âBertha, Lea, let me take a look at you two! Are you alright?â
Thaddeus was notified by one of his subordinates, and he rushed over immediately. His heart was pounding like a drum the entire way. He was absolutely terrified that something had happened to his wife and daughter.
Thaddeus quickly pulled Bertha and Lea towards him, checking them from head to toe, paying attention to every detail.
His concern softened Bertha, and she didnât push him away. âWeâre fine. Itâs just Marlinie who got hurt.â
Marlinie was lying weakly on the hospital bed, but she still managed to put on a small smile. âSee, I told you! Itâs a good thing you two didnât get hurt, or Thaddeus wouldnât have let me live in peace ever again.â
Bertha blushed slightly, feeling somewhat awkward.
After ensuring that his wife and daughter were unharmed, Thaddeus turned his gaze towards Marlinie.
His expression was one of deep dissatisfaction. âYou again! If you want to live on the wild side, fine, but why drag my wife and daughter along with you?â
Marlinie didnât seem offended. âIâm sorry; I didnât expect that family to be so unreasonable. I wonât let Bertha and Lea accompany me again.â She sincerely said.
Thaddeus grunted in response. âYou better not.â
Bertha wasnât pleased with her husbandâs attitude towards her best friend. She gave him a shove, saying, âEnough! Marlinie is injured and weak. You shouldnât speak to her so harshly!â
Thaddeus turned to his wife. âI told you before to stay away from her! If she were a decent woman, would she run away from her own husband? Sheâs led you astray! Now youâre always running away from home!â
That was too harsh. He showed no concern for Marlinieâs feelings.
However, he indeed had no reason to be concerned for his wifeâs best friend.
Bertha knew the struggles Marlinie had gone through over the years. She empathized with her and could not stand to hear her husband talk about her in such a way.
âThatâs enough! We donât need you here. Lea and I are fine. You can leave now!â
Thaddeus frowned. âYou better not try to run away from home again. Come on, letâs go home!â
With that, he grabbed Berthaâs wrist, intending to leave the hospital.
Bertha yanked her hand away from him. âMarlinie is still here and needs care. Donât be so heartless!â
âIâm heartless?! If I hadnât had someone following you, you two would be dead because of her!â
Bertha was angry now. âYou⦠Marlinie needs to rest. Letâs take this outside!â
With that, she grabbed Thaddeusâs arm and led him out of the room.
Lea watched as her parents argued and left the room, feeling a mix of relief and helplessness. She went to Marlinieâs side and explained, âMs. Marlinie, donât be upset! My dadâs just like that. He was just worried and spoke without thinking.â
Marlinie wasnât angry. She gave her a small smile and shook her head. âIâm not upset; itâs okay. At first, I was against your mom being with your dad, but now, after seeing how worried he is for her, Iâm relieved. Your dad may favor your older sister a bit, but he really does care about you and your mom.
Thatâs good.â
Lea moved a little closer to Marlinie, and her curiosity piqued as she asked, âMs. Marlinie, was your ex-
husband not like this with you?â
This question made Marlinieâs smile turn bittersweet. âIâ¦â
She didnât want to talk about that man at all.
Realizing her question may have been inappropriate, Lea quickly apologized. âMs. Marlinie, I shouldnât have asked that; Iâm sorryâ¦â She just couldnât understand. How could any man not cherish a woman as beautiful, gentle, and talented as Marlinie?