grow up healthy and happy . Don't worry about anything else , ' she said inwardly . Jessica nodded , half - understanding . However , she opened her mouth again as if she had more to say . Maxine asked softly , " What is it ? " " Maxine , will you be my new mom in the future ? " Maxine's heart melted . She kissed Jessica's head and asked gently , " Do you want to call me Mom ? " Jessica looked a bit bashful . Maxine's smile was gentle and warm as she replied , " Jessica , legally speaking , I will indeed be your ' new mom ' in the future . But don't forget your birth mom . " You can call me Maxine if you like , or Mom , if that's what you prefer - it's up to you . I won't replace your mom ; it just means that you have one more person who loves and takes care of you from now on . " At her words , Jessica's small face showed a look of relief , which made Maxine feel immensely moved . Jessica was different from Brian , who grew up with plenty of resources and top - notch conditions under his parents ' care . He never had to read people's expressions when dealing with others . But Jessica … As Maxine put the little girl to sleep , she was lost in thought . In fact , she was always curious about who Jessica's birth father was . According to what she heard from the police station and the orphanage , Jessica was already an orphan with all direct relatives either dead or missing . Yet Maxine vaguely remembered that Ivanna once mentioned Jessica's biological dad before . Ivanna's reaction was strange back then ; she didn't seem eager to talk about him but didn't state directly that he wasn't around anymore . Soon enough , soft snores came from the little girl in her arms . Gently placing Jessica down in bed , Maxine left the ward . Ivanna's burial was set for tomorrow . Before cremating her body earlier on , Maxine collected items from their house and brought them back here , like various documents and Ivanna's phone . Chapter 19 After pacing the hallway for a while , Maxine pulled out Ivánna's phone and located a number from her contacts . As soon as the call connected , Maxine's expression relaxed slightly . " Cleo ? Have you been busy lately ? Are you free tomorrow to meet up ? " The next morning , Maxine took Jessica to the Mount East Cemetery for Ivanna's burial . It was not clear if it was because of what Maxine said last night or because Jessica was still clueless , but she witnessed her mother's burial in full . Although her eyes were red , she didn't cry . When Maxine came to pay respects and place flowers at Ivanna's grave , Jessica squatted down and wiped off the light dust on her mother's gravestone with great difficulty . When they returned from Mount East Cemetery to the hospital , the temporary caregiver Maxine arranged had already arrived . " Jessica , I have something I need to take care of today and might come back late . Ms. Kira Bishop will stay with you . If you need anything or miss me , just call me , " she said to Jessica .