Chapter 5
Noel stared at the picture but still didn’t believe it. “You’re lying,” he said. “Don’t think I’ll fall for this.”
The proof was right in front of him, yet he still refused to believe me.
I laughed so hard that tears came out of my eyes. “Noel, do you really think I’d lie about this? You’re not worth the effort!”
His face darkened. After a long silence, he ordered his men to let me go and stepped away to make a phone call.
In the silence that followed, I clearly heard the voice on the phone.
“Yes, Mr. Seyfertt. I’m sorry, your wife’s mother passed away a few days ago.”
Noel froze. He stood there for a while
before speaking in a quiet, almost regretful
tone.
“I… I didn’t know.”
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“I thought you were only mad because I took Rian on the trip. And about that phone call–it wasn’t me who answered. Rian said everything was fine.”
Noel grabbed my hand, his voice shaky. “I’m sorry, Nellie. I didn’t realize how much you’ve been dealing with alone. I… I’m so
sorry.”
I yanked my hand away and wiped my tears, keeping my face blank. Then I glared at him. “You owe Mom an apology. Not me.”
“I know.” He nodded quickly. “I’ll apologize to her, don’t worry.”
He looked uneasy. “I really messed up this time, but Rian didn’t know anything about it. She’s innocent, okay? Don’t blame her
for this.”
A life a whole life–can you just brush it off as a “mistake“?
“Noel,” I said flatly, “I get it. You and Rian grew up together. She’s important to you.”
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I didn’t want to fight with him over this, so I steadied my voice. “I don’t want to be in the way of whatever you two have. I’ve already hired a lawyer. Once the divorce. papers are ready, just sign them.”
“Divorce?” He stared at me, completely lost. “Why? Didn’t I explain everything? I’ll make it up to you–I’ll even make it up to your mom. Look, Rian and I are like siblings. I’ve just been looking out for her. Nellie, you’re taking this the wrong way!”
“The wrong way?” I let out a bitter laugh. “So, hanging up on Mom’s last call for help and leaving her to suffer for months–that’s – just a ‘misunderstanding“?”
“Nellie, don’t say that.” His face darkened, his voice a little defensive. “Rian has a good heart. She wouldn’t hurt your mom. I’ve told you this so many times, but you still won’t believe me! And anyway, the dead can’t come back to life. You’re going to let this ruin our marriage? Your mom wouldn’t want that.”
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The dead can’t come back to life. What a convenient excuse.
I was shaking with rage, and my voice cracked as I shouted, “If Mom could see this, the only thing she’d want is for me to stay as far away from you and that bitch as possible! Noel, how can you even say these things?! Are you not scared she’ll come back to haunt you in your dreams?”
“Cornelia! You’re being ridiculous!” he snapped, his face hardening. “I already apologized! What more do you want? Rian is like a sister to me. She works so hard. What’s wrong with me taking care of her? Do you have to twist everything like this?”
I felt a sharp pang of disgust at how shameless he could be. I wasn’t even angry anymore–it was just pathetic. I stood up and said coldly, “This is my place. Get out. Now. Or I’ll call the cops.”
“Don’t be like this.” He softened his tone
again, reaching for my hand. “Look, this place is such a mess. You probably haven’t
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Chapter 5
been sleeping well here. Come back with me, okay? I’ll take you on a trip to relax. How does that sound?”
“No, thanks.” I pulled my hand away, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “What, can’t stand the thought of your precious Rian staying unofficial? If you’re so worried about her, just sign the damn divorce papers so you can make her your ‘official‘
woman.”
I turned and headed for my room, ignoring him as he called after me. He followed, still trying to explain himself, but when he realized I wouldn’t listen, he let out a long sigh. “I know you’re just angry right now. This is my fault. I’ll wait for you to calm. down, but I’m not agreeing to a divorce.”
“Nellie, I’ll wait for you.”
I didn’t respond. I stayed in my room until I heard him leave.
When I finally stepped out, the living room was clean. Mom’s shattered photo had been
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Chapter 51
pieced back together and set on the table. She was smiling in the picture just like she always did.
The weight of it all crashed down on me, and I sank to my knees. Hugging her portrait, I whispered through my tears, “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m so sorry. I was blind! I was so blind, and now it’s too late!”
