Emmeline stood on the side, feeling a shiver down her spine and mixed emotions in her heart.
A large hand held her icy cold hand, and when she turned around, she realized it was Abel who had come to pick her up.
He arrived early today. It wasnât even five yet.
Emmeline couldnât help but lean into his embrace.
Abel knew that the shocking scene had frightened the little girl.
He reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
âHow could there be such a mother in this world?â murmured Emmeline.
âPeople come in all shapes and sizes, Abel said.
Janic is so pitiful.
âI always had a feeling that something was going on between them, Abel said. âand now itâs confirmed.â
âHave you met Janic? Emmeline asked, looking up at him.
Abel nodded. âYes, I have.
Emmeline widened her eyes in surprise. âWhen? How come I didnât know?â
âThat night when it was pouring rain, you stayed at the guesthouse, and I stayed with you all night.â
Abel. laughed and tapped her nose. âNow you know.â
Emmeline was taken aback and hugged his neck. âYou were really there that night? I thought I was dreaming!â
The crowd outside the door had dispersed.
Benjamin shouted to Abel, âWhy are you just standing there? Come in and have a drink!â
âAlcohol or tea?â Abel smiled.
âWhat would you like, buddy?â Benjamin also smiled.
Abel said, âLetâs have tea. I need to take Emma home later.
Benjamin brewed a pot of tea.
âSorry for the scene just now,â Benjamin said as the three of them sat down at the tea table.
âOur little girl has never seen such a spectacle before. Abel smiled wryly. âItâs truly mindâboggling.â
âItâs because youâve been protecting Emma too well!â Benjamin said, âNo one can hide the truth forever. By doing this, youâll eventually confuse Emma.â
Abel furrowed his brow, âWhat do you mean?â
âSociety will make her grow up,â Benjamin said, âand when she feels pain, confusion will arise.â
Abel went silent for a moment.
âBenjamin. He took a sip of tea. âDo you have sisters?â
âI have three older sisters, and each one is feisty and can survive anywhere. Benjamin chuckled.
âListening to you. I feel a bit inadequate.â Abel laughed too.
To be honest. Benjamin lowered his voier. âIf I had a younger sister like Emma, I would be even more protective than you!â
The two men burst into laughter.
Emmeline went to the hospital to visit Janie.
It had been two days, and she was mostly recovered, although her complexion was still a bit pale.
âThat day when I attempted suicide, itâs not because of Tony, Janie said to Emmeline.
Emmeline was taken aback. âThen why?â
âThe doctor said the fetus couldnât be aborted anymore, and I had to wait until it reached eight months to induce labor. I couldnât do it. This is my child.â
âSo, I considered marrying Tony. Maybe itâs the best solution. Even though he did this to me, I also had a responsibility at that time.â
âSo, I called my mom. The call was marle to the neighborâs house, and in front of them, my mom mentioned only one thing: money! She demanded nothing but money from that man! She said Iâm still young, and I shouldnât marry him!â
âFrom beginning to end, she didnât ask me what happened, showing no concern at all. All she knew was a man, divorced and about ten years older than me, wanted to marry me. They thought they finally found a way to make money and could strike it rich. She had no idea how difficult it was for her daughter.
After finishing, Janie lowered her head and sobbed.
âThat day I saw your mother and your brother, Emmeline said.
âThey came?â Janie lifted her tearâstreaked face.
âYes.â Emmeline nodded, remembering the way her mother threw a tantrum.
âBut they didnât come to see me,â Janie said softly. âThey never intended to come and see meâ¦â
âIt was Bergaminâs idea. Emmeline comforted softly. He said you would be upset if they came to visit you, so he didnât let them comeâ¦â
âEmma, you donât have to console me. Janic sniffled. âI can imagine why my mom came. They wonât come and see me. They came only for money, you know?â